Feyza Cetin
Position title: Honorary Fellow
Furkan Camci
Position title: Honorary Fellow
Murat Yildirim, MD
Position title: Honorary Fellow
Nur Aycan
Position title: Honorary Fellow
Irem Isik
Alumni Testimonial from Irem Isik:
“I first joined the Cengiz Lab at the Waisman Center in 2022 as a summer research observer, where I was introduced to the world of translational neuroscience and the immense potential of bench research to shape clinical care. That experience left a lasting impression on me and sparked my ambition to pursue a career as a physician-scientist. I returned to the lab in 2023 to lead an independent project examining sex-based differences in brain neurosteroid levels following neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)–a project that deepened both my technical skills and my appreciation for rigorous, hypothesis-driven research.
What truly sets the Cengiz Lab apart is its sense of family. The environment is one of genuine mentorship, collaboration, and shared curiosity. Every member brings a wealth of experience and takes time to support others, whether that means discussing experimental design, analyzing data together, or simply offering encouragement on challenging days. It’s a place where asking questions and thinking critically are not just welcomed, but expected.
Working with Dr. Pelin Cengiz has been an incredible privilege. Her mentorship has shaped the way I think as both a scientist and a future clinician. She leads with kindness, precision, and an unwavering commitment to advancing care for children. Under her guidance, I’ve come to believe more strongly than ever that meaningful progress in pediatrics begins by bridging the gap between the bench and the bedside.
My time in the Cengiz Lab has had a profound influence on the kind of clinician I aspire to be. It taught me that the answers to our most pressing clinical questions often begin with curiosity in the lab, and that persistence, empathy, and teamwork are just as vital in research as they are in medicine. I leave with not only a solid foundation in research skills but also a remarkable network of mentors and colleagues, and a deep gratitude for having been part of such a supportive, inspiring scientific family.”