About

I am a researcher with a deep commitment to understanding the human mind and its intricate processes. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics, where I developed a foundation in the biological sciences that fueled my curiosity about the brain. Driven by a desire to explore the neural basis of perception, I pursued a Master’s degree in Neuroscience, which led me to specialize in brain imaging and cognitive science. Currently, I am a PhD candidate in Psychology, focusing on visual perception, and I continue to explore how the brain constructs our experience of the world.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with some of the foremost experts in neuroimaging and cognitive science. I’ve worked at prominent research facilities, including NeuroLab at METU under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Didem Gökçay and Assist. Prof. Dr. Aykut Eken, the Computational and Biological Vision Lab at Bilkent University with Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Boyacı, the Psychophysics Lab at EPFL supervised by Prof. Dr. Michael Herzog and Assist. Prof. Dr. David Pascucci, and currently, the Visual Neuroscience Lab at the University of Graz, directed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natalia Zaretskaya. Each of these experiences has enriched my expertise in neuroimaging techniques and cognitive neuroscience, sharpening my skills in both experimental design and data analysis.

Beyond academia, I co-founded Dusunbil Publishing Co. Ltd. with my spouse, Olcay Yilmaz, where we are dedicated to bridging science and philosophy for a broader audience. At Dusunbil, we publish a non-academic magazine and organize community events that foster public engagement with philosophy, social sciences, and the wonders of scientific inquiry. In addition to content creation, I manage the technical aspects of our website and servers, ensuring that our digital platform runs seamlessly.

My intellectual pursuits extend beyond the lab. I have a keen interest in the history of human thought and phenomenology, and I am captivated by the philosophical questions underlying consciousness and perception. This passion for understanding the roots of human cognition complements my scientific work, enabling me to approach research with a balanced perspective that values both empirical evidence and the depth of philosophical insight.

In all my endeavors, I am driven by a commitment to scientific rigor, intellectual openness, and the desire to contribute meaningful insights to both my field and society at large.