This week Bilkent News interviewed Ýrfan Bulu, who graduated from Bilkent University and
is currently a Ph.D. student in the Department of Physics here at Bilkent. Ýrfan Bulu
will begin his post-doctoral studies at Harvard University in the near future.
Bilkent News: Mr. Bulu, would you talk briefly about yourself?
Ýrfan Bulu: I was born and received my primary education in Malatya.
Afterwards, I went to Adana Science High School, and I chose Bilkent University for my
undergraduate education. I studied Physics at Bilkent and also earned my M.Sc. here. I am
about to finish my Ph.D.
B. N.: Which field have you concentrated on within Physics?
Ý. Bulu: In recent years especially, I am working on rapidly advancing
fields such as photonic crystals, metamaterials and surface plasmons.
B. N.: When did you first come to Bilkent University? How do you perceive
the educational and research-based performance of Bilkent?
Ý. Bulu: I came to Bilkent in 1996. Since I first came here, Bilkent has
developed greatly. Every institution has some positive and negative aspects; but on
average, Bilkent is a good institution and it provides good opportunities to those who
want to learn and develop themselves. The instructors and researchers have proved
themselves in their fields. In my opinion, the most important factors in the success of a
person is a qualified team, a suitable environment, and a leading supervisor.
B. N.: You were accepted to do your post-doctoral studies at Harvard
University. What are you planning to do in the short and long run?
Ý. Bulu: This year was my application year, and I was thinking about
applying to Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Cal-Tech and a few other universities. One of my
friends at Harvard, who learned about my application status, talked to one of his
professors about me. Afterwards, that professor sent me an e-mail, inviting me to work
with him. I had already known this professor for a long time, and decided to continue my
academic career with him after receiving my Ph.D.
B. N.: What are the advantages of a career in academia?
Ý. Bulu: I have a couple of reasons for choosing an academic career.
First of all, you have freedom when you are in the academic sphere. Being able to produce
and assert a new idea, and experimenting on those ideas are the signs of academic freedom.
Secondly, I enjoy my field and my projects, which is also important.
B. N.: You grew up in a modest environment, where the educational and
social opportunities were relatively limited, and you are currently working on projects
that everyone envies. Therefore, what can you say about providing equal opportunity to
people in Turkey?
Ý. Bulu: It is evident that there are some problems in Turkey related to
educational and social opportunities. However, every country experiences similar problems.
If you want to change your fate, you can work and exceed those limitations. My family
provided great support to me and I think everyone can be successful as a result of working
hard and believing in yourself.
B. N.: Do you want to add anything? Or give a message to Bilkent
students?
Ý. Bulu: There is a tendency to think that success is personal. I do not
agree. Success depends on multiple elements. For instance, I am only one of those
elements. I am working with Prof. Ekmel Özbay, who is an acknowledged and admired
scientist. I am in a good research group, and we are supported by our department. All of
them are important.
Erkan Bayýr (MBG/III)
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