TRGENMER Director Dr. Cihan Taştan, providing important advice to students as the university preference period enters its final day, said, “Get to know yourselves and discover the areas in which you are successful. This will both increase your academic success and enable you to enjoy your university life.”
Dr. Cihan Taştan: “Our students can generate solutions to real-world problems by participating in projects related to space studies, such as the MESSAGE science mission, which we carried out as part of Turkey’s first human space mission.”
Dr. Cihan Taştan, Director of Üsküdar University Transgenic Cell Technologies and Epigenetic Application and Research Center (TRGENMER) and Project Manager of the MESSAGE (Microgravity Associated Genetics) experiment, offered important advice to students during the university preference period.
“Choose a university and department that suits your interests and abilities”
Stating that the most important factors students should consider when making university preferences are choosing a university and department that aligns with their interests and abilities, Dr. Cihan Taştan said, “I recommend that students choose a field they are passionate about. Furthermore, it is important for them to consider their future career goals and evaluate how their chosen department will contribute to achieving these goals. Get to know yourselves and discover the areas in which you are successful. This will both increase your academic success and enable you to enjoy your university life.”
Importance of research opportunities and practical experience
Noting that research opportunities are very important for students to explore their scientific curiosity and gain in-depth knowledge in the academic field, Dr. Cihan Taştan said, “Üsküdar University offers extensive research opportunities to students. Our advanced research centers, such as TRGENMER, and modern laboratories provide students with practical experience and support their academic studies. Students can leverage these opportunities to take an active role in projects, receive mentorship from their academic advisors, and produce scientific publications. Such opportunities enable students to stand out in their careers and lay the groundwork for future scientific achievements.”
Students also involved in space studies
Dr. Cihan Taştan stated that application and project-based education is critically important for students to reinforce their theoretical knowledge with practical experience, and continued:
“As Üsküdar University, we encourage our students to participate in projects and support them with various programs. For example, our students can generate solutions to real-world problems by participating in projects related to space studies, such as the MESSAGE science mission, which we carried out as part of Turkey’s First Human Space Mission. Furthermore, our internship programs and connections with the sectors we collaborate with ensure that our students are better prepared for professional life after graduation.”
Artificial intelligence, genetic engineering will come to the fore!
Pointing out that artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, biotechnology, data science, and sustainable energy are among the fields that will come to the forefront in science and technology in the future, Dr. Cihan Taştan said, “Students should be interested in these fields and develop themselves in these areas. Moreover, having a multidisciplinary approach and being open to continuous learning will provide a great advantage for future scientists and engineers.”
Call to those who want to take part in important projects like the MESSAGE science mission…
Emphasizing the importance for students interested in fields such as genetics and epigenetics to first have a strong foundational knowledge in these subjects, Dr. Cihan Taştan said, “The courses and laboratory studies offered at our university are ideal for acquiring this knowledge. Additionally, following current developments in this field, reading scientific articles, and attending conferences will help students increase their knowledge. Students who wish to take part in important projects like the MESSAGE science mission, which we carried out as part of Turkey's first human space mission, should take advantage of the research opportunities offered by our university and actively participate in projects.”
“Curiosity and passion are my most important sources of motivation!”
Referring to his own academic and professional journey, Dr. Cihan Taştan concluded by saying, “Curiosity and passion have always been my most important sources of motivation. I advise students to always be determined to reach their goals and to view the challenges they encounter as learning opportunities. Furthermore, good mentorship and a strong academic environment provide great support on the path to success. At Üsküdar University, such a support system is available, and we are proud to always stand by our students. To students who are undecided about their university choice, I recommend exploring their own interests and choosing a university where they can develop themselves in those areas.”