ICE welcomes Mehmet Furkan Özbey, a Swiss Scholarship holder

He reflects on his first impressions of arriving in Switzerland and joining both EPFL and the SLL community.

• What is your background, and how did you join the ICE lab?

I completed my BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering and am currently pursuing a PhD in the same field. My journey into academia began at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Spain as a visiting researcher between 2018-2019 years. Before joining the ICE laboratory, I worked as a research assistant at Atılım University, Türkiye, for 2.5 years. My doctoral research explores the relationship between mood states and thermal sensation, highlighting how psychology affects thermal comfort. Eager to continue this investigation, I applied for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship to expand my research in collaboration with ICE. I reached out to Prof. Khovalyg, whose expertise aligns with my goals, and we began collaborating to explore new research directions.

• What is the focus of your research, and how does your prior research experience fit the project?

At the ICE lab, my research focuses on examining the association between the current mood states of occupants and their thermal sensations in Switzerland. This involves developing a novel questionnaire specifically tailored for use in thermal comfort studies to better understand the psychological states of participants and their effects on thermal sensation and comfort. My multidisciplinary approach has already resulted in several publications in reputable journals, where I explored the psychological dimensions of thermal comfort. However, the research I am conducting here will be my most significant and comprehensive contribution to the field.

Continuing this research in Switzerland, with the support of ICE lab’s cutting-edge environment and extensive expertise in thermal comfort, will allow me to expand my knowledge and refine my PhD project to account for diverse climates and cultural contexts. The ICE lab’s focus on innovative, human-centered approaches aligns perfectly with my research goals, making it the ideal platform to develop advanced thermal comfort models that can be applied globally.

• What is your impression of living in Switzerland?

I love the natural beauty of Switzerland, which is entirely unique. Having traveled to several countries in Asia and Europe, I can say that Switzerland has a distinct aura that sets it apart. Additionally, I appreciate how the trains are always on time, making travel convenient. The combination of stunning landscapes and a peaceful environment makes living here a wonderful experience.

• What are your impressions of the EPFL and Smart Living Lab?

EPFL has a great campus with a diverse and international atmosphere, along with excellent facilities. The people in the Smart Living Lab are very friendly and helpful. I am genuinely grateful for the warm welcome and support from all Smart Living Lab members, especially Prof. Khovalyg. I also want to thank Teresa, Fariza, and Kun, all great teammates, for their warm welcome.