Dr. Seçil Gönültaş stands as a beacon in the realm of adolescent psychology, particularly in her nuanced exploration of bullying, bystander intervention, and intergroup relations. Her prolific body of work, ranging from the social inclusion of refugee and native peers to the intricate dynamics of theory of mind, showcases not only her academic rigor but also her deep commitment to understanding the multifaceted experiences of young individuals. Dr. Gönültaş's research, especially her focus on bias-based bullying and the experiences of immigrants and refugees, is a testament to her empathy and dedication to fostering inclusivity and understanding. Beyond her impressive academic achievements, her work reflects a character deeply invested in the betterment of society, driven by a genuine desire to bridge divides and champion the cause of marginalized groups. Her contributions to the field are both invaluable and inspiring, painting a picture of a researcher whose heart and intellect work in tandem to illuminate the complexities of human behavior and relationships.

Abdullah Atalar, a distinguished applied physicist and former rector of Bilkent University, has had a remarkable journey marked by academic excellence and impactful leadership. From his early days as a top student, graduating with a perfect 4.00 GPA from Middle East Technical University (METU), he showcased his commitment to learning and research. His academic journey laid the foundation for a successful career bridging academia and industry, offering valuable insights into their similarities and differences.

At Stanford University, Atalar gained further experiences that influenced his perspective on education and research. His tenure as the rector of Bilkent University for 12 years allowed him to understand the intricacies of university leadership, making important decisions that shaped the institution.

Dr. Atalar's dedication to improving higher education is evident in his work on innovative funding solutions for universities in developing countries, addressing critical global challenges in academia.

Throughout his career, Atalar's passion for advancing imaging techniques, particularly in acoustic and atomic force microscopy, has been central. His pioneering work in these areas showcases his commitment to scientific exploration and precision.

Looking forward, Abdullah Atalar continues to explore new research frontiers, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of applied physics. His life and career stand as a beacon of inspiration for those aspiring to make a significant impact in the world of science and education.

Here is our conversation, welcome to the Spectrum of Science.

Today, we're thrilled to have Dr. Miri Besken, a distinguished figure in psychological research, especially in the realms of memory and metamemory. Dr. Besken's groundbreaking work has significantly advanced our understanding of how we perceive and predict our memory processes, particularly through her exploration of the perceptual fluency hypothesis.

In today's episode, we're eager to explore Dr. Besken's journey in science, her impactful research, and how her findings bridge the gap between complex psychological theories and everyday understanding. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Miri Besken to the Spectrum of Science podcast.