About Me

I am a PhD candidate in psychology at Northwestern University, where I study how cultural, political, and historical upheaval shape identity, emotion, and the stories people tell about their lives. I work with the Study of Lives Research Group (PI: Dan McAdams) and the Life Span Development Lab (PI: Claudia Haase). Before Northwestern, I completed my BA in Psychology at Bilkent University in Turkey, graduating as valedictorian.

Research Identity

How do people make sense of and narrate crises in their lives and communities?

I study how cultural and historical crises—such as war, displacement, and political upheaval—shape identity, emotion, and well-being through stories of lived experience. My work centers on narrative identity, collective memory, and the ways emotion and storytelling shape meaning-making, with an eye toward connecting personal and collective contexts across different kinds of crises and conflicts.

Professional Storytelling & Communication

How can lived experiences and stories help us understand audiences and shape messages in media and business?

Beyond academia, I am passionate about storytelling in its many forms—writing, media, creative projects, and public engagement. I enjoy translating complex ideas into clear and compelling narratives, and I have written for outlets such as Psychology Today and Psyche. At the heart of this work is listening to and understanding people through their stories—a perspective I bring to research and apply in professional contexts such as communication, media, and business.

Connect

Interested in research, writing, or collaboration? I'd love to connect.

I grew up in Turkey and have always been fascinated by how culture and history shape personal lives. I enjoy exploring new places, creative projects, and conversations that bring together diverse perspectives. Music, writing, and walking are everyday practices that keep me grounded. I value connection and try to bring a humanitarian perspective to both my work and life.