His research interests include education of mathematical talent development, problem solving, and STEM education. After graduating summa cum laude from Bilkent University with a degree in industrial engineering, he completed his Ph.D. in Gifted Education with a minor in Mathematics Education at the University of Arizona. Professor Bahar is the recipient of numerous awards including Math Hero of the Year Award (national recognition by Raytheon Co & MathMovesU in 2009, United States) and Edith May Sliffe - Distinguished Teaching Award (nation-wide recognition by Mathematical Association of America in 2010). Currently, Dr. Bahar serves as the director of Youth in College STEM program that offers classes in STEM areas, from advanced mathematical problem solving to Lego Robotics for talented students.