Üsküdar graduate accepted by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany!

Ceyhan Özçelik, a graduate of Üsküdar University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, was accepted into the Electrical Engineering and Information Technology master's program at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), one of Germany's leading technical universities. Özçelik, who specialized in processor design, shared his academic journey, from his graduation project to his academic goals, the KIT application process, and his advice to students.

Ceyhan Özçelik, a graduate of Üsküdar University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, is preparing to continue his academic studies in Germany after his undergraduate education. 

Özçelik, who completed his graduation project under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Uğur Çini, Faculty Member of the Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, was accepted into the Electrical Engineering and Information Technology master's program at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). During his undergraduate studies, Özçelik focused on processor design and worked on RISC-V processor design and FPGA-based system integration for his graduation project.

Interest in robotics led to processor design…

Özçelik stated that he initially had an interest in robotics when choosing Electrical-Electronics Engineering, especially being drawn to humanoid robots. He explained that during his undergraduate studies, he realized that processors were a more suitable field of study for him, emphasizing that consistent work was crucial in his academic journey. Özçelik said; “When I chose Electrical-Electronics Engineering, I was essentially thinking about robotics, I had an interest in humanoid robots. Later, in the courses I took, I decided that processors were a more suitable field for me.”

“This success signifies the end of difficult days for me”

Özçelik stated that being accepted by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology was an important turning point for him, and noted that the application process was challenging in terms of waiting for the results. Özçelik expressed that the prolonged evaluation process was difficult for him at times, and said he felt relief and happiness after receiving the acceptance news. Özçelik used the expression; “This success signifies the end of difficult days for me.”

Graduation project aligned with applied field

Özçelik, who conducted a study titled “Design and Implementation of a Single-cycle RISC-V Processor with FPGA-based System Integration” for his graduation project, stated that they designed a RISC-V processor in the project and connected it to an AXI4 interface for the processor to communicate with the outside world. Özçelik, stating that his work directly aligned with his KIT application; “In short, we designed a RISC-V processor and connected it to an AXI4 interface so that this processor could communicate with the outside world.”

Evaluating the contribution of his graduation project to the acceptance process, Özçelik stated that the success of the work stood out not only for its technical quality but also for its direct relevance to the field he applied to.

University laboratories provide opportunities for projects and research

Özçelik stated that in addition to the education he received at Üsküdar University, the laboratory facilities also contributed to his academic studies, and emphasized that the basic knowledge gained in courses during engineering education forms a starting point for students to develop themselves.

Özçelik highlighted the importance of students conducting studies in their own fields in addition to their courses, stating that the ability to use university laboratories with the support of supervising instructors offers a significant opportunity for developing projects and research. Özçelik said; “In our laboratories, if we wish, we can easily get access by applying to our supervising instructors. This enables us to undertake good projects and research.”

His goal includes microelectronics, photonics, and quantum technologies

Özçelik stated that the master's program at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is divided into different areas of study and said he plans to specialize in “Microelectronics, Photonics, and Quantum Technologies.” Özçelik stated that this field is suitable for his processor design work and added that quantum technologies would also open up new research areas for him. Özçelik said; “I think this is the most suitable field for processor design. Furthermore, thanks to the courses on quantum technologies, I can work on quantum processors instead of just developing computer processors.”

Özçelik gave advice to students aiming for an academic career

Özçelik stated that it is important for students aiming to pursue a master's or doctorate abroad to shape their projects and internships in line with their academic goals, and emphasized that conducting research, especially in university laboratories, can provide students with significant experiences. Özçelik stressed that students should focus on preparing for the program they will apply to, rather than just focusing on their GPA. Drawing from his own experience, he noted that working in university laboratories and guiding other students provided him with significant contributions.

Özçelik said; “The most important thing is to work specifically for the department you want to apply to. You need to choose your courses accordingly, do your projects accordingly, and develop yourself according to the field you will apply for.”

Özçelik stated that students aiming for an academic career should also consider this direction in their internship and project selections, and said, “I recommend that those who want to pursue a master's or doctorate make their projects and internships academia-oriented.”