Duygu’s Mentoring Philosophy

My job is not just making exciting science but more importantly to train the next generation of scientists. In that capacity, I deeply value giving and receiving feedback, and growing together in this intellectual collaboration we will have as a mentor-mentee. Here are some of my guiding principles:

- First, my success will never be at the expense of somebody else’s well-being and happiness. I will always do my best to treat everyone at my lab with dignity and will respect their boundaries.

- Second, I will always strive to lift my students, trainees, and colleagues up and help them become the best version of themselves as scientists and professionals by cultivating a safe growth environment for everyone (any race, gender identity, social class, sexual orientation, and physical/mental ability etc)...

- Third, a growth mindset and open peaceful communication are key characteristics we cultivate in every team member at my lab. If there are issues, we address them directly, do not shy away from giving each other feedback, and accept feedback with grace and gratitude.

- Fourth, we cultivate having hobbies and a life outside the lab, while we all strive to be the best nerds/experts of our projects as we can be. I truly wish all my trainees can experience the thrill of being captivated by the amazing science and biology we have under our fingertips, while staying mindful of burnout, and appreciating the importance of taking breaks.

As these are my guiding philosophies, I expect my lab members to also follow these principles towards each other as a team.