Nurdan S Duzgoren-Aydin Named Dean of Business, STEM, and Health Professions
Dr. Nurdan S. Duzgoren-Aydin brings the wealth of nearly thirty years of international teaching, research, and administrative experience to Middlesex College.
Speaking about her appointment, Dr. Duzgoren-Aydin stated, “Being deeply inspired by the student-focused mission of Middlesex College, it is an honor to spearhead the Dean of Business, STEM, and Health Professions role. Our objective is not only to offer affordable and transformative learning experiences for our students but also to ensure the continual growth and well-being of our esteemed faculty.”
Dr. Duzgoren-Aydin’s career took off at the University of Mersin in Turkey as an Assistant Professor and Deputy Chair of the Department of Geological Engineering. Subsequently, her professional path took a global turn as she ventured to the University of Hong Kong. Here, she broadened her expertise as a Research Associate at the Department of Earth Sciences, focusing on environmental geochemistry and health.
Transitioning to the U.S., Dr. Duzgoren-Aydin took on the role of a Research Scientist at the University of Mississippi’s National Center for Natural Products Research. In 2010, she made a noteworthy move to New Jersey City University (NJCU), joining the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences as an Associate Professor. She ascended to the rank of Full Professor and became the department chair. Her outstanding teaching capabilities were acknowledged with ‘The Excellence of Teaching Award’ by the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Dr. Duzgoren-Aydin’s scholarly credentials are extensive. She has more than 40 peer-reviewed Scientific Citation Index journal articles, nearly 50 technical reports, and over 100 published abstracts and scientific presentations. She was elected President of the USA section of the Society for Environmental Geochemistry and Health, affirming her leadership in her field. The International Medical Geology Association further recognized her contribution, honoring her with the title of Distinguished Lecturer.
Most recently, Dr. Duzgoren-Aydin was an Associate Provost for Academic Affairs at New Jersey City University (NJCU). Being a pioneer as a first-generation university graduate herself, she laid a strong emphasis on fostering faculty-student engagements. Additionally, she led various grant-funded initiatives designed to support student success. She spearheaded the Frontier Set Grant, a project generously funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant’s primary focus was to bridge the retention and achievement gaps, particularly targeting the needs of low-income students, first-generation university attendees, and students of color.
“Dr. Duzgoren-Aydin brings a depth and breadth of experience in higher education that makes her exceptionally well suited to lead the Business, STEM, and Health Professions Division at Middlesex College,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Linda Scherr.
“Throughout her career, Dr. Duzgoren-Aydin has demonstrated her strong commitment to supporting student success and collaborating with faculty and staff to advance the mission of the institutions where she has worked.”
Dr. Duzgoren-Aydin holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Geological Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Turkey, and a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
