Arda Kıpçak, who graduated from Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Izmir University of Economics (IUE) this year, was accepted to the world-renowned University of Virginia in the United States (USA) with a full scholarship. Kıpçak, who will receive 5 years of doctoral education in the field of 'Systemic and Behavioral Neuroscience', became one of the 7 people who were entitled to go to the USA as a result of the examination held among 400 successful students from different countries. Kıpçak will work on how the learning and memory processes work in the brain, and what diseases can be caused by the disruptions in this process. In his research, Kıpçak will try to give hope for finding new ways to diagnose and treat neurological diseases such as visual learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Kıpçak's living expenses in the USA will also be covered by the University of Virginia.
HIS INTEREST STARTED IN HIGH SCHOOL
Arda Kıpçak (22) from Izmir got into the IUE Department of Genetics and Bioengineering in 2017. Kıpçak, who had the opportunity to receive training on genetics and brain development, something he had been interested in since high school, made a difference in a short time with his hard work. Drawing attention with his high GPA and the projects he prepared, Kıpçak carried out studies at the German Neurodegenerative Diseases Center (DZNE), where he went with the Erasmus program when he was in his second year. Continuing his studies systematically after returning to Izmir, Kıpçak took part as a TUBITAK scholar at Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG) last year.
WORKED WITH A SPECIAL TEAM
Kıpçak gained experience by working for 6 months with the team that established one of the first biobanks related to Covid-19 in our country. Kıpçak, who improved himself by working in the TESLA Molecular Biology Laboratory within the University and conducted many individual research, also participated in many TUBITAK projects. Kıpçak caught the attention of the University of Virginia with his interest in science, hard work and success. The University of Virginia, which is shown as one of the best public universities in the USA, has admitted Kıpçak as a result of its meticulous examination, including the interview.
I WANT TO RETURN TO MY COUNTRY
Stating that he is happy and excited to go to the USA, Kıpçak said that he will represent Turkey in the best way with his studies. Kıpçak said, “I am very happy that I have reached my goal after 4 years of hard work and effort. Brain development and genetics have always intrigued me since my youth. I had decided which department I would go to in high school. After doing a lot of research, I chose Izmir University of Economics. Glad I did so. The opportunities provided by the University, the interest of our academics and their guidance for me to expand abroad were the most important factors in my success. I will be going to the USA this month. Of course, it is a great opportunity for me to study at a world-renowned university. However, my main goal is not to stay abroad. I would very much like to return to Turkey and train young people in our country as an academic. I would like to thank everyone who trusted and supported me.”
WE PROVED OUR SUCCESS AS A DEPARTMENT
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Fırtına Karagonlar, Head of IUE Department of Genetics and Bioengineering said, “Arda was a very successful student whom we had expectations from. He did not mislead us; we were proud of his achievements. Our department has proven that it has a structure that provides education on an equal basis with top universities abroad. Our department’s acceptance rate for Erasmus internship is very high. In this way, our students gain experience abroad before they graduate. In addition, we ensure that our students also take part in TUBITAK projects with faculty members. Students also gain laboratory experience. All these return as positive reflections. Arda worked at IBG for 6 months as a TUBITAK STAR scholarship holder and then on my project for 6 months. I sincerely believe that Arda will continue his success in the USA.”
