Title: Lead Faculty, School of Firearms Technology

Highest degree and school: Ph. D., Homeland Security and Criminal Justice, Walden University

Teaching at SDI since: 2020

Murat, or Mr. E. as he likes to be known, has taught in higher education since 2011 and at SDI since 2020. Prior to joining SDI full time, he spent 18 years serving the Department of Defense, where he was responsible for the security detail of various US and foreign dignitaries. Some of his work included providing security for NASCAR, various NASA space shuttle projects, and he acted as an advisor for physical security upgrades to the International Space Station. He was also in charge of security operations and weapons training for a number of US installations around the world. Murat also serves as a translator and speaks Urdu, Turkish, and is training for Arabic. He holds a Master of Arts in Homeland Security, and recently completed his Ph.D. through Walden University, specializing in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice.

Murat chose SDI because he wanted to be part of a school that is newer and where he could be involved in its development, adding “I have been involved with firearms, teaching and mentoring for 20 years and SDI gives me a chance to apply all my skills in a single job!” He says he enjoys the mentorship part of teaching the most; “As instructors, we live for that ‘aha’ moment and when the students achieve their goals.”

Mr. E. says his idea of the perfect day is simply when all his family and friends make it through the day happy and healthy. He’s been happily married for 19 years and loves spending time with his wife and daughter. He enjoys motorcycles, the UFC, weight training, and playing Call of Duty. Assuming time was not a factor, he says he would want to learn more about pediatrics.