Assoc. Prof. Erkan Ilik began his academic career as a Research Assistant in the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science of Eskisehir Osmangazi University, serving from November 30, 2010, to September 1, 2022. Following this tenure, he served as an Assistant Professor in the same department from September 1, 2022, to February 23, 2024. Since February 23, 2024, he has been continuing his academic and teaching duties as an Associate Professor at the same institution.

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His early research was rooted in theoretical and statistical physics. During his master's studies, he investigated the behavior of bosons by proposing alternative deformed systems to the ideal standard systems found in nature, utilizing Tamm-Dancoff q-deformed algebra to explore generalized Bose gas models. Following this theoretical foundation, his doctoral research shifted toward the experimental investigation of plasma, the fourth state of matter. Challenging the conventional limitation of generating plasmas solely in low-pressure vacuum environments, he focused on the production of cold flowing post-discharge plasma reactors at atmospheric pressure. This work involved comprehensive analyses of the plasma's optical properties and its viability for diverse practical applications.

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Following his doctoral studies, a profound curiosity for applied experimental physics led him to transition toward a markedly different discipline: Materials Science. By immersing himself in glass science, he began investigating the fundamental physical explanations for the barrier mechanisms that high-density materials form against natural and artificial radiation. Currently, his primary research focuses on the behavior of these advanced materials when exposed to high-energy photons. He investigates the radiation shielding properties and structural characteristics of novel materials, including high-entropy alloys and rare-earth-doped glasses.

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His experimental methodology involves comprehensive material synthesis and advanced structural characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, and EDX. To complement these experimental findings, he investigates radiation-matter interactions using various simulation and computational tools.

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Throughout his academic career, he has published a total of 65 peer-reviewed articles, 62 of which are in prestigious SCI and SCI-Expanded indexed journals. He has actively shared his research findings with the scientific community through 19 oral and poster presentations, comprising 16 international and 3 national conferences. Furthermore, he has authored 3 national books and contributed to 9 distinct scientific research projects, including TÜBİTAK-supported initiatives. Beyond his research and publication efforts, he actively supports the global scientific community by serving as a peer-reviewer for various international journals, while also contributing to academic instruction by teaching both undergraduate and graduate-level courses.

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For him, the concept of "respect" holds the absolute highest priority in his life. He deeply values and strictly honors the personal boundaries and private lives of individuals outside of working hours. This principle not only shapes his own pursuit of a well-balanced lifestyle but is fundamentally rooted in the profound importance he places on spending quality, uninterrupted time with his family and loved ones. Ultimately, this serves as the core foundation that profoundly guides all his professional and personal relationships.

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Beyond his professional commitments, he maintains a diverse range of personal interests that foster both physical well-being and intellectual curiosity. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast, frequently engaging in motorcycle riding and participating in both summer and winter camping, which allows him to explore natural landscapes. He holds a profound love for all living creatures in nature, with a particularly special affection for cats, whose companionship and presence bring a unique joy to his daily life. This deep appreciation for the natural world is also reflected in his passion for amateur saltwater fishing, specifically within the disciplines of light rock fishing and light spinning. Beyond the technical engagement, being by the sea profoundly soothes his soul. As a physicist, the immense tranquility of the sea provides him with more than just a sanctuary from daily stress; it offers a philosophical space to quietly observe the rhythm of nature and the profound order within chaos, allowing him to completely rejuvenate his mind. Additionally, he highly values traveling to different countries to explore historical sites and directly experience the unique textures of diverse global cultures.

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Complementing his scientific background, his analytical approach extends into his daily life through a strong inclination toward continuous learning and practical problem-solving. He actively dedicates time to researching unfamiliar technical and mechanical subjects, independently cultivating his manual dexterity through various repair and hands-on maintenance projects. In his leisure time, he also enjoys exploring highly detailed, open-world interactive media that require strategic engagement.

 

He views academia not merely as a profession bound by working hours, but as a lifelong philosophy of knowledge sharing. Guiding young minds, mentoring students, and helping them shape their scientific thinking remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of his life. Ultimately, he firmly believes that people must cultivate unconditional respect for one another and recognize that nature is not ours to own, but rather a precious loan entrusted to us that must be diligently protected. Furthermore, he holds that even those who look down upon others are fundamentally burdened by their own inherent shortcomings. Therefore, he maintains that regardless of academic titles or social standing, every single individual must remain a humble student of life, continuously striving to learn, grow, and overcome their imperfections throughout their entire journey.​