İrem Bölükbaşı Memorial Fund

Geographic Scope: Turkey and United States (Boğaziçi University and U.S. universities)

Focus Areas:

• Education scholarships
• Support for chemistry and science students
• Summer research internships
• Women in STEM

Overview:
Established by Engin (İrem's husband) to honor the legacy of İrem Bölükbaşı, a brilliant chemist and product development engineer at 3M who invented the Scotch-Brite™ Glass Cooktop Pads and Wand. The fund reflects İrem's values of kindness, generosity, and dedication to education.

About İrem Bölükbaşı:

• Chemistry degree from Boğaziçi University
• PhD in polymer science and engineering from UMass Amherst
• Product Development Engineer at 3M
• Groundbreaking research on polymer synthesis, polymer nanocomposites, and functional particles localized to fluid-fluid interfaces
• Survived cancer diagnosis in 2013 and completed her doctoral dissertation after chemotherapy treatment in fall 2014
• Passed away in December 2019

What They Fund:

• Scholarships for students at Boğaziçi University (initial focus)
• Summer research internships, particularly at UMass Amherst
• Support for young scientists pursuing their dreams without financial barriers
• Educational opportunities in chemistry and related sciences

Fund Milestones:

• Organized a symposium in İrem's honor on June 14, 2024 (week of her birthday)
• Featured distinguished scientists and inspirational lectures
• Celebrated İrem's contributions to the field

Legacy Impact:

• The fund ensures that future students like İrem can pursue their dreams and research opportunities
• Similar opportunities to those that shaped İrem's own successful academic journey
• Living embodiment of İrem's belief that one person's kindness creates ripples of change