Work

I am so lucky. July 2026, I had the opportunity to complete a one-month internship at Koç University in Istanbul, Türkiye. As a medical student, I joined the Mechanical Characterization Laboratory (MCL), where I was introduced to an environment that was very different from the clinical and medical education I was used to. My main research focus was cell migration, particularly curvotaxis and chemotaxis, how cells respond to physical and chemical cues in their environment. Being able to observe and discuss this research helped me understand how fundamental cellular processes can be studied from an engineering and experimental perspective. During the internship, I was also introduced to several other projects and techniques, including the Nanoview tensile experiment, LabVIEW-based experimental control, and hydrogen gas sensor projects.

One of the most memorable experiences was visiting the n2STAR Laboratory, where I had the opportunity to see the complete microfabrication workflow and learn how devices are fabricated in a cleanroom environment. What impacted me most was realizing how closely medicine can be connected to engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedical research. Before this internship, I mostly viewed my medical education from the perspective of diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

At Koç University, I began to see another side of medicine, the possibility of developing the technologies and scientific knowledge that may shape the future of healthcare. The internship therefore became more than a research experience for me. It changed the way I look at scientific research and showed me that some of the most interesting medical problems can be solved when people from different disciplines work together.

Experience

LIFE is not all about studying. My daily life in Istanbul was a combination of research, exploration, social activities, and adapting to a completely new environment. On weekdays, most of my time was spent at Koç University. I went to the laboratory, worked on my research, observed different experiments, and discussed ongoing projects with PhD students. It was a valuable academic experience, but I also wanted to make the most of my time outside the university. I wanted to experience as much of Istanbul and Turkish culture as possible and understand the local lifestyle beyond what a typical tourist might see. Through IAESTE Türkiye, I made several great friends and spent my free time with them, having conversations, exploring the city, trying local food, and sharing our experiences. I became especially close to one of my friends, who invited me to play football with local people. He later welcomed me into his family, invited me to stay at his home for a night, and showed me around his neighborhood. Meeting his family and experiencing their hospitality was one of the most memorable parts of my stay. It gave me the opportunity to experience Turkish family and neighborhood life from a truly local perspective.

I am also very passionate about sports, especially running. One morning, I joined a local running club for a group run, which gave me a glimpse into Istanbul’s vibrant running culture. Around 100 people gathered for the run, and we completed 6 km together. After the run, I had the opportunity to meet and connect with other runners, which turned a simple morning run into a great networking experience. The IAESTE local community in Türkiye also played a major role in my experience. They organized various social and cultural activities that allowed me to meet students and interns from different countries. We explored Istanbul together, went on trips, tried different foods, and spent hours talking about our countries, universities, cultures, and experiences. I arrived in Istanbul knowing that I would stay for only one month.

However, by the end of the internship, I realized that my experience was much more than just an academic exchange. I came for the internship, but I left with friendships, cultural experiences, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for life beyond studying.

Discover

This internship taught me that I am capable of adapting to new environments, meeting people from different backgrounds, and stepping outside my comfort zone. More importantly, it changed the way I see my medical education. I realized that medicine does not exist on its own—it can connect with engineering, technology, and research to create new solutions for healthcare. The experience inspired me to look beyond traditional medicine and become more open to interdisciplinary research. It also reminded me that personal growth comes not only from studying, but from the people we meet, the cultures we experience, and the challenges we face. I returned home with a broader perspective, greater confidence, and new motivation to explore where medicine, science, and technology can take me.