Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay is an Associate Dean for Cooperative Extension and Applied Research since 2022 and a Professor and Extension Specialist of Natural Resources in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Delaware State University since December of 2002. She received her Ph.D. in Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama in 2002. She conducted research leading to the development of aquaculture effluent water quality standards for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as her Ph.D. project. She received her M.Sc. in Marine Bio-resources at the University of Maine, Orono, Maine in 1996. Her B.Sc. was in Fisheries and Aquaculture Engineering in Turkey in 1991.
Her research interests include habitat restoration, aquatic ecology and health, water resources, sustainable marine aquaculture, and fisheries. Ecosystem approach in her research has allowed her to understand some of the land use stressors like nutrient runoff on the population ecology and restoration of ecologically and economically important two species, Blue crab and Eastern oyster in the Mid-Atlantic region. Dr. Ozbay has facilitated successful collaborative efforts with other institutions and agencies pertaining to habitat restoration and mitigation strategies.
Dr. Ozbay has been quite successful with several other extension programs such as drinking water quality monitoring and climate change and sustainable land use practices. Oyster revitalization efforts have resulted in a Partnership Award in 2009 to the “Delaware Bay Oyster Restoration Task Force” and an “Excellence in Government Award” [Gold Medal] for the Delaware Bay Oyster Revitalization Program in 2008” by the White House. The drinking water quality monitoring program she co-directed was selected as one of the “Best Extension Team” during the National Water Conference in February 2011. She has also been actively involved in the promotion of international efforts to address water quality, aquaculture, and environmental issues through Global Seminar, student & faculty exchange programs with Turkey, Puerto Rico, Belize, Egypt, Saudi Arabia & Kenya and as an Embassy fellow in Marshall Islands.
Dr. Ozbay received various recognition for her research, teaching and mentoring. These include but not limited to 2020 USDA NIFA Excellence Award in Teaching for the Northeast Region, 2020 Faculty Excellence Award in Advising, 2018 Faculty Excellence Award in University and Community Service, 2011 Morrison-Evans Outstanding Scientist Award for Teaching, Research, and Service, 2010 DSU Faculty Excellence Award in Student Advising and Mentoring, 2012 Faculty Excellence Awards in University & Community Service, 2009 Distinguished Scientist Award - DSU CARS, 2009 DSU Faculty Excellence Award in Research and Creative Activity.

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