We are deeply saddened by the loss of Prof. Dr. Banu Onaral, a former member of the Board of Trustees of our university, who participated in and contributed to the Search Conference during the establishment of Sabancı University.
Known for her work in the fields of biomedical engineering, neurotechnology, and health sciences, Prof. Dr. Onaral left significant marks in the scientific world with her comprehensive research and leadership. Onaral, who was the H.H. Sun Professor and founding dean of the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems at Drexel University, led the 'Global Innovation Partnerships' program established in her name for many years and served as an advisor to the rector. Focusing on functional brain imaging, ultrasound and optical density biomedical signal processing, and complex systems, Onaral was one of the first scientists in the world to receive a doctorate in biomedical engineering.
Banu Onaral, who has assumed many different roles such as academic, inventor, manager, and consultant in her career spanning over 40 years, received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978, her Electrical Engineering diploma in 1973 and her MSEE diploma from Boğaziçi University in 1974. She worked as a lecturer in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at Drexel University after 1979. Onaral, who graduated with the highest GPA (9.97) in the history of Notre-Dame de Sion High School, was the third Turkish professor in the world to receive the title of “IEEE-Fellow”.
Banu Onaral was one of the leaders of the ‘Translational Research’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Technology Transfer’ movements in the rapid commercialization of biomedical technologies developed in university laboratories.
Prof. Dr. Banu Onaral's passing is a great loss for both our university and the worlds of education and science.
We wish God's mercy upon her and offer our condolences to all her relatives, loved ones, and students.
We extend our condolences to our university and all her loved ones.