Teaching at a 436-year university

Bensu Günay (27), who graduated from Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Bioengineering Master's Program this year, was accepted to the University of Graz in Austria as a research assistant. Günay, who will do her doctorate in the field of 'molecular chemistry' at the Institute of Chemistry for 4 years, will also give lectures as an assistant. Günay, who was entitled to be a researcher at the university as a result of the examination held among hundreds of young people from different countries, will work to represent our country successfully. Stating that she dreamed of being a scientist and engineer since primary school, Günay said, “If I hadn't followed my dream, I wouldn't be able to go to Austria now. I got a good opportunity; I'll make the most of it.” Founded in 1585, the University of Graz, where successful scientists are trained, has a strong academic background with a total of 10 Nobel laureates in physics, chemistry, and medicine.

Bensu Günay, who lives in the Buca, Izmir, entered the university exam in 2012 and enrolled in the department of midwifery at Manisa Celal Bayar University. Although she went to the campus with her family to enroll, Günay changed her mind. Günay, whose dream was to be involved with science as a successful engineer, went to the courses and prepared for the university exam again. Günay persevered at studying more and qualified to enroll at the Ege University Department of Bioengineering in 2014.  Günay, who had 3 months abroad experience in Spain with her Erasmus internship and took part in studies as a project coordinator, has also published 3 articles.

GOT AN OPPORTUNITY

Günay, who successfully graduated from the university in 2019, preferred IUE for her master's degree. Here, she met nanotechnology and nanomaterials, which reshaped her academic life, and she made decisions that would guide her future studies. Günay, who successfully studied at IUE Bioengineering Master's Program for two years, also attracted the attention of the authorities in Austria with her research and hard work. With her high grades, and articles prepared by taking part in TUBITAK projects led by Asst. Prof. Özge Sağlam, Faculty Member of IUE Department of Mechanical Engineering, Günay had the opportunity to go to Austria by being selected among hundreds of people. Assoc. Prof. Zeynep Fırtına Karagonlar, Head of IUE Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, also provided a lot of support to Günay as an assistant advisor.

I CHASED MY DREAMS

Stating that she is happy to reach her goal, Günay said, “When I went to Manisa to enroll in university in 2012, I actually took the risk and gave up enrolling in the department. When I set foot on the campus, read the names of the faculties, saw the laboratories, I believed that I could get into the engineering program that I had dreamed of since childhood. My family also supported me and stood by my decision. If I had not taken this decision that day, I would not be able to go to Austria now. I wouldn't have been this brave if it wasn’t for my family. Now I want to learn not only the engineering part of the job, but also the basic science.”

I LIKE CHALLENGES

Günay continued as follows: “I will continue my academic studies on more specific subjects to gain an interdisciplinary identity. That's why I chose basic science. I've always been a person who likes challenges. It's been a week since I came to Austria. I am excited and happy. I want to conduct successful studies here. I also have an idea as to ​​stay abroad as an academic in the future. However, it is too early to make definite plans. I am currently focused on making the most of the opportunity provided to me in Austria.”

I BELIEVE SHE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL

Being Günay's advisor during her master's degree Asst. Prof. Özge Sağlam said, “Bensu was a hardworking and trusted student. Her hard work paid off. I am very happy for her. Working with Bensu was very enjoyable and nice for me as well. In addition to educating students, we must guide them correctly so that they reach their goals. Many of our students who have graduated from the university have continued their success abroad. They have been a source of pride for us. I sincerely believe that Bensu will add new ones to these successes. One of the most important features that distinguish universities from each other is their international connections and the experience of academics in the international arena. At this point, our university makes a difference very much.”