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Aydolun Petenkaya, who completed Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Department of Genetics and Bioengineering as a top student with a full scholarship and conducted many research studies during her education, entered the radar of universities in America. Receiving a PhD scholarship offer from 3 different universities, Petenkaya used her preference for the world-famous University of Illinois in Chicago, USA. Petenkaya, who was chosen among hundreds of students from across the world, and qualified to receive scholarship for the university’s  "bioinformatics" program from Turkey this year, will go to America on August 24 and stay there for 5 years. All education and living expenses of Petenkaya will be covered by the university in America.

Aydolun Petenkaya (22) from Izmir, who started to be interested in the field of genetics since high school and wanted to develop different projects and software in the field of genetic engineering, entered the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Izmir University of Economics in 2016,  the only one in the field in the Aegean Region. Petenkaya, who started her education with full scholarship, developed herself in a short period of time and also attracted attention with her researches to solve the genetic codes of diseases. Rapidly raising the bar of success with her diligence, projects and interest in the field of education, Petenkaya has set her target abroad for doctoral education.

PASSED THE EXAM SUCCESSFULLY

Petenkaya, who successfully passed the GRE exam that students who want to study for postgraduate education take in America, has taken a giant step to reach her goal.

In addition to her academic success, taking the reference support of academics in IUE, Petenkaya was invited by 3 universities in USA. University of Illinois, George Mason University and Arizona State University offered full scholarship to Petenkaya for her doctorate education. Petenkaya preferred University of Illinois in Chicago in the competition in which 3 universities in the USA competed for her.

I WANT TO SOLVE GENETIC CODES

Petenkaya, who achieved a significant success at a young age, said that she was excited to go to America and wanted to make the best use of the opportunity offered to her. Petenkaya said, “Bioinformatics is a field that analyzes complex genetic data. I want to decipher the hidden genetic codes in our body. I see that this field is getting more and more important in our world that is going through a pandemic exam right now. We have experienced lecturers who came to our university from reputable institutions abroad in my department and faculty. Their support, their guidance to study in the United States and my classes being in completely English have been very effective in my success. Our academics with strong connections in my department also provided me with reference support. I'm excited and proud to be going to America. This training, which I see as an opportunity to improve myself and reach my goals, is very important for me.”

I WILL BE BACK TO MY COUNTRY

Petenkaya stated the following: “My goal is to return to my country after studying in the USA. I want to continue my academic career or pursue a career in the field of pharmaceuticals. Doing scientific research in Turkey, serving my country makes me very happy. I will do my best not to let down those who trust me. In a sense, I would be representing Turkey in America. 5 years is not a long period indeed. I would like to encourage students who will come after me by spending this time efficiently.”