COURSES

ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE

Hi, I’m Zehra Naz Balcıoğlu, and I’m excited to be the Director of Education for Youth STEM Initiative! I’m from Türkiye and currently a second-year IBDP student at FMV Işık High School in Istanbul, where I’m pursuing a future in digital marketing. I absolutely love reading—Virginia Woolf is my favorite author—and I’m also the Creative Director of our school’s tech magazine and the Editor of the literature magazine. Beyond academics, I’m really p1assionate about giving back, so I’m involved in various social charities. I also love staying active as a tennis player and lead as the PR captain of our FRC team. I can’t wait to contribute and make a difference in this wonderful scientific organization!

LIMA, PERU

Hi! I’m Marcela, a 17-year-old from Peru with a passion for scientific innovation. I’m currently on a gap year, exploring different fields and working towards becoming a biomedical engineer. In my free time, I enjoy coding, reading biomedical engineering magazines, and dancing, especially Afro-Peruvian styles. I also love learning new languages. I am delighted to be the Director of Biomedical Engineering for Youth STEM Initiative and look forward to making a positive difference in this incredible organization.

SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

My name is Eman Muhammad. I’m 18 years old and a senior in high school, originally from Pakistan but I was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates. I have a deep passion for public speaking and actively participate in Model UN conferences. Beyond public speaking, I am enthusiastic about art, reading, and writing. I have been involved in various school competitions and served as the lead writer for our school magazine. I have always been interested in volunteering and STEM initiatives, often engaging in biology debates related to environmental issues and human rights. A fun fact about me is that my interest in public speaking began early — I once dressed as an octopus in third grade and surprisingly won first place with a poem titled “Jiggly Jolly Jellyfish.”

GRONINGEN, NETHERLANDS

My name is Berk Alan Gedzik, but please feel free to call me Alan. I was born and raised in Istanbul, Türkiye, and completed my education there up until university. I graduated with distinction from FMV Işık Okulları, where I also took AP courses in preparation for university. Currently, I’m in my final year of a bachelor’s program in Biology at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, focusing on Molecular Life Sciences. Although my studies are heavily focused on molecular biology and chemistry, my foundation in biology was solidified during my first year. Additionally, I’m pursuing a minor in Psychology: Cognition, Development, and Performance. This minor reflects my passion for understanding human behaviour and its connections to neuroscience and biology. After completing the minor, I will wrap up my bachelor’s program with a research project and thesis. Outside of academics, I enjoy staying active by going to the gym, playing football, and basketball, as I thrive on competition. I’m also an avid reader, particularly of Russian literature, and have been a fan of Rock and Metal music since high school. Lastly, I have a strong affection for animals—while I don’t currently own a pet, my family and I have always cared for the neighbourhood cats in my hometown.

OSLO, NORWAY

Hi everyone, my name is Shewit and I'm delighted to be the Director of Genetics for Youth STEM Initiative! The human body intrigues me; thus, I chose to partake a BSc in Biotechnology with the aspiration of continuing my academic journey in biomedicine. I study at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Norway at the moment, but I am eager to complete my master's abroad as I love travelling and exploring cultures. I seek experiences that challenge my perspectives and broaden my horizon. I have truly become that friend who is always on the move! Through the past years I have discovered the value of volunteering, and most of all the importance of community work. Even though volunteering demands a lot of my energy and time, I occasionally read, mostly non-fiction books – anything from psychology to philosophy. 

ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE

My name is İlker Yasin Dağasan. I am 19 years old and currently a second-year student studying Medical Laboratory Techniques at university in Istanbul. I am curious about all things related to people and strive to learn as much as I can. For instance, I enjoy researching human physiology and anatomy, as well as exploring the intersections between these fields and psychology. I am also working to break into the software sector and am learning Python and 3D modelling, with a focus on AI. I have been involved in various student clubs, served on several academic teams, and contributed to PR and social media efforts. Although I planned to write articles in the field of psychology, I had to put that project on hold due to personal reasons. My hobbies include reading books and articles, particularly on biology and physiology, writing novels, and participating in sports, especially fitness, swimming, and basketball.