About me

General

I am Kaan Atak, currently studying Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace Engineering, while also being actively involved in environmental projects, cultural advocacy, sports, and community service. I was born in Chicago and raised in Istanbul, and later relocated to Northville, Michigan, for high school. Now, I am pursuing my degree at Michigan State University. Throughout my journey, I have developed a strong academic background and leadership skills.

Early Life and Education

I was born in Chicago, Illinois, but I spent most of my life in Istanbul, Turkey. Later, I moved to Northville, Michigan, where I attended high school. It was during this time that I began to develop a passion for engineering.

High School Achievements

In high school, I led a significant project called the Rotating River Trash Collector and the Mycelium Filter. This project demonstrated my innovative approach to solving environmental issues, and it earned my team 1st Place in the Air Waste Management Association and 1st Place in the US Agency for International Development. We also ranked 6th in the state, which highlighted my growing interest in mechanical and environmental engineering.

Leadership and Cultural Advocacy

I co-founded the Turkish American Cultural Association’s High School Chapter, where my goal was to preserve Turkish heritage while giving back to the community. As president, I led efforts such as organizing food drives, game nights, and educational seminars. We worked closely with the Turkish-American Cultural Association of Michigan, and since its inception in 2019, the chapter has seen rapid growth and success.

Sports and Coaching

I spent six years dedicated to sailing, which led to my participation in Turkish National Team races. I also had the opportunity to volunteer as a Team A Voluntary Assistant Coach at the Istanbul Sailing Club for two summers. Alongside sailing, I excelled in rowing during high school, and my team won first place in state competitions.

Career and Community Service

I have always placed a strong emphasis on work ethic and community service. While working as a courtesy clerk at The Kroger Company, I took on responsibilities such as bagging groceries, loading them into cars, maintaining store cleanliness, and retrieving shopping carts, all while ensuring smooth store operations. I also work as a sailing instructor at the Michigan State Sailing Center. In this role, I manage and supervise students aged 18 to 22, ensuring safety protocols are followed while fostering a secure and productive learning environment. I also take responsibility for maintaining and managing all sailing equipment.

Current Focus and Future Goals

Currently, I’m focused on Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace Engineering. My childhood love for space and rockets has stayed with me, and being part of the Unmanned Systems Club at Michigan State has made that passion even stronger. Working on drone and robotics projects with teammates has given me valuable hands-on experience and deepened my interest in aerospace. Additionally, my experience working with the Renault Group increased my interest in mechanical engineering by giving me practical insights into engineering processes. I’m excited to keep learning and use my skills to contribute to new ideas and advancements in both mechanical and aerospace engineering. 

Work Experience

Projects

Education