Oh, that ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ moment…

I am a product researcher who blends qualitative and quantitative research to uncover user and customer experiences, behavior, needs, and motivations. I’ve led multiple end-to-end research projects in fast-moving start-up and agency environments in Turkey’s extremely volatile economy where speed, adaptability, and strategic thinking are non-negotiable. Combining these three, my work has helped shape award-winning products and services that truly resonate with users and provide them with a memorable but seamless experience.

“So…you have a PhD?” 🤔 I still get this question-cum-skepticism a lot. Yep, I do have a PhD, and I am absolutely proud of it! But I get it—there’s a stereotype that people with PhDs are too slow, academic, and out of touch with the fast-paced demands of the industry. I am not your typical PhD. 

Of course, I am passionate about exploring the intersection of culture, technology, and human behavior (all cultural anthropologists are)!! But I approach this passion with intention to build the right product or service and build it right, where fast doesn’t mean “rushed” or “crappy.” It’s about knowing where to dig, prioritizing the right research questions, picking the right methods, and being resourceful and flexible —in short, getting more out of less.

Working across digital, analog, and service-based products has given me a holistic product vision. I can connect the dots between user needs, stakeholder demands, business goals, and technical possibilities to consider the full picture of a product’s roadmap, purpose, and potential —and turn that vision into actionable outcomes. My background in cultural anthropology equips me with an additional lens for spotting the broader social context and dynamics that shape products and user interactions.

I am a self-starter at heart who thrives on collaboration — whether that be working within cross-functional teams, partnering with multiple stakeholders, or mentoring others to help them think strategically and creatively about user needs. For me, creating user-centered solutions is also about building strong relationships and keeping communication flowing.

Some random facts about me:

• I have a crippling dependency on coffee and praliné milk chocolate. On most days, this combination is my breakfast.

• I receive regular calls from friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors asking for plant advice because I have a green thumb and an endless curiosity about all things green. 🪴

• I suck at posing for photos. I’m sure you guessed that one.

• I am a seasoned sculler and was twice a member of the Turkish National Team.

• Like any cat owner, I am convinced my cats are the best cats on earth. 🐈👉🏼

• I once worked as an Assistant Director (AD) in the film sector, analyzing scenes and identifying production elements to turn scripts into detailed shooting plans and schedules. Now, I use those analytical powers to design services and customer experiences.

• I eat everything—except peas. My dislike for peas cannot be overstated.