Previous Institution
Ege University - Undergraduate
Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
After I got the master's degree from Brunel University London, I started a Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham, in Applied Psychology. Thanks to the public health education I got from Brunel University, I am working on COVID-19 vaccination behaviour in people with young-onset dementia and their carers in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, I am conducting or supporting several systematic reviews on various topics. Additionally, I am an Honorary Lecturer at De Montfort University, Leicester.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
The most exciting of my career is doing publications and attending conferences for oral or poster presentations.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
In so many ways Brunel University helped me to get where I am here now. The programme was well-designed, and all the lecturers were very supportive of my journey. Thanks to Dr Wendy Martin, I learned to conduct qualitative studies, and now my main project is qualitative. Without her, I couldn't imagine doing a qualitative at all. The most effective person in my academic journey is Dr Kei Long Cheung (he was my thesis supervisor), he taught me how to conduct a systematic review, analyse data, write a paper, and so on. I published my first paper thanks to him. During the publication process, I gave up a few times, but he didn't.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
As an international student, I chose Brunel because the program overlapped with my wishes, but on the other hand, I was amazed by the campus. Moreover, when I heard many positive things about the English pre-sessional course, "I should definitely go to Brunel." I said.
What is your best memory of studying here?
During the pre-sessional course, we visited many great places in London including Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio. During my master's education, I was a fan of drop-in sessions, in which we discuss courses and assessments with our lecturers. The opportunity to grab a coffee, and talk one-to-one with my lecturers felt valuable.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
I may say a few things. First, if you are an international student, do not get worried to talk in class, no one is judging you. Second, if you have any issues let your lecturers know about it, definitely they will help. Lastly, tell your lecturers, especially your supervisor, what you want to do to improve yourself and your career. If you don't speak they cannot know what is the best for you.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
Don't panic. Take your time. Clear your mind. If you want to continue in academia be patient and persistent, it may take some time to find the best programme for yourself. It does not mean you are not suitable for academia.
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