Summer Events 2025

On Monday, July 7, at 09:00, PURE Orientation event will take place at Sabancı University Tuzla Campus.
University Center Building, Ground Floor, Cinema Hall
 
Participation in the orientation is mandatory and will take place face to face.
 
On the morning of July 7, free breakfast will be provided to our students. The orientation flow is below:
 
Date: Monday, July 7
Time: 09:00 - 12:00
Location: Sabancı University, Tuzla Campus, University Center, Cinema Hall, Akbank Front
Registration: 09:00
Breakfast: Students who complete their registration can go to the cafeteria and get their breakfast plate.
Presentation: 10:45, University Center Cinema Hall

The campus tour will take place immediately after orientation. Relevant instructions will be given after orientation.

Lab. Safety Training will be held online. The information will be sent via email.

Aim of the Seminar:

To introduce undergraduate students to the research process through practical tools, real-world examples, and actionable strategies that support their journey from curiosity to contribution.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the seminar, participants will:

• Understand the key steps of the research process

• Learn how to ask strong research questions and form hypotheses

• Discover beginner-friendly tools for reviewing literature, designing studies, and analyzing data

• Gain confidence in writing and sharing their research findings

• Learn how to effectively work with mentors and manage a research timeline

About Speaker:

Dr Ozlem Zengin is an English Language Instructor at Sabancı University School of Languages, where she has been teaching for six years. She holds an MA and PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Middle East Technical University, along with CELTA and DELTA certifications from Cambridge University. Her work centers on curriculum development, with a strong emphasis on designing innovative, learner-centered, and technology-enhanced programs in English language education.

Dr Zengin’s research explores the integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and learning, particularly in areas such as adaptive learning, personalized feedback, and learner autonomy. She is also committed to promoting AI literacy among educators and students, and to developing practical, ethical, and impactful ways of using AI tools in both classroom instruction and teacher education. Her professional interests lie at the intersection of curriculum design, educational technology, and the future of language teaching in the digital age.

 
Have you ever wondered how a simple game of drawing colored balls from an urn can teach us about the way particles spread, polymers wiggle, or signals hop through a network? In this talk, we will kick things off with Polya’s famous urn: a hands-on probability puzzle that reveals how “the rich get richer” and surprising patterns emerge from chance.
From there, we will take a stroll—literally—through the world of random walks. Imagine a dot taking one step at a time, randomly left or right. You will see how those tiny moves add up to explain diffusion (think: how perfume scent drifts across a room), the shapes of long-chain molecules, and even how messages travel in messy circuits.
About Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Ali Rana Atilgan
https://scholar.google.com.tr/citations?user=_osos8kAAAAJ&hl=en
Dr. Atilgan earned his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA, in 1989. His early research provided explanations for previously unexplained patterns observed in structural members composed of composite materials. Between 1995 and 1997, with sponsorship from Boeing, he developed forecasting methods for chaotic time series. In 1998, he was appointed as a full professor at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul.
For the past 30 years, Dr. Atilgan has explored the interplay between protein structure and dynamics under varying environmental conditions. More recently, he has focused his research on ferroelectric thin films and mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance. Since 2006, he has served as a full-time faculty member (part time between 2002-2006) in the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Sabancı University, Istanbul, while also holding an adjunct professorship in the School of Engineering at Boğaziçi University.

During the first few centuries of modern science, the large majority of people who developed new theories and carried out experiments also had strong religious beliefs.  In contrast, today it is often assumed - in media reports and in the popular perception - that the worldviews of faith and science are in conflict with each other.  Have modern scientific discoveries really made faith irrelevant?  Or is it possible for someone to believe in a God revealed by holy scriptures and also accept current scientific theories about the development of the universe and humanity?  In this seminar, we will touch on some of the most common points of contention in this area, but also consider ways in which scientific thinking and faith can enrich each other.
About Speaker:
Dr. Stuart J. Lucas has been carrying out research in the field of Molecular Biology & Genetics research for the past 25 years.  After graduating in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford, UK, he completed a Ph.D at University College, London, studying the immune response to malaria infection.  Since 2010 he has been based at Sabanci University working on crop genomics and biotechnology applications for sustainable agriculture, and is currently a Researcher in SUNUM (SU Nanotechnology Research & Application Center).  He has published over 50 scientific articles, and contributed to over 20 successfully completed research projects.  He is also an active Christian who enjoys discussing philosophy and cross-cultural issues.  

Place: University Center Building, Küçük Ev Restaurant Backyard

Time: 15:00-16:30

Date: 30 July, Wednesday

Burger menu will be served, if you request vegetarian food (Falafel), please inform us until 17th July 11:00am by using the link.

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

PURE Team

Universities worldwide typically expect faculty members, and increasingly their advanced students, to publish their research and develop a publication record.  But why do we publish?  In what forms and contexts do we publish?  What is different about writing for publication genres?  What does the publication process look like?  In addition to discussing these preliminary questions, this seminar will highlight considerations and habits that can enable publishing success.  Journal article sections will also serve as examples to demonstrate how we can develop our genre knowledge to produce our own manuscripts for publication. How use of generative AI tools might intersect with our efforts to publish will also be discussed.
About Speaker:
An educator for 24 years, Daniel Calvey has been teaching Sabancı University graduate students how to publish their research since 2015 in courses like Scientific & Technical Communication and Academic Writing for Graduate Students.  In his work, he relies on trailblazing revelations on these topics from the field of applied linguistics with an eye to the needs of non-native users of English, incorporating peer response as a key component of learning and developing writing skill.  Daniel earned his J.D. from the University of San Francisco in 1995 and B.A. from the University of Wisconsin in 1990.

Each project group has to deliver one short presentation (10 minutes) at 11-12 August 2025 to a large audience including peer students and faculty members during which they will take questions and comments. This is your chance to learn strengths, weaknesses and new opportunities to make your research better. (Presentations will be held face to face. Further information will be shared along.)
 
Presentation Guideline
 

1. The structure of your PowerPoint presentation

• Introduction/Overview (1 slide)
• Theoretical Framework/Research Question/Hypothesis (1 slide)
• Methodology/Case (1 slide)
• Background/Literature Review (1 slide)
• Discussion of Data/Results/Findings/Analysis (5-6 slides)
• Conclusion (1 slide)

1. Tips

Tip 1 Do not forget that the images are powerful. Images are helpful for memorize and learning. Use this on behalf of your advantage by finding and using images that help you make your point. Also, you can create your own image too. For ex: You can indicates several key words and visualize these words by regarding your own research. It is a good idea to find a picture that describes the aim of your research.  
Tip 2 During your presentation, please note that audiences desire to listen about your research, not to hear a summary of old work.
Tip 3 You should always practice your presentation in full before you deliver it to the other people.
Tip 4 Time Limit! If you have ten minutes to present, prepare ten minutes of material. No more. Time management is necessary during your presentation.
Tip 5 Do not read the presentations!
Tip 6 Q&A must be a part of your presentation.
 

1. Citations

Citations in a slide should appear credible in APA or MLA format at the bottom of the slide or directly after the information. References at the end of a slide are not necessary unless specified by the advisor.

1. Formatting

Font size should be 28-point, Times New Roman or Calibri; Line spacing must be double or 1, 5 space. The font size of the headings should be 44-point Times New Roman or Calibri Light.

Suggested Episodes to watch before the event: Love, Death + Robots, Season 1 episode 14 (The episode will also be watched with the participants at the event.)
About Speaker:
Kaan Kabukçu graduated from Boğaziçi University Psychological Counseling and Guidance Department with honors degree in 2018. He took part in the team that founded Boğaziçi University Behavioral Sciences Club and contributed to the creation of different events such as symposiums and film readings. In 2021, he graduated from Istanbul Bilgi University Clinical Psychology Master's Program in the adult sub-branch with honors. He carried out psychotherapy processes with young adults and adults under supervision at Bilgi University Psychological Counseling Unit and Center and implemented different test modules. Thereafter he continued to work as part-time instructor at Mef University and psychological counselor in Sabancı University. Currently, he is working in Koç University as a clinical psychologist on KURES and continues the fundemental existential analysis training at Varoluşçu Akademi.

Erkay Savaş: "Magical World of Cryptography: How Computers can Run ChatGPT over Encrypted Data"
Seminar Summary:
In this talk, we will explore the fascinating world of cryptography—a set of techniques that keeps information secure—and how it enables computers to perform AI computations directly on encrypted data. Join us to discover the "magic" behind secure AI, learn the basics of encryption methods, and see how cutting-edge technology makes privacy-preserving AI possible in the digital age.
About Speaker:
Erkay Savaş received the BS (1990) and MS (1994) degrees in electrical engineering from the Electronics and Communications Engineering Department at Istanbul Technical University. He completed the PhD degree in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Oregon State University in June 2000. He had worked for various companies and research institutions before he joined Sabanci University in 2002. He has been the dean of Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, since July 1, 2020. His research interests include applied cryptography, data and communication security, privacy in biometrics, security and privacy in data mining applications, embedded systems security, and distributed systems. He is a member of IEEE, ACM, the IEEE Computer Society, and the International Association of Cryptologic Research (IACR).
Kamer Kaya: “Proofs That Don’t Tell All: An Introduction to Zero-Knowledge”
Seminar Summary:
This seminar will introduce students to the core idea of proving knowledge without disclosure through engaging puzzles, outline the evolution of zero-knowledge techniques into practical frameworks, and showcase diverse real-world applications—inviting learners to explore simple hands-on experiments that connect theory to practice.
About Speaker:
Kamer Kaya is an Associate Professor at Sabancı University’s Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. He earned his PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from Bilkent University in 2009, specializing in Threshold Cryptography. He conducted postdoctoral research at CERFACS, France, and Ohio State University before joining Sabancı University in 2014. Since 2018, he has also founded and leads Dakik Software Technologies, focusing on R&D in blockchain interoperability, machine learning, and digital twins. Since 2022, he has been the director of the Center of Excellence in Data Analytics at Sabancı University. His research interests include parallel algorithms, machine learning on sparse data, graph algorithms, high-performance computing, and cryptography.
 
 

This seminar explores the multifaceted role of humor in politics, with particular emphasis on its rhetorical, cultural, and democratic functions in the Turkish political context. Far from being a peripheral or merely decorative element, humor emerges in this study as a central communicative tool through which political leaders perform authority, foster connection, deflect criticism, and negotiate democratic legitimacy. Drawing on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), and more specifically Ruth Wodak’s Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA), the research analyzes political humor as a rich site for understanding the dynamics of leadership and public engagement in democratic and post-democratic contexts.

At its core, the presentation contends that humor plays a dual role in politics: it can both reinforce and challenge power. It operates as a rhetorical instrument that can cultivate solidarity, ease social tensions, and deepen public participation in political processes. However, it may also function as a mechanism of exclusion, ridicule, or trivialization, thereby narrowing the space for legitimate dissent or alternative discourse. This ambivalence becomes particularly visible when humor is employed by political leaders who must constantly balance emotional accessibility with strategic control. The presentation pays close attention to how different Turkish leaders have used humor in public discourse—both to connect with citizens and to delineate ideological boundaries.

The first case study examines the rhetorical style of İsmet İnönü, Turkey’s second president and a key figure in the formative decades of the Republic. Through a detailed analysis of his speeches, interviews, and interactions with journalists, the seminar shows how İnönü’s humor operated as a tool of democratic leadership. Rather than serving as a simple display of wit, his jokes were frequently laced with political commentary, strategic deflection, and moral reflection. For example, when addressing internal party conspiracies or public rumors about his health, İnönü deployed irony and self-deprecation to both acknowledge and minimize the seriousness of the issues. His joke that he “can’t sleep at night wondering who’s plotting against [him],” delivered with measured levity, simultaneously validated concerns and neutralized them. Similarly, his retorts to journalists—such as asking rhetorically if his rival Demirel’s statements even constituted a proper “response”—demonstrated a mastery of political sarcasm that diffused tension while reinforcing his own composure.

İnönü’s humor was not only inward-looking. He also used it to draw contrasts with political adversaries, comment on policy decisions, and reflect on the historical trajectory of the Republic. In one speech, while cautioning against rushed legislation, he ironically praised a new election law as one that stood on two legs: the “freedom of conscience” granted to religious authorities and a manipulative electoral framework. This ironic framing highlighted deeper critiques of democratic backsliding without resorting to direct confrontation. Through such rhetorical moves, İnönü’s humor became a subtle, accessible mode of critique that engaged citizens in complex political issues without alienating them. It also enabled him to present himself as a leader who was both authoritative and relatable—traits central to democratic leadership as conceptualized by theorists like Bass and Avolio.

The second half of the seminar shifts focus to the political discourse of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, analyzing how humor functions differently in the context of contemporary populist leadership. Erdoğan’s comedic style blends sarcasm, mockery, and paternalistic familiarity, and his use of humor often reinforces a binary division between “the people” and “the elite,” a hallmark of populist rhetoric. While Erdoğan’s jokes can create a sense of immediacy and emotional resonance with supporters, they often come at the expense of inclusivity and deliberation. Several case studies demonstrate this dynamic.

One important sample is Erdoğan’s public dismissal of Selahattin Demirtaş, a Kurdish political leader, as a mere “pop star,” referencing Demirtaş’s use of music in his campaign appearances. This quip, while seemingly light-hearted, effectively delegitimized Demirtaş’s political message by reducing him to a performer. The humor not only framed Demirtaş as unserious but also deflected attention from the substantive content of his platform. Similarly, Erdoğan’s mocking of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s mischaracterization of certain religious prayers as Quranic verses served a dual rhetorical purpose: it positioned Erdoğan as a morally and religiously authoritative figure while simultaneously ridiculing his opponent’s credibility.

Another revealing episode occurred when a young woman requested the construction of paragliding facilities in her town. Erdoğan responded with a joking warning: “Why risk such a beautiful girl?”—a remark that cloaked paternalism in humor. Rather than addressing her civic request seriously, the joke deflected her political agency and reduced the exchange to a gendered and personal interaction. In another instance, Erdoğan told German Chancellor Angela Merkel, amid a conversation about coalition governance, “That’s life... as my grandson says.” The casual humor projected warmth and relatability, but it also masked deeper differences in political philosophy, such as Erdoğan’s endorsement of presidentialism versus Merkel’s defense of coalition democracy.

These episodes, when analyzed through a discourse-historical lens, reveal that Erdoğan’s humor frequently operates as a boundary-setting device. His jokes signal who belongs in the moral and political in-group—typically his base—and who falls outside of it, such as opposition figures or secular elites. This aligns with Michael Billig’s view of humor as a social mechanism that reinforces inclusion and exclusion. Moreover, Erdoğan’s humor has been amplified by social media, where short video clips, memes, and satirical posts recycle and intensify his comedic soundbites. This digital virality reinforces emotional engagement while often bypassing policy substance.

The seminar further engages with the ethical and political implications of such comedic strategies. While humor may make political discourse more accessible and emotionally resonant, it can also obscure complexities, foreclose dialogue, and entrench polarization. The frequent use of humor to ridicule, rather than engage, critics undermines the deliberative dimension of democracy and encourages a politics of performance over substance. Moreover, when humor is used to delegitimize institutional checks—such as opposition parties, journalists, or civil society actors—it may contribute to an erosion of democratic norms even as it entertains and mobilizes.

By comparing the contrasting comedic styles of İnönü and Erdoğan, the presentation illustrates how humor can serve as both a mirror and an instrument of political culture. İnönü’s self-deprecating and inclusive wit reflected a vision of leadership rooted in shared sacrifice, long-term thinking, and institutional stability. Erdoğan’s combative and polarizing humor, by contrast, exemplifies a populist model that thrives on affective identification and rhetorical dominance. Each style reveals underlying assumptions about authority, legitimacy, and the role of citizens in democratic life.

The seminar posits that humor is a critical yet underexamined feature of political leadership. It shapes public perceptions, reinforces or contests power structures, and provides insight into the health of a democratic system. While humor can enrich political dialogue and foster community, it can just as easily be wielded as a tool of exclusion and control. Understanding how humor operates within different political contexts—particularly within Turkey’s evolving political landscape—offers valuable insights into the broader relationship between communication, culture, and democratic practice.

About Speaker:

Alper Çakmak is Dr. Lecturer at Sabancı University School of Languages, Foundation Development Program. He is a graduate of Boğaziçi University, Western Languages & Literatures Department, English Language & Literature Program (B.A.), graduate of European Studies Program (M.A). He received his Ph.D. degree in Political Science & International Relations in Istanbul University, Institute of Social Sciences. He is author of the monograph titled: History, Discourse and Policy in Modern Turkey. 

-