Student Experiences

Participating in the Program for Undergraduate Research (PURE) in Istanbul, Turkey, marked a significant milestone in my academic journey. As a student from the Institute of Space Technology in Islamabad, Pakistan, this opportunity was not only my first international exchange but also a transformative experience. Engaging in research on surgical robotics under the guidance of Professor Dr. Meltem Elitaş was both challenging and rewarding. The research has laid the foundation for me to work further on my final year project back at my university.
The PURE program provided me with a conducive environment to immerse myself in cutting-edge research and expand my knowledge horizons. Through hands-on experience in labs and mentorship, I gained valuable insights into the field of surgical robotics, which is particularly relevant given the dearth of research and development opportunities in Pakistan.
Moreover, the multicultural setting of Istanbul enriched my experience, allowing me to forge friendships with fellow participants from diverse backgrounds. This global network of peers has not only broadened my perspective but also laid the foundation for potential collaborations in the future. Moreover, I really enjoyed the Turkish food and became fond of döner? kebabs and iskender.
Overall, my PURE term in Istanbul instilled in me a profound appreciation for research and innovation, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to delve deeper into this field in the future.

One of the most significant experiences of my life is the internship at PURE. Working in a lab and developing my project management skills was highly beneficial for me as an aspiring scientist. It was a major experience for me to familiarize myself with the research methodologies, design experiments, and present the results all on my own. It was a great chance to be accepted to PURE in the first year of my undergraduate studies and to improve my research skills throughout the internship. I also observed experiments related to other projects of the group. PURE not only focused on research, but also provided an opportunity to meet colleagues and accomplished professors in their fields and learn about their experiences. I believe that this opportunity enhanced my research skills greatly, and I am sure that the connections I have made will last a lifetime. I would like to thank my teachers and PURE for their contributions.

PURE, which has been one of the most extraordinary and transformative experiences of my life, has had an immense impact on me. Through the project "The Poisonous Gown in Popular Culture," in which I had the opportunity to study, I delved into the captivating world of the "Poisonous Gown" motif, conducting research, analyzing TV shows and social media, and collaborating with fellow researchers. This experience not only deepened my understanding of historical motifs but also allowed me to contribute to a research paper for an international conference.
Under the guidance of my supportive supervisor, Zeynep Nevin Yelçe, I experienced significant personal and professional growth. The collaborative and dedicated nature of our team fostered a mutually beneficial learning environment.
Beyond academics, the PURE program facilitated meaningful connections and friendships with participants from diverse backgrounds, creating lasting memories. Overall, PURE and my involvement in the project have broadened my knowledge, honed my research skills, and connected me with a vibrant interdisciplinary community, shaping my future endeavors.
Thank you, PURE.

I believe PURE provides such a remarkable chance to prove oneself able in the field of doing research. I observed it as a career boosting program, especially for those who would like to continue with their academic life. Being in touch with professors who guide me to get an insight on the field I am so eager to study on was an experience that is hard to replace with anything else. Therefore, I strongly advise anyone who is thinking about whether to participate in PURE to seize the opportunity.

What is more important in science than learning theory is being able to put your knowledge into practice. This is why PURE was exactly what I was looking for as a student in the field of bioscience.
The laboratories of Sabancı University are extremely well-equipped. As a PURE intern, I was allowed to use a lot of equipment that I had never had a chance to work with before. Every day was a new challenge, and I learned how I could overcome these challenges as a scientist. By the end of my internship, I had already learned dozens of new skills in the field, developed an idea of how independent research is conducted, and improved my abilities to work in a team.
I also made a lot of meaningful friendships during my time on campus that continue to be a part of my life to this day. I highly appreciate what this program has added to my life and believe this is a type of experience that every student must experience at least once.

As a future statistician, PURE was a great experience for me, especially as a freshman. I have seen through my experience how meaningful results my professional field can produce in social sciences. Now, I look at my career from a more conscious perspective and I want to push the boundries of my major. PURE is a great opportunity to get to know yourself and your potential very early. I would like to thank to PURE team for the research ecosystem they created for us.
 

PURE at Sabancı University was my first real step into research, and it turned into a journey full of learning and memories. I worked on Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis from 3D MRI scans under single domain generalization with the supervision of Prof. Erchan Aptoula. The project was challenging, especially because of the complexity of 3D data, but through the process I learned how to design experiments, test ideas, and present results. These experiences gave me valuable skills and confidence that I will carry forward.

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‎What made the experience even more meaningful were the people I met along the way. Professors and colleagues were so supportive and experienced, and I learned a lot from them both inside and outside the lab. I also loved that my project was not just about AI but about applying science to a real world problem that could help people in the future.

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‎PURE also gave us many opportunities to learn beyond the lab. The seminars introduced me to new ideas and perspectives that I had never considered before. And beyond academics, the Istanbul tour was an unforgettable part of the program. Exploring the city’s history, culture, food, and vibrant life added memories that made the whole experience complete.

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‎Looking back, PURE was not only about research but also about discovering myself as a learner and as part of a community. I am grateful for the guidance of my supervisor, the support of peers, and the opportunities this program gave me to grow both academically and personally. The experience has inspired me to continue exploring challenging problems in AI and to carry forward the lessons and memories from my time at Sabancı University.

As a student who had not yet decided on his major, PURE offered me a unique and eye-opening opportunity to explore different academic fields. During my preparation and freshman years, I was in the middle of shaping my academic journey and searching for the right path. That is why I applied to two different PURE projects: a material science project in my preparation year and a psychology project in my freshman year. These experiences not only exposed me to two distinct disciplines but also helped me understand how research operates across fields. Through these projects, I learned about research design, data collection, and the process of building knowledge step by step. Working with faculty and peers taught me how collaboration enriches research and how diverse perspectives bring value to academic work. I believe PURE is one of the best opportunities at Sabancı University, and I highly recommend it to all students who are eager to develop themselves both academically and personally.

I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the PURE program at Sabanci University as an exchange student. During this period, I worked on a research project titled “Expect More, Remember Less”, which explored the fascinating mechanisms of learning and memory in the human brain.
The project allowed me to dive deep into cognitive processes, examining how expectations influence memory retention and learning efficiency. Through experiments, data analysis, and literature review, I gained hands-on experience in neuroscience research and developed a stronger understanding of how the brain encodes and recalls information.
Beyond the technical skills, PURE offered an inspiring environment for collaboration and intellectual growth. Interacting with professors and fellow students from diverse backgrounds enriched my perspective and encouraged me to think critically about research challenges.
This experience not only strengthened my passion for neuroscience but also enhanced my problem-solving, analytical, and scientific communication skills.It was absolutely one of the parts of my exchange experience. I am grateful for the guidance and mentorship I received and look forward to applying these insights in future academic and professional pursuits.
Thank you PURE,Thank you Sabanci University.

Two months felt long in theory, but once I arrived at Sabancı University, the time seemed to evaporate. PURE was a unique experience that combined hard work with cross-cultural exchange. During the internship, I worked on developing AI-compatible datasets for instructional design, a project that gave me a strong research foundation and aligned perfectly with my goal of building a career in AI technologies. Beyond the academic side, I was fortunate to meet incredible teammates and international friends, from whom I learned and whose friendship I cherished. PURE also immersed me in Türkiye’s culture and people, making the experience even richer and leaving an impact I will never forget. For me, PURE was not just a program; it was a journey full of learning, exploration, and excitement.

As a student who aspires to be a researcher, the PURE program has contributed a significant amount of personal experience and professional development to me. In the program, I worked under Dr. Neriman Kuyucu’s supervision on “An Anthology of Contemporary Turkish Anglophone Writers.” Throughout the project, I learned many new perspectives from my supervisor and teammates—insights that I could have only gained by participating in this program.

Aside from the project, I also learned a lot from the seminars coordinated by the PURE team. I loved all the seminar materials, as they gave me great insight and perspective. The program also encouraged us to learn how to navigate the research process and improve our public speaking, such as during the presentation and poster days. These events helped me manage and improve my public speaking skills. Overall, the program was an effective and efficient two months program that provided me with many valuable and memorable lessons.

During the PURE term, I am working on the project “Identifying the Role of NEK1 in Driving Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by Molecular Modeling.” The aim is to uncover how NEK1 contributes to ALS progression at the molecular level, which may provide insights for future therapeutic strategies.

One of the most valuable aspects of this experience has been the scientific discussion meetings, where I had the opportunity to present my ideas and receive constructive feedback from supervisors. These meetings sharpened my ability to analyze results critically and improved the way I structure and communicate scientific questions.

In addition, PURE provide seminars were an important component of the program. They exposed me to a variety of research fields and broadened my perspective, encouraging me to think beyond the scope of my own project. Overall, this program has been both inspiring and intellectually enriching.

Before the Program for Undergraduate Research (PURE), I considered research to be a long, unrewarding process of painful tribulations. My time in Istanbul changed that perspective for good. Research now seems like the ultimate goal of my academic career, and I want to pursue it wholeheartedly. I owe this positive shift to my Hocam, whose "sunshine" personality sparked my interest and instilled confidence in me.

Our project, "The Anthology of Contemporary Turkish Anglophone Writers," gave me a dynamic new outlook on the Turkish diaspora producing literature in the English-speaking world. It made me aware that efforts, no matter how small, deserve to be acknowledged. Every emerging writer and their work should be attended to by scholars, free from the debut-prejudice that often surrounds new writers. Every author who made it to our list, whether found through my late-night endeavors or my partner's, was equally important to us. It was our absolute honor to read their works and present our humble opinions.

Through this process, I learned many things: how to conduct archival research, the act of cataloging, organizing an annotated bibliography, and the art of writing an "ugly draft." I also learned the process of synthesis in a literature review and, finally, how to write a full literature review. The work was slow and time-consuming, as it often is, but the pain and suffering were ultimately rewarded.

PURE was not just a research program; it was a cultural gathering that invited students from all around the globe to connect and exchange ideas. I met and befriended some of the coolest people, and my time spent in their company was the best. A big thank you to the uncle in the cafeteria for always adding extra food to our plates, to Sevda abla for keeping our room so neat, to Deniz for bringing fresh açmas daily, and to all the cats of Istanbul for tolerating my haphazard pats.

I owe a warm goodbye to Sabancı and a heartfelt hug to YTB. I hope our paths cross again. 

PURE was a highlight of my undergraduate journey. It gave me daily access to faculty mentorship and a tight feedback loop with peers, which is rare to build across different universities and backgrounds. The program creates a healthy learning environment where you can ask questions freely and grow both technically and professionally. My project explored intelligent systems that use computer vision and machine learning to support quality control in CNC machining. I worked on a practical problem that matters in industry, learned how to scope experiments and translate results into usable insights for engineers. More importantly, I learned how to collaborate by aligning with advisors, sharing methods openly and turning diverse perspectives into stronger research. 
PURE strengthened my confidence in research and confirmed my interest in graduate study. I am grateful for the mentorship, the friendships and the chance to contribute to work that improves real production processes.

Joining PURE was one of the most rewarding decisions of my academic career. I immediately felt welcomed in the Mustafaoğlu Lab and had the chance to collaborate with incredible international students.
My project developing Two-Channel Microfluidic Chip Designs for BBB Modeling allowed me to study the complexity of this structure under both healthy and diseased conditions. The unparalleled mentorship and support I received from graduate lab members and program staff pushed me to grow as a researcher and thinker. Weekly journal clubs and lab meetings challenged me to stay engaged and consistently produce my best work for presentations. Beyond the lab, exploring Istanbul with fellow international students was an unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for Turkish culture.

I greatly encourage you to apply to this stimulating program; it is an experience you won't regret, and one that will enrich your personal and academic growth!

I had an amazing time working on two special projects during my PURE terms. The first one was about quantum tunnelling, in which I delved into the fascinating realm of quantum physics. This project made me curious and excited about learning more.

The second project was about creating Surgical Tools by using AI. It felt great to think that the work I was doing could help doctors during surgeries and even save lives someday. This project showed me how important it is to keep improving the tools we use to take care of each other.

Both projects at Sabancı University were not just schoolwork. They were adventures that showed me how fun and important learning can be. They made me want to keep exploring and finding new ways to help people through science.

PURE Program benefited me in more ways than I could have imagined. First of all, as a student, I was very much interested in the field of social sciences. I got the first-hand experience in how research in this field is to be done, having become part of a team of hardworking students under the guidance of our amicable professor at Sabancı University. The research was not a ‘quasi-research’ to teach us the ropes. We got to work with raw materials recently discovered by our professor. The data for the project had not been seen by anyone else in the world except for us, which holds great potential for further research and publications as they were multi-disciplinary. I also quite enjoyed my time on the university campus and made some lasting connections with both professors and students alike. I am glad to have been a part of the Program, and would earnestly urge students from all kinds of fields and universities to apply for a research program that fits their interests; there is undoubtedly much that they will gain in return.

I think the best way to learn is to pursue a problem. I see this as a kind of detective process. The fact that there are professionals who guide you through your research saves you from your prejudices and educates you on how to address a hypothesis academically. The PURE project contributed a lot to me in discovering my interests and gaining academic research skills. The PURE project that I involved in was helped me learn methodologies in history that I didn't know before and that you probably wouldn't learn in regular courses. I learnt how I could move away from information provided merely by books and articles, evaluate different interpretations, and incorporate primary sources into our research. The PURE process was not limited to the summer, it became a long-term study that went all the way to the Netherlands. I also met new friends from different universities and different fields. I also learned a lot from them about the disciplines they study in. What attracted me most was attention of professors and the importance they attached to my ideas. The satisfaction I got from this situation was priceless.