Duygu’s Mentoring Philosophy

As a woman from the Middle East, who comes from a Muslim background, the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and justice is very close to home for me. I have had first-hand experiences as a minoritized woman in academia that shaped me as a mentor, a leader, and a teacher. I have the following guiding philosophies:

- 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 people of diverse 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.

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