About

I received my Ph.D. from the Department of Political Science at the University of California, Riverside, where I specialized in Comparative Politics and International Relations. I am also a member of The Dionne Publicly Engaged Research Lab (DPERL), a political science research laboratory at UCR.

 

My previous research focuses on international migration, citizenship, ethics of immigration, and forced migration. My current research interests include transnational political engagement, emigration, and diasporas. My dissertation project focuses on whether and how emigrants from non-democratic regimes engage with their home countries.

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Before beginning my studies at UCR, I earned my M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Political Science and Public Administration from Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey. I also spent the spring semester of the 2013-2014 academic year at Leeds University in the United Kingdom as part of the Erasmus Program. Previously, I worked as a full-time research assistant at a university, as a research and survey company field researcher, and as a project-based consultant for various NGOs in Turkey. Beyond research and work, I am a passionate cook, (not so) amateur baker, musical enthusiast, vintage fashion collector, and a keen traveler.​