ÖNDER ÇANGAL is an Associate Professor at Gaziantep University Faculty of Education Department of Turkish and Social Sciences Education since 2024. He previously served as Associate Professor (2022-2024) and Lecturer (2015-2022) at Gaziantep University Turkish Language Teaching Center. His international experience includes teaching Turkish at Yunus Emre Institutes in Belgrade (2021), Algeria (2019-2020), and Bosnia (2012-2015), as well as Turkic studies at Emir Abdulkadir Islamic Sciences University (2019-2020). PhD in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language (Hacettepe University, 2016-2020) MSc in Turkish Language Education (Gazi University, 2011-2013) BSc in Turkish Language Teaching (Gazi University, 2007-2011) His research focuses on Turkish as a Foreign Language (TFL) pedagogy, digital language tools, cultural context in language learning, and technology integration in education. With over 27 articles and 20 book chapters, his work examines social media applications, grammar acquisition challenges, and specialized Turkish curricula for migrants and professionals. Scientific recognition includes the 2024 Ziya Gökalp Başarı Ödülü and 2022 Kurtuluş Bilim Ödülü . He designed online Turkish learning portals under national projects and developed cultural immersion programs for Serbian students. His publications analyze Turkish language teaching methods across 18 countries and address writing skill challenges for Syrian and Bosnian learners.
Emre Ugur is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at Bogazici University, where he serves as the head of the Cognition, Learning and Robotics (CoLoRs) laboratory. His research focuses on bridging the gap between continuous sensorimotor experiences and discrete symbolic representations in robotics. Funded by major international sources including the European Commission's Horizon 2020 program and TUBITAK, his work has significant implications for cognitive robotics and autonomous systems. Education: PhD in Computer Engineering from Middle East Technical University (METU, Turkey) Ugur's research interests center on cognitive and developmental approaches to robotics, with particular emphasis on neuro-symbolic integration, affordance learning, and symbol emergence. His work explores how robots can autonomously develop high-level cognitive capabilities through continuous interaction with their environment, similar to human cognitive development. His approach combines machine learning, cognitive science, and robotics to create systems that can learn, predict, and reason about their actions. His recent publications reveal a strong trajectory toward neuro-symbolic robotics, where he develops methods for extracting discrete symbolic representations from continuous sensorimotor experiences. This work enables robots to perform complex planning and reasoning tasks while maintaining connection to physical reality. There is also significant focus on social robotics, particularly in human-robot interaction, social navigation, and embodied cognition. Scientific Awards: The Young Scientist Award by the Science Academy (BAGEP) The Excellence in Teaching Award by the Faculty of Engineering (2023) As Principal Investigator of major projects including INVERSE (EU Horizon 2025), DEEPPLAN (TUBITAK), and previously DEEPSYM and IMAGINE, Ugur has established a robust research program that bridges theoretical advances with practical applications. He has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students who have made significant contributions to the field. His leadership extends to organizing major workshops at top robotics conferences including IROS, RSS, and ICRA. At the Cognition, Learning and Robotics (CoLoRs) lab, Ugur leads research on cognitive robotics, developmental robotics, and neuro-symbolic AI. The lab explores fundamental questions about how robots can develop understanding of their actions, learn from interaction, and form abstract representations necessary for high-level cognition. Current projects focus on symbolic reasoning, prediction, and planning in robotic systems.
Prof. Dr. Fatime BALKAN KIYICI is a faculty member at Sakarya University, Faculty of Education, Department of Mathematics and Science Education. She is an active professor in the field of science education, teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses such as Science Education I/II, Teaching Practice, Environmental Education, and specialized graduate seminars. Her research interests include Science Education , Environmental Education , Informal and Out-of-School Learning Environments , Teacher Training , Technology Integration in Education , and Curriculum Development . She has conducted comparative studies on science curricula in Turkey and Brazil, developed scales for environmental awareness and out-of-school learning, and explored the use of zoos, museums, and nature trips in science instruction. Her recent publications (2020–2024) emphasize socio-scientific issues, sustainable development, Web 2.0 tools, and the impact of informal learning on student achievement and environmental awareness. She has published in journals indexed by SSCI, Scopus, and TRDizin, including Education and Information Technologies , Children & Society , and Sakarya University Journal of Education . She has supervised at least one master’s thesis and has contributed to national research projects related to nature education and science centers. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to improving science teaching through innovative, real-world, and technology-enhanced approaches. Supervised Student: Melike Yavuz (2011, Master’s Thesis on Zoo Use in Science Education) Prof. Balkan Kiyici has also developed and taught numerous graduate-level courses, including Problems in Science Education Research , Comparative Science Education Programs , and Specialization Field Courses at both master's and PhD levels. She actively contributes to academic service through conference presentations and curriculum development.
Öznur Özkasap is a Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at Koc University's Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering. She serves as Head of Department and has research interests spanning distributed systems, computer networks, and energy-efficient networking protocols. Her work integrates artificial intelligence into distributed computing frameworks and explores security in peer-to-peer systems. Education: PhD (2000), MSc (1994), and BS (1992) from Ege University Research Areas: Distributed Systems, Cloud/Edge Computing, Network Security, and AI applications in distributed environments Her recent publications focus on blockchain-assisted distributed systems, federated learning optimization, and energy-efficient frameworks for software-defined networks. She explores multi-objective load balancing, decentralized energy trading, and secure P2P architectures. Key trends include cross-disciplinary applications of distributed computing in healthcare and energy systems. Professor Özkasap contributes to advancing edge computing, IoT-based sensor systems, and privacy-preserving mechanisms in decentralized environments. Her work addresses challenges in reliable network protocols, microgrid energy sharing, and security vulnerabilities in autonomous systems.
Prof. Dr. Yaşar Güneri ŞAHİN serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Sciences at Izmir University of Economics, where he also holds a professorship in the Department of Software Engineering. With over two decades of experience in both academia and industry, he has established himself as a prominent figure in software engineering, real-time systems, and educational technologies. His academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Middle East Technical University in 1994, followed by a Master's in Computer Education from Gazi University in 1999, and culminated with a Ph.D. in Industrial Technology from Gazi University in 2005. Prior to joining Izmir University of Economics in 2008, he served as a faculty member at Yaşar University starting in 2005, and before that, he gained nearly a decade of industry experience in high-level management roles overseeing numerous software projects for both public and private sectors. Prof. ŞAHİN's research spans several interconnected domains with a strong emphasis on practical applications. His work in software engineering focuses on project management methodologies, team building models for educational contexts, and database systems. In real-time systems, he has made significant contributions to forest fire detection technologies using innovative approaches like animal-based biological sensors and radio-acoustic sounding systems. His educational technology research addresses challenges in nursing education, special education for individuals with autism, and internet resource utilization by university students. Notably, his interdisciplinary approach bridges computer science with healthcare applications, particularly in medical informatics where he has developed public health information systems and tools for medical data entry. His scholarly output demonstrates a consistent trajectory of innovation across multiple domains, with particular concentration in the period from 2007-2013. While his early work focused on foundational software engineering concepts and database systems, his research evolved to address pressing societal challenges including forest fire detection, healthcare information systems, and educational technologies. This evolution reflects his ability to identify emerging technological needs and apply software engineering principles to diverse real-world problems. His contributions have been recognized through multiple prestigious awards: TÜBİTAK Scientific Publication Awards (2008-2012) İzmir University of Economics Scientific Publication Awards (2008-2011) As an academic advisor, Prof. ŞAHİN has supervised doctoral and master's theses on diverse topics including heart failure management, triage algorithms for multiple injuries, and software project selection metrics for small and medium enterprises. His administrative leadership extends beyond his deanship to include serving on juries for national art, design, and architecture competitions, as well as evaluating research projects for TEYDEB and TÜBİTAK. His grant activities include serving as a project reviewer and monitor for various technology development initiatives including "Bulut," "ARAGES," "SADE," and "SWH-ATLANTIS." Prof. ŞAHİN maintains an active research laboratory environment focused on real-time systems and software engineering applications. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with medical professionals on health informatics projects and with education specialists on technology-enhanced learning initiatives. Current research directions appear to focus on the intersection of software engineering principles with healthcare applications and environmental monitoring systems.
Dr. Lecturer Cengiz GÜNDÜZALP is a Turkish academic at Kafkas University's Kazım Karabekir Technical Sciences Vocational School , Department of Computer Technologies since 2012. Promoted to Assistant Professor in 2022, their work focuses on educational technology integration in STEM fields, particularly through Web 2.0 tools , interactive video , and artificial intelligence applications. Current roles: Assistant Professor (2022-), Lecturer (2012-2022) Institutional committees: Education and Ethics Commission (2023-), Academic Unit Quality Committee (2020-2021) Research interests include metacognitive skill development , digital game-based learning , and technology proficiency in teacher training. Their 15 most recent articles (2015-2025) examine: Augmented reality gamification in science education AI adoption frameworks for STEM teachers Interactive video effectiveness in web-based courses Project/resource-based teaching methods Robotics integration in education Collaboration network includes: Hüseyin Ateş (Kırşehir Ahi Evran University) Yüksel Göktaş (Atatürk University) Ezgi Pelin Yıldız (Kafkas University) Academic metrics: 36 publications, 89 citations, h-index 5 (YÖKSIS); Google Scholar: 162 citations, h-index 7.
Faruk Polat is a Professor of Computer Science at the Department of Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey. He has been serving at METU since 1994, progressing from Assistant Professor (1994-1996) to Associate Professor (1996-2002) and then to full Professor (2002-present). He received his B.S. in Computer Engineering from METU in 1987, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Bilkent University in 1989 and 1994 respectively, with a visiting scholar period at the University of Minnesota (1992-1993). His primary research interests include Artificial Intelligence, Reinforcement Learning, Multiagent Systems, Markov Decision Processes, and Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes. His work significantly contributes to computational biology applications, particularly in gene regulatory network modeling, and to multiagent path finding in virtual simulations and computer games. He has published extensively in top-tier journals and conferences, with recent publications extending into 2025. Professor Polat has supervised numerous graduate students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry, including positions at Meta, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and various universities. His research group continues to be highly active, with current PhD students working on reinforcement learning, multiagent path planning, and gene regulatory networks. His scientific contributions span multiple domains, with a clear trajectory from foundational work in multiagent systems to increasingly sophisticated applications in computational biology and autonomous systems. His recent publications indicate continued innovation in reinforcement learning techniques, particularly in handling partial observability and complex path planning problems. NATO Science Scholar at University of Minnesota (1992-1993) Member and Team Leader/Deputy Team Leader of National Informatics Olympiad Group (1995-2011) Professor Polat has advised numerous PhD and Master's students who have secured positions at leading technology companies and academic institutions worldwide. His research has been supported by grants including Tubitak 1001 Project (Grant No. 115G086). His work bridges theoretical advances in artificial intelligence with practical applications in computational biology and autonomous systems.
Prof. Dr. Erol ÖZÇELİK is a Professor of Psychology at Atılım University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Sciences from Middle East Technical University and has been a full-time faculty member since 2009. His academic roles include serving as Bologna Coordinator and Chair of the Fun Science Center Management Board. His research focuses on cognitive psychology, educational technology, and neuroscience applications in learning environments. He has advised over 15 master’s students in topics ranging from emotional arousal effects on memory to surgical simulation training. Education: Ph.D. (2008) in Cognitive Sciences from Middle East Technical University, M.Sc. (2002) in Computer and Instructional Technology Education, B.Sc. (1999) in Computer Science. Research Interests: Cognitive mechanisms of learning and memory Impact of emotional arousal on educational outcomes Human-computer interaction in learning environments Neuroscience-based instructional design Simulation-based surgical education Eye-tracking methodologies for cognitive assessment Grants & Projects: Lead investigator on TÜBİTAK-funded projects including 'Küçük Dahiler Bilgisayar Kullanıyor' (Robotics Education) and 'Endoscopy Training Simulation Validation'. Developed the ECE surgical simulation platform validated through 3 published studies. Awards: Recognized for contributions to educational technology and cognitive research through institutional awards at Atılım University and TÜBA grants. Labs/Teams: Active in the Fun Science Center and Educational Computer-Based Environment (ECE) research group. Collaborates with neuroimaging teams at Hacettepe University and computer science groups at Middle East Technical University.
NUR DEMİRBAŞ ÇELİK is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education in the Department of Educational Sciences at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University. She holds a PhD from Ankara University (2005) and a Master's from Hacettepe University (2010). Her research focuses on psychological counseling, well-being, adolescent development, and educational technology. She has organized international conferences such as the 4th Global Conference on Psychology Researches and served as editor for journals like the Global Journal of Guidance and Counseling in Schools . Her work explores topics like social media's educational impact, student motivation, and mental health. Key awards include a TUBITAK Publication Incentive (2020) and program supports from TUBITAK. She has authored/co-authored over 50 publications and contributed chapters to books on positive psychology and counseling practices. Research interests: Psychological counseling strategies, well-being measurement, and educational technology integration. Grants: Conducted TUBITAK-funded studies on athlete motivation and scale development. Administrative roles: Served as Head of Department and coordinator for Erasmus/Mevlana programs.
Prof. Elmira Ayşe Gür is a Professor of Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture, Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ). She holds a PhD in Building Science from İTÜ and has extensive administrative experience, including roles as Dean’s Assistant and Coordinator of Architectural Design studios. Her research focuses on architectural theory, urban design, environmental psychology in architecture, and sustainable urban development. Education: PhD in Building Science (İTÜ, 1997-2001) Master’s in Architectural Design (Yıldız University, 1989-1992) Bachelor’s in Architecture (İTÜ, 1985-1989) Research Interests: Architectural theory and critique Urban housing typologies and regeneration Impact of physical environments on spatial perception Collaborative planning and participatory design Historical urban centers and identity preservation Key Contributions: Edited books on Istanbul’s housing dynamics and vernacular architecture Organized international events like the Lions Peace Poster Competition Published extensively on urban waterfronts, child-centered design, and post-disaster housing Grants & Awards: No explicit awards mentioned, but her work has been cited in Avery Index and Open House International. Labs/Teams: Leading architectural design studios and research groups at İTÜ focusing on urban sustainability and participatory planning.
Meltem Aksoy is an Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture, Istanbul Technical University. Her academic work spans urbanization processes, social housing practices, and digital design technologies, with a particular focus on user participation and ecological sustainability in the built environment. Current affiliation: Department of Architecture, Istanbul Technical University Research themes: Composite cities, informal settlements, parametric design, ambient intelligence Her research explores: Intersections of digital technologies and spatial perception Methodologies for participatory social housing Computational approaches to architectural decision-making Temporal-spatial dynamics in contemporary urbanization Recent publications demonstrate trends in: AI-assisted design negotiation frameworks Fuzzy logic applications in architectural performance Critical analyses of composite urban structures Evolution of home-street relationships She has supervised 33 graduate theses spanning topics from: Architectural essay films Political space narratives Smart facade technologies Urban data representation
Prof. Hande Demirel is a Professor at the Department of Geomatics Engineering, Istanbul Technical University. She holds a PhD in Geoinformatics from Technical University of Berlin (2002). Her academic career includes roles as Associate Professor (2008–2019) and Assistant Professor (2004–2008) at ITU, alongside research at the European Commission Joint Research Center (2011–2014). She specializes in GIS applications, remote sensing, photogrammetry, and spatial data analysis. Education: B.Sc. (1996) and M.Sc. (1998) in Geodesy & Photogrammetry from ITU, followed by a PhD in Geoinformatics (2002) from TU Berlin. Awards include Best PhD Award (2003), DAAD Scholarship (2007), and Best Poster Award (2016). Research focuses on transportation accessibility, climate change impacts, 3D spatial modeling, and BIM-GIS integration. She leads projects like 'Building Information Model Based Fire Evacuation Simulation' (TUBITAK-funded) and 'Spatio-Temporal Accessibility Analysis in Istanbul'. Key contributions include over 30 peer-reviewed publications, including works on land use prediction, ship detection via AI, and indoor navigation systems. She advises numerous graduate students, with 15+ theses supervised since 2009. Active in professional societies including the German and American Associations for Remote Sensing.
Dr. Emine SU TONGA is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Educational Sciences, Dede Korkut Faculty of Education, Kafkas University. She holds a PhD in Computer and Instructional Technologies Education from Gazi University (2015-2023), an MSc from Gazi University (2012-2015), and a BSc from Ondokuz Mayıs University (2007-2011). She has been serving as the Head of the Department of Educational Sciences at Kafkas University since 2024. Her academic roles include full-time research assistant positions at Gazi University (2013-present) and Kafkas University (2013-present). PhD: Gazi University, Computer and Instructional Technologies Education (2023) MSc: Gazi University, Computer and Instructional Technologies Education (2015) BSc: Ondokuz Mayıs University, Computer and Instructional Technologies Education (2011) Her research focuses on Instructional Design and Educational Technologies, with particular emphasis on AI integration in education, distance learning methodologies, and educational measurement. She has contributed to 11 publications including peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, with notable works on artificial intelligence applications in teaching processes and meta-synthesis studies on distance education interaction. She co-authored two book chapters in 2021-2022 on project-based learning and educational project development. Her research has been presented at international conferences such as the International Conference on Educational Technology and Online Learning (2023) and the International Eurasian Educational Research Congress (2024). She has collaborated with scholars like Halil İbrahim Kaya and Serçin Karataş on educational technology projects. Current teaching responsibilities include courses on Educational Measurement and Evaluation, Open and Distance Learning, and Educational Statistics at the undergraduate level.
Dr. Derya Orhan Göksün is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Sciences at Adıyaman University 's Faculty of Education. She holds a PhD in Computer and Instructional Technologies Education from Anadolu University. Her academic journey includes roles as a research assistant, lecturer, and faculty member at both Anadolu and Adıyaman Universities since 2010. She has been actively involved in research projects supported by TÜBİTAK and university grants. Educational Background: PhD (2016): Anadolu University, Institute of Educational Sciences Master's: Computer and Instructional Technologies Education (2010) Bachelor's: Computer and Instructional Technologies Education (2006) Research Focus: Her work centers on 21st century skills, educational technology integration, digital citizenship, cyber behavior, and AI applications in education . She explores how technology enhances learning environments, especially in special education and distance learning contexts. Recent projects include the development of AI-driven educational tools and frameworks for flipped classrooms. Publications & Impact: Over 26 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Journal of Computing in Higher Education and Science Education International . Her work has addressed topics ranging from gamified learning to social presence in online education. Co-authored books include Artificial Intelligence in Education (2024) and Eğitim Teknolojileri Okumaları series. Grants & Awards: MEDEA Awards for innovative educational projects Scientific contributions recognized by Media and Learning Association Lead researcher in 6 projects supported by TÜBİTAK and university grants Professional Contributions: Serves on editorial boards for journals like Adıyaman University Social Sciences Institute Journal . Advised multiple educational technology initiatives, including the Education Bag Project for Web 2.0 content development. Labs & Teams: Active member of interdisciplinary teams focused on AI in education and distance learning models. Collaborates internationally with institutions like Karel Kreijns' research group on social presence theory.
Cahit AYTEKİN is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Education, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University , specializing in Mathematics Education . With a PhD in Primary Education from Hacettepe University (2016) and a master's in Mathematics (2018), his academic career spans roles such as Vocational School Director (2021–present) and Dean's Assistant (2017–2021). His research focuses on mathematics education, teacher training, and technology integration. Education : PhD (Primary Education, Hacettepe University, 2016); MSc (Mathematics, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, 2018); MSc (Mathematics Education, Abant İzzet Baysal University, 2012); BSc (Mathematics and Science Education, Kocaeli University, 2008); BSc (Computer Engineering, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, 2020). His research interests include: Mathematics Education Educational Technology (GeoGebra, augmented reality tools) Gifted Student Pedagogy Student Estimation Skills Math Anxiety Interventions Publications highlight his work on technology-enhanced learning, gifted education, and teacher training, with studies on GeoGebra's impact and parental expectations in mathematics education. He has advised 12 master's theses and led projects like 'Mathematics Teacher Candidates' Computer-Assisted Teaching' . Collaborations with researchers like Serdal Baltacı and Avni Yıldız reflect his interdisciplinary approach.
