Remembered for her brilliance, kindness and curiosity, İrem Bölükbaşı’s legacy now empowers young students through TPF’s memorial fund expanding educational opportunity and inspiring future innovators.
İrem Bölükbaşı was one of those extraordinary individuals whose smile could light up any room. She was kind, intelligent, and considerate of others, with a contagious energy that left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Originally from Istanbul, İrem studied chemistry at Boğaziçi University, where she excelled as a student, always thinking creatively and focusing on solving problems. A true scientist at heart, she had an insatiable curiosity and a passion for learning and discovery.
Irem’s ground breaking work
It was this spirit that led her to sign up for Italian classes at the Italian Cultural Institute of Istanbul. It was this spirit that led her to sign up for Italian classes at the Italian Cultural Institute of Istanbul. That’s when Irem met with Engin, her husband to be. Their connection was immediate, and they soon embarked on a journey together that took them to the United States. After a summer internship at UMass Amherst’s Polymer Science and Engineering program, İrem was offered a full scholarship to pursue her Ph.D. in the States. Her academic journey was marked by groundbreaking research on polymer synthesis, polymer nanocomposites, and functional particles localized to fluid-fluid interfaces. İrem’s talent and dedication led her to a career at 3M as a Product Development Engineer, where she invented the Scotch-Brite™ Glass Cooktop Pads and Wand, a product many of us use in our homes today. Her work continues to inspire her colleagues and exemplifies her legacy of innovation.
Hard times, positive mindset
In 2013, İrem was diagnosed with cancer. Her strong will and love of life showcased as she went through active cancer treatment and multiple surgeries. During such hard time, both physical and emotional, she did not let cancer define her life. Instead, she saw cancer as a chapter in her life, not the whole story. With a positive mindset as she faced the specific challenges and stages of cancer, İrem thrived and defended her doctoral dissertation successfully right after she completed chemotherapy treatment sessions in the fall of 2014. Six years after her diagnosis, İrem passed away in December 2019. Her loss was deeply felt by her husband, family, and friends, who cherished their memories of her vibrant spirit. In the face of their grief, Engin sought a way to honor İrem’s legacy by creating something that would reflect her kindness and passion for learning - İrem Bölükbaşı Memorial Fund.
TPF honors Irem’s dedication to education
Driven by the desire to carry on İrem’s values of kindness, generosity, and dedication to education, Engin established the Memorial Fund to ensure that İrem’s legacy would continue to inspire and uplift others. The Fund’s first initiative was to support students at İrem’s beloved Boğaziçi University, providing scholarships to two young minds who, like İrem, are driven to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial barriers. Witnessing the impact of these scholarships, Engin knew İrem’s legacy was meant for more. He established the Irem Bölükbaşı Memorial Fund at TPF to honor Irem’s dedication to education and her passion for nurturing young scientists.
One of the Fund’s major milestones was organizing a symposium in İrem’s honor on
June 14, 2024, the week of her birthday. The symposium brought together a distinguished group of scientists, featuring inspirational lectures and a career panel that celebrated İrem’s contributions to the field. Attendees traveled from across the country from Ohio to California to honor İrem, underscoring the far-reaching impact of her life and legacy. What’s next? Supporting a bright and passionate chemistry student with the chance to expand her studies and explore new horizons through a summer research internship at UMass. İrem’s summer research internship shaped her life and provided her with incredible opportunities to showcase her talents and intelligence.
Memorial Funds are more than a tribute
The Fund aims to create similar opportunities for others to follow in İrem’s footsteps. İrem’s presence is felt in every young student whose dreams are made possible by the Memorial Fund. Her spirit of generosity and her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place lives on in these future leaders. The İrem Bölükbaşı Memorial Fund is more than a tribute; it is a living embodiment of İrem’s belief that one person’s kindness can create ripples of change that extend far beyond what we can see.
İrem’s family and friends have transformed their grief into a powerful force for good, ensuring that her legacy of kindness, curiosity, and impact will endure. Through this inspiring Memorial Fund, we celebrate a life that continues to light the way for others, proving that the most profound legacy is one that empowers others to reach their fullest potential. In İrem’s name, we are reminded that even in the face of loss, the human spirit has the power to inspire, uplift, and transform lives.