Each month, we highlight members of GW Engineering's administrative team, whose tireless work keeps our school moving forward.
Okan Dale is a member of the Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services at GW Engineering. As part of this team, Okan goes above and beyond to provide proactive, intentional support to our graduate student community, fostering academic, professional, and personal growth for all GW Engineering graduate students. Get to know January’s Local Hero, Okan Dale, in the Q&A below!
Q: How long have you been working at GW, and what is your position?
A: I’ve been at GW for about a year now. I’m the Assistant Director of International Graduate Admissions at the School of Engineering & Applied Science.
Q: What led you to this career?
A: I really enjoy supporting students, especially international students. I also value the opportunity to use my linguistic and research skills, particularly when evaluating institutions and accreditation systems across different countries and languages.
Q: Why did you choose GW?
A: GW stood out to me because of its strong academic reputation, global outlook, and the vibrant, collaborative atmosphere across campus.
Q: What is one thing you wish you'd known when you started working at GW?
A: Honestly, how genuinely kind and supportive people are. I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and collegial the environment is.
Q: What is your favorite part about working at GW Engineering?
A: Learning about the incredible work our students and faculty are doing. It’s exciting to see the range of research, innovation, and impact happening within the school.
Q: Why would someone want to work at GW Engineering?
A: Because the community is incredibly supportive, collaborative, and welcoming. People here genuinely want to see one another succeed.
Q: What is your biggest work pet peeve?
A: Not having access to carbonated water on occasion!
Q: What’s your ideal way to spend the weekend?
A: Working on language revitalization projects, spending time with family playing video games, and cooking for friends and loved ones.
Q: What's one of your favorite memories from the past year?
A: Attending HIGA (meeting of young speakers of minoritized languages) last year, where I had the opportunity to connect with speakers of Indigenous and minoritized languages from around the world. It was incredibly inspiring and meaningful, especially given my own background as a Laz speaker.
Q: Tell us something people don’t know about you.
A: Inspired by the experience above, I decided to create a podcast (“HIGA Connect”) that brings together Indigenous and minoritized language speakers from around the world to discuss language revitalization, identity, social issues, and community achievements. I’m very excited to share it soon!
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: Opie and Olo!
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