Ali C. Bakir

About Me

I am a signal and image processing engineer with a strong foundation in geophysics. My academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Geophysical Engineering from Ankara University, followed by an M.S. in Geophysics from Purdue University. At Purdue, I conducted research in active source seismology and co-authored several publications, while also serving as a teaching assistant in geoscience-related courses.

After completing my graduate studies, I entered the energy sector, where I spent over a decade in exploration seismology. I led large-scale seismic imaging projects, supervised multidisciplinary teams, and implemented advanced seismic processing techniques to support national and international oil and gas companies.

In recent years, I transitioned into the defense industry, applying my signal processing expertise to radar imaging and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems. My work now focuses on developing algorithms for SAR data processing, feature extraction, and surface displacement analysis. This evolution reflects my ongoing passion for advancing imaging technologies across domains.

Education

• M.S. Geophysics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN — 2011
• B.Sc. Geophysical Engineering, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey — 2005

Experience

Radar/Image Engineering

• MIT Lincoln Laboratory – Radar Signal Processing Engineer (2024–Present)
• Lockheed Martin – Signal/Image Processing Engineer (2023–2024)

Geophysics

• DUG Technology – Geoscience Team Leader (2015–2023)
• Viridien – Imaging Project Coordinator (2011–2015)
• Purdue University – Research & Teaching Assistant (2008–2011)

Project/Program Management

• Led teams of scientists and engineers, oversaw project planning and execution, risk assessment, budgeting, and client reporting.

Publications

• Bakir, A.C., & Nowack, R.L. (2012). Velocity and attenuation structure of the Tibetan lithosphere. Pure and Applied Geophysics.
• Bakir, A.C., & Nowack, R.L. (2011). Modeling of seismic attributes of Pn waves. Pure and Applied Geophysics.
• Bakir, A.C. (2011). M.S. Thesis, Purdue University: Seismic Pn modeling using spectral-element method.
• Various co-authored presentations at SEG, AAPG, AGU, and Monitoring Research Review Meetings (2009–2010).

Contact Me