I was born and have lived in Turkey until I left for my Ph.D. studies at the University of Iowa in 2007. After getting my Ph.D. in 2013, I have spent two years in Lyon France for my post-doctoral training where I was also able to immerse in the amazing culinary life and the beautiful scenery of the French country side.

I consider myself an Istanbullu, as I spent several of my school years, including my B.A. degree in Sociology at Koç University, in this beautiful city by the Bosphorus. I currently live in Pasadena, California, going back to Istanbul whenever I can, to fulfill my longing for the smell of the sea, the sounds of seagulls, the taste of simit and most of all my family. In my leisure time, I like to read fiction and comic books, watch horror movies and hike around Southern California with my dog Vila. I am an amateur gardener and fermenter and also a dedicated  Muay Thai and kickboxing trainee.