Next in the series of interviews with alumni who pursue their graduate careers in reputable research universities abroad is the story of Zeynep Selçuk (FENS, BIO 2018). Zeynep told us what made her stand out in the admission process, and her experiences. She also gave some tips for students who are considering graduate education abroad.

Interview: Melek Sarı

“Beyond grades are the projects you did, internship history, and most importantly, social activities and volunteering.”

MS: Which university are you in, and what are you studying Zeynep?

ZS: I am doing a master's degree on Biotechnology in the University of Edinburgh. For my dissertation, I am working on the synthesis of Taxol, an important cancer drug.

MS: Why did you choose the University of Edinburgh?

ZS: Edinburgh ranks quite high among universities, especially in natural sciences and social sciences. I wanted to make the most of what the university had to offer to me. Besides, Edinburgh is astoundingly beautiful!

MS: What reasons other than academic achievement were factors in your admission?

ZS: Academic achievement and GPA are always important but one thing I realized during the application process was that beyond grades are the projects you did, internship history, and most importantly, social activities and volunteering. Especially if you can explain how you have developed yourself through these in your statement of purpose, you start to make a difference.

MS: Based on your experience, what advice would you give prospective graduates who plan to study abroad?

ZS: First of all, they should start looking into the master's programs they want well ahead of time. The application deadline for many universities is in January. It is of course difficult to keep up with schoolwork while also trying to complete applications. I left it until the last minute and almost didn't make it.

The education system in Britain is different from what we have been used to. Writing skills have great weight here, and statements of purpose are worth a lot. You should be able to discuss all factors that will support their decision to admit you as concisely as possible. Finally, explaining what you have done is not enough; you should also discuss how they helped you develop, and what contribution they made to your career.

Good luck, and I hope you make the right choices.

Our series of interviews with alumni will continue.

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Member Zehra Sayers became the first Turkish national to win the AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy given since 1992.

Sabancı University alumni continue graduate education in the leading research universities of the world. Last year, 8% of our undergraduate alumni chose to pursue graduate education in prestigious universities abroad.  

We asked Burak Aksar (FENS, EE 2018) what he considered when he made his choices, his experiences in the process, and his advice to students thinking of going abroad for education.

Interview: Melek Sarı

MS: Which school are you in, and what are you working on now?

BA: I am doing a PhD on Computer Engineering at Boston University, and my focus areas for now are Monitoring & Management of Large-scale Distributed Systems, High-Performance Computing, and Machine Learning Based System Design.

MS:  Why did you choose Boston University?

BA: The university is quickly climbing the ranks and offers excellent facilities. Its research capabilities cater to every area of interest, and it is ideally located for student interaction and cooperation. I was also planning to start my own company, so I thought the entrepreneurship environment in Boston would help.

“Don't be afraid to take action about the ideas you have, and keep your dreams three sizes too large..”

MS: Why do you think you were admitted to this university?

BA: Graduates of Sabancı University are global individuals who can adapt to the global environment quickly, and express themselves better in such an environment. The examples set by previous graduates are an influence on us as well. There is also the fact that an interdisciplinary attitude and the capability to look at life from different perspectives were my key takeaways from Sabancı, and helped me along the way.

MS: Any advice or recommendations to new graduates?

BA: I have been actively involved in music and sports in university. I am working on a PhD and also looking to start my own business with the motive to touch people's lives.

If you have discovered what you like and are able to integrate them into your life, I think you are on the right path. Don't be afraid to take action about the ideas you have, and keep your dreams three sizes too large. Finally, when you need answers or advice, do not hesitate to contact people who may provide you with what you need.

Collaboration Space Workshops continue in February.

Collaboration Space February Workshops  

CoSpace General Usage and Safety Training 

12 February, 14 February, 18 February, 22 February, 26 February, 28 February 2019 at 13:00 

Starts with the introduction to the space and usage, continues with occupational health safety training.

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3D Print Workshop 

14 February, 20 February, 26 February 2019 at 14:00

Giving a general idea behind the 3D printing technology and how to use it continued with 3D printign slicing and learning how to print.

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Soldering Workshop 

13 February, 21 February, 1 March 2019 at 11:00

Basic soldering techniques will be shown for soldering pcb circuits and electronic components. Attendees will be able to practice their newly learned skills aftermath.

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Introduction to Music Production with GarageBand

19 February 2019 at 20:00 

Users will be introduced GarageBand program and will be thought how to make music in it. Foundation of sounds, editing and using them in GarageBand will be practiced.

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS) Member Dr. Emre Erdem was chosen for the TÜBİTAK 2232 - Research Fellowship Program for Returning Researchers with the project "ZnO Nano Kristalleri ve Grafen Köpük Elektrot Malzemelerin Sinerjik Etkisiyle Üretilen İleri Nesil Süperkapasitörler" where he is implementer. The advisor of the project is Dr. Canan Atılgan. 

The TÜBİTAK 2232 - Research Fellowship Program for Returning Researchers aims to encourage Turkish nationals who have research experience in Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities, Medical Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences to return to and continue their studies in Turkey.

Sabancı University Big Data Analysis and Visualization Lab (BAVLAB) and MIT Human Dynamics group won second prize in the "Social Integration" category of the "Data for Refugees Competition" organized by Türk Telekom.

Started by Türk Telekom early last year on the current situation and integration of Syrian refugees, the competition aims to generate solutions to issues faced by Syrian refugees in Turkey. The competition is organized by Türk Telekom in association with Boğaziçi University and TÜBİTAK, and endorsed by international institutions including UNICEF, UNHCR and International Organization for Migration.

The categories of the competition were security, health, education, employment, and social integration. 100 submissions were made to the competition. Winners received their prizes at an award ceremony on January 21, 2019.

The Sabancı University team led by BAVLAB Directors Burçin Bozkaya and Selim Balcısoy, together with the MIT Human Dynamics group, developed a data analytics approach that yielded important findings regarding the social and economic integration of Syrian refugees. This will contribute to policy development and support programs. The study will be published as a book chapter in 2019. 

A panel discussion was held on the role of companies in fighting domestic violence on Monday, February 4, at the Sabancı Center as part of the Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum, TÜSİAD and UN Population Fund (UNFPA) project on "Business Against Domestic Violence" to help women take action against systematic pressure and violence they encounter at home or in their close relationships.

"The society as a whole has to act in order to adopt a policy of zero tolerance to violence against women"

The panel discussion titled “Multiple Perspectives on Fighting Domestic Violence and the Role of Companies” began with introductory remarks by TÜSİAD Gender Equality Working Group Chair Oya Ünlü Kızıl. Oya Ünlü Kızıl said, “As we celebrate the fifth year of the 'Business Against Domestic Violence' project, I commend the 51 companies for owning up to this serious issue and taking steps towards a solution. I know that each and every participant of the project had valuable experiences that need to be disseminated. The society as a whole has to act in order to adopt a policy of zero tolerance to violence against women. Public authorities, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations need to unite in a stance for this purpose. It will take a holistic approach and extensive cooperation to tackle an issue so complex and multi-dimensional."

“We cannot speak of gender equality or justice unless we eliminate violence against women"

Melsa Ararat

Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum Director and Chief Researcher Melsa Ararat gave a speech titled “The Business Against Domestic Violence Project as a Participatory Action Search and Social Action Example”. Melsa Ararat said, “We cannot speak of gender equality or justice unless we eliminate violence against women. But fighting violence against women is far from easy. It entails fighting male-dominant power relationships that have permeated every social norm, every institution and every understanding in the society. It requires a workplace safety and work performance perspective as well as a historical, social and political focus. We try to explain to companies that the inequality hits them as well as the economy, involve them in our research, and interpret outcomes together to facilitate their becoming active players in this fight. This is where I believe the roles played by TÜSİAD and member companies sets an example to the world. By taking active part, companies not only protect the safety and well-being of their own employees, but also contribute to Gender Equality as one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Academics in this panel have studied on the issue of business and domestic violence from a multidisciplinary lens."

“Women's visibility in social life, participation in politics, presence in business, and continuing education are still contested issues” 

Following the speeches, UNFPA Gender Program Coordinator Meltem Ağduk moderated the panel discussion on "Multiple Perspectives on Fighting Domestic Violence and the Role of Companies". Speakers were Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa-Foreign Trade / Women's Studies Application and Research Center Assistant Professor Özge İzdeş Terkoğlu, Istanbul University-Political Science and International Relations / Women's Studies faculty member Professor Fatmagül Berktay, Istanbul University-Political Science and International Relations / Women's Studies faculty member Associate Professor Sevgi Uçan Çubukçu, and Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum-BADV Project Manager Sevda Alkan.

Photo (left to right): Sevda Alkan, Fatmagül Berktay, Sevgi Uçan Çubukçu, Özge İzdeş Terkoğlu, Meltem Ağduk

eltem Ağduk stated, “Although people claimed that the 21st century would be the 'century of women', women's visibility in social life, participation in politics, presence in business, and continuing education are still contested issues; women and girls continue to suffer discrimination in every area. The 1990s were when fighting violence against women started to become institutional, while in the 2000s, the institutionalization went deeper and governments and the private sector became a part of it.” 

Assistant professor Özge İzdeş Terkoğlu discussed the rate of women's participation in the economy in the EU, OECD and Turkey, and said that the quality of jobs offered to women was another challenge. Özge İzdeş Terkoğlu said that Turkey had one of the world's largest gender differences in employment, continuing, "The staggering gender difference in employment in Turkey, and its being exacerbated by cultural and economic bottlenecks has structural root causes."

Professor Fatmagül Berktay spoke, “Recognizing cultural and other differences is a prerequisite for a democratic society. Culture and tradition have inherent power relations which generally work against women in our society. The demand for gender equality is not a demand for 'sameness' that rejects differences. To the contrary, it is a call for respecting differences while ensuring equality in terms of fundamental human rights both in law and practice. The human rights of women are universal and enshrined in laws. Therefore, we must defend equality in both the public sphere and law at all times, and argue that concepts such as 'justice' that are being treated as its substitutes are misleading. Women do not want to be 'the same as men'; they want to be recognized as the equal humans that they are, and exercise each of their rights equally. This should not be a discussion matter in the 21st century."

Associate Professor Sevgi Uçan Çubukçu said, “Despite its issues, the feminist movement in Turkey made key contributions to the political and social culture in Turkey with its pluralistic potential, policies that tackle difference and equality issues together, methods, approaches and objectives, and continues to do so."

“We believe that a multi-dimensional issue requires a holistic approach, and that cooperative efforts which engage different stakeholders play a key part in its resolution”

Nevgül Bilsel Safkan

Closing remarks of the meeting were delivered by Sabancı Foundation General Manager Nevgül Birsel Safkan. “We cannot treat women's issues as distinct matters, nor can we develop solutions by segregating issues.  Therefore, we believe that a multi-dimensional issue requires a holistic approach, and that cooperative efforts which engage different stakeholders play a key part in its resolution. The Business Against Domestic Violence Project implemented by the Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum in association with TÜSİAD, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Sabancı Foundation sets a brilliant example in this regard. The project ensures the cooperation of different actors, and empowers businesses to become stakeholders that play an active part in fighting domestic violence while recommending tangible solutions. By refusing to stay silent in a difficult subject like domestic violence, taking responsibility to fight the issue, and being bold in its moves, businesses are doing a great job. I believe that all participating companies not only ensure the equality of their own employees, but also make a significant contribution to social justice."  

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS) members receive TÜBİTAK Career Development Program 3501 support for their project.

Implementer Dr. Esra Koca and advisor Dr. Nilay Noyan won the support with their project titled “Stochastic programming problems with restricted recourse”.

The TÜBİTAK Career Development Program 3501 aims to encourage scientists with PhDs at the start of their careers through project support. 

Seven projects developed by Sabancı University were chosen to receive support from the TÜBİTAK 1001 Program. The TÜBİTAK Scientific and Technological Research Support Program (1001) aims to encourage projects on new knowledge generation, scientific advances and solutions to technological problems.

Projects supported for the second term of 2018 within the TÜBİTAK Program to Support Scientific and Technological Research Projects (1001):

“Hidrojel-destekli 3B biyobasım yöntemi ile kişiye özgü damar greftlerin gelişirilmesi” with Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS) Members Dr. Bahattin Koç as implementer and Dr. Batu Erman as advisor.

“Polioksazolin-amin bazlı termal geciktirici katalizör sistemlerin hazırlanması ve tek bileşenli epoksi reçineler ile kullanılması, bu sistemlerin reçinelerin kürlenme özellikleri üzerine etkilerinin araştırılması ve tek bileşenli epoksi reçinesi ve karbon fiber içeren prepregler hazırlanması” with Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Research and Application Center (TÜMER) Researchers Dr. Bekir Dızman as implementer, Dr. Serkan Ünal as researcher, and FENS Members Dr. Mehmet Yıldız and Dr. Yusuf Menceloğlu as advisors.

“Kafes-Temelli İleri Kriptografik Yapıtaşlarının Gerçeklenmesi ve Mahremiyet-Korumalı Uygulamalarda Kullanılması” with FENS Members Dr. Erkay Savaş as implementer and Dr. Erdinç Öztürk as researcher.

“5G mobil telefonlar için örüntü yönü döndürülebilen anten dizisi ve SPDT MEMS anahtarlı örüntü oluşturma ağı entegrasyonu” with FENS Members Dr. İbrahim Tekin as implementer and Dr. Murat Kaya Yapıcı as researcher.

“Möbius Değişmez ve Dirichlet Analitik Fonksiyon Uzayları, Bileşke Operatörler ve Carleson Ölçüleri” with FENS Members Dr. Nihat Gökhan Göğüş as implementer and Dr. Turgay Bayraktar as researcher.

“mm-dalga Radar ve Geniş Bantlı İletişim Uygulamaları için 2-GSPS 8-bit Asenkron Ayrık Zamanlı Ardışık Yaklaşımlı Örneksel Sayısal Çevirici (ADC)” with FENS Members Dr. Yaşar Gürbüz as implementer and Dr. Ömer Ceylan as researcher.

“Fermi/GBM Verileri ile Tetiklememiş Geçici Gama Isını Olaylarının Derinlemesine Araştırılması ve İncelenmesi” with Foundations Development Program Lecturers Dr. Yuki Kaneko as implementer and Dr. Aslıhan Muazzez Ünsal as researcher.

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS) members Özgür Gürbüz Ünlüyurt and İbrahim Tekin won the 2018 Elginkan Foundation Technology Award.  

The winners of the 13th "Turkish Culture Research and Technology Awards" endowed by the Elginkan Foundation were announced. 

FENS Members Özgür Gürbüz Ünlüyurt and İbrahim Tekin won the award with their project titled "Full Duplex Radio Design, Implementation and Medium Access Control". 

Faculty members will receive their awards at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

"Turkish Culture Research and Technology Awards" are given by the Elginkan Foundation annually to support research and studies on Turkish culture and technology. Recipients of Technology Awards are recognized for their genuine contribution to technology by developing manufacturing processes based on new products, techniques or technologies.