I completed the Cellular and Molecular Type PhD program in 2019. I am currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern University. With its expert faculty, state-of-the-art research facilities, and interdisciplinary collaborative environment, this program prepared me for the next steps of my career; It enabled me to develop strong critical thinking skills and advanced laboratory techniques. The academic resources provided, innovative research projects and the fact that the program brings together experts in different fields under the same roof allowed me to gain various perspectives during my PhD process.

I completed the Reproductive Biology Master's Program and the Cellular and Molecular Medicine PhD Program. I feel lucky to have worked in a world-class research laboratory, especially in this field where applied techniques are at the forefront, and to have completed my studies in an environment equipped with both theoretical and applied techniques. Koç University is an institution that competes at international standards with both its program content and academic staff and has opened the door to many opportunities for its graduates.

I completed my PhD in 2020. I continued my postdoc career, which I started in the same lab during the Covid period, at MIT in 2022. I had the privilege of being at Koç University Graduate School of Health Sciences during both my PhD and postdoc years. I felt like I was part of innovative projects in an environment where basic science and clinical research were intertwined and open to collaboration. I found support wherever I needed it, but I also always had the opportunity to work independently to improve myself. I have no doubt that the experiences I gained here and the personal and scientific relationships I established will continue for many years and will have a very important place in my career.

I completed the Cellular and Molecular Medicine PhD program at Koç University in 2021. After graduation, I worked as a team leader at the Hacettepe Stem Cell Research and Application Centre for a while. As of 2022, I have been serving as the founding director responsible for Stem Cell Engineering activities at the Human Stem Cell & Genome Engineering Center at the University of California, Los Angeles. My education at Koç University prepared me for my duties after graduation. The opportunities offered during my student years, the high expectations of our valuable professors and their endless support motivated me and helped me determine my goals better and use the momentum I gained in my career efficiently.

I am a researcher who completed my PhD in 2021. During my time here, I experienced the process of translating scientific research into clinical practice as an exciting journey. One of my most valuable experiences here was working with researchers from various disciplines. The experience I gained provided a strong foundation for my future career, and thanks to this, I am now continuing my research at the Swiss Institute for Allergy and Asthma Research, one of the best in the world. It is truly an honour to be part of a family that always supports its students. First, I would like to thank Koç University, the Graduate School of Health Sciences and KUTTAM for providing us with this environment.

Being a Koç University Graduate School of Health Sciences graduate is an honour! I started my PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine as an international student. World-class research infrastructure and my advisor’s guidance led to many publications in high-impact factor journals. Support from the Graduate School of Health Sciences to every student to help achieve their goals was endless. We had a very well-intertwined theoretical and practical course schedule that gave us a broad understanding of the concepts. Graduating from this program equips you with the background to compete with peers worldwide. I recommend everyone, especially international students, to apply and enjoy the opportunities offered. I will never forget the happy times I spent in Istanbul during my PhD studies.

Thanks to our successful professors, I had the opportunity to explore my interests and shape my academic life. The fact that this institution has the most equipped and best research opportunities in Turkey, friendly competitions and never lost my motivation allowed me to take important steps towards becoming a good scientist. National and international collaborations, joint research projects allowed me to gain experience both in Turkey and abroad. After graduation, thanks to the collaboration established between Botnar Research Center, Oxford University and Koç University Hospital, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, I had the opportunity to work together again. Koç University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hospital, Translational Medicine Research Center and the laboratory group I work in are the awards given to me by this institution.

As an MS.c graduate of Koç University Cellular and Molecular Medicine, I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities and experiences my university has provided me. I believe that Koç University's academic curriculum and practical experiences successfully support both the research abilities and personal development of students. During my master's degree, I had the privilege of working on international projects with the support of my advisor. These experiences and my advisor's guidance enabled me to gain the skills to become a candidate scientist. I would like to thank my valuable instructors and Koç University for all the knowledge and support they provided me throughout my academic life.