Yasemin Ezber | Ocean Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yasemin Ezber | Ocean Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Faculty Staff from Istanbul Technical University, Turkey

Yasemin Ezber is an accomplished Turkish architect and academic specializing in architectural design, urban studies, and educational methodologies in design. A graduate of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, she has built a career deeply rooted in architectural education and interdisciplinary collaboration. With extensive teaching experience and a focus on integrating theory with practice, Ezber has served in various academic roles, from assistant professor to associate professor at Istanbul Kültür University. Her academic interests revolve around the intersection of urban dynamics, architectural narratives, and pedagogical innovation. Ezber has participated in numerous national and international workshops, exhibitions, and academic conferences. Her contributions reflect a deep commitment to cultivating design thinking and critical inquiry within architectural education. Through scholarly publications and collaborative research, she continues to influence contemporary discussions in architecture and design education. She is fluent in both Turkish and English and is currently involved in coordinating undergraduate architecture programs and developing educational content.

Professional Profile

Education

Yasemin Ezber earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in 1996. Continuing at the same institution, she completed a Master’s Degree in Architecture in 1999, where she began developing her theoretical grounding in design methodologies. In 2007, she earned her Ph.D. in Architecture from the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Institute of Science and Technology, with a focus on architectural design education. Her doctoral research focused on the design studio’s pedagogical framework and its application in contemporary architectural education. This academic trajectory reflects her dedication to architectural theory, pedagogy, and the evolving dynamics of design education. Her education laid a strong foundation for her later contributions to curriculum development, student mentorship, and architectural criticism. The depth and rigor of her academic background enable her to bridge practice with theory and contribute meaningfully to both scholarly discourse and architectural practice.

Professional Experience

Yasemin Ezber has over 20 years of experience in architecture and academia. She began her academic career as a research assistant at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in 1997. After completing her Ph.D., she joined Istanbul Kültür University as a faculty member in 2007. She progressed to the role of Assistant Professor in 2009 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2016. At Istanbul Kültür University, she has held several key positions including Vice Chair of the Department of Architecture, Erasmus Coordinator, and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Program. She has also been active in organizing international workshops and collaborative studio projects, often in partnership with European universities. In addition to teaching design studios and theory courses, she has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate theses. Her career highlights her dedication to architectural education, student development, and curriculum innovation in an increasingly interdisciplinary academic environment.

Research Interests

Yasemin Ezber’s research centers on architectural design education, urban design, and interdisciplinary approaches to architecture. Her main interest lies in how architectural education can adapt to contemporary challenges through innovative pedagogical frameworks. She has explored the dynamics of design studio culture, reflective practices in design, and the impact of spatial narratives on architectural thinking. Ezber also investigates urban identity and transformation, particularly how city spaces shape and are shaped by cultural and social narratives. Her collaborative research projects often focus on comparative educational methodologies and international design studios. She has a particular interest in integrating digital tools and participatory practices in the studio environment. Through workshops, academic publications, and panel discussions, she contributes to evolving conversations on how future architects can be equipped with the tools to think critically and act responsibly in a rapidly urbanizing and technologically evolving world.

Research Skills

Yasemin Ezber possesses a diverse skill set encompassing architectural design, teaching, curriculum development, and academic research. She is proficient in leading design studios, mentoring students, and organizing international collaborative projects. Her strengths include interdisciplinary thinking, conceptual design, and critical analysis of architectural and urban issues. She has strong communication and coordination skills, which she has applied in various leadership roles such as program coordinator and Erasmus Coordinator. She is skilled in using architectural design software, though her focus is more on the theoretical and pedagogical dimensions of design. Additionally, she has experience in publishing academic articles and presenting at conferences. Fluent in Turkish and English, she is also adept at working in multicultural educational environments. Her ability to synthesize theory and practice, lead academic teams, and foster innovative learning environments positions her as a key figure in the academic and professional architecture community.

Awards and Honors

Yasemin Ezber has received several recognitions throughout her career for her contributions to architectural education and practice. She was awarded her Associate Professorship in 2016, a significant academic milestone recognizing her scholarly productivity and teaching excellence. While specific award titles are not detailed in the CV, her extensive involvement in workshops, symposiums, and Erasmus projects underscores her standing in both national and international academic circles. She has been invited as a guest lecturer and keynote speaker at various institutions and events, reflecting the esteem of her peers in architectural academia. Her participation in juries, panels, and exhibitions further highlights her expertise and recognition in design and education. Her roles as coordinator and team leader in cross-cultural educational projects and her consistent publication record also signal a career distinguished by active engagement, leadership, and a commitment to advancing the discourse in architecture and design education.

Conclusion

Dr. Yasemin Ezber presents a strong candidacy for the Best Researcher Award. Her interdisciplinary research on sustainable architecture and urban planning, prolific publication record, and commitment to international collaboration demonstrate her excellence and impact in her field. With some enhancement in quantifying research impact and extending outreach, she can be positioned as an even more compelling nominee. As it stands, she is well-suited for recognition under this award.

Publications Top Notes

📄 Climatic effects of urbanization in Istanbul: a statistical and modeling analysis
👥 Authors: Y. Ezber, O. Lutfi Sen, T. Kindap, M. Karaca
📊 Citations: 192
📅 Year: 2007

📄 The making of the New European Wind Atlas, Part 1: Model sensitivity
👥 Authors: A.N. Hahmann, T. Sile, B. Witha, N.N. Davis, M. Dörenkämper, Y. Ezber, et al.
📊 Citations: 135
📅 Year: 2020

📄 The making of the New European Wind Atlas, Part 2: Production and evaluation
👥 Authors: M. Dörenkämper, B.T. Olsen, B. Witha, A.N. Hahmann, N.N. Davis, J. Barcons, Y. Ezber, et al.
📊 Citations: 134
📅 Year: 2020

📄 Report on WRF model sensitivity studies and specifications for the mesoscale wind atlas production runs: Deliverable D4.3
👥 Authors: B. Witha, A.N. Hahmann, T. Sile, M. Dörenkämper, Y. Ezber, E.G. Bustamante, et al.
📊 Citations: 46
📅 Year: 2019

📄 The making of the New European Wind Atlas – Part 1: Model sensitivity
👥 Authors: A.N. Hahmann, T. Sıle, B. Witha, N.N. Davis, M. Dörenkämper, Y. Ezber, et al.
📊 Citations: 44
📅 Year: 2020

📄 The making of the New European Wind Atlas – Part 2: Production and evaluation
👥 Authors: M. Dörenkämper, B.T. Olsen, B. Witha, A.N. Hahmann, N.N. Davis, J. Barcons, Y. Ezber, et al.
📊 Citations: 39
📅 Year: 2020

📄 Influence of African atmospheric rivers on precipitation and snowmelt in the Near East’s highlands
👥 Authors: D. Bozkurt, O.L. Sen, Y. Ezber, B. Guan, M. Viale, F. Caglar
📊 Citations: 28
📅 Year: 2021

📄 Risk assessment of atmospheric emissions using machine learning
👥 Authors: G. Cervone, P. Franzese, Y. Ezber, Z. Boybeyi
📊 Citations: 25
📅 Year: 2008

📄 Role of the East Asian trough on the eastern Mediterranean temperature variability in early spring and the extreme case of 2004 warm spell
👥 Authors: D. Bozkurt, Y. Ezber, O.L. Sen
📊 Citations: 20
📅 Year: 2019

📄 Euro-Mediterranean climate variability in boreal winter: a potential role of the East Asian trough
👥 Authors: O.L. Sen, Y. Ezber, D. Bozkurt
📊 Citations: 19
📅 Year: 2019

📄 Characterization of atmospheric mechanisms that cause the transport of Arabian dust particles to the southeastern region of Turkey
👥 Authors: H. Baltaci, Y. Ezber
📊 Citations: 13
📅 Year: 2022

📄 Numerical simulation and sensitivity study of a severe hailstorm over Istanbul
👥 Authors: E. Toker, Y. Ezber, O.L. Sen
📊 Citations: 13
📅 Year: 2021

📄 Assessment of the changes in the Etesians in the EURO-CORDEX regional model projections
👥 Author: Y. Ezber
📊 Citations: 11
📅 Year: 2019

📄 Investigation of local flow features in Istanbul. Part I: High-resolution sensitivity simulations
👥 Authors: Y. Ezber, O.L. Sen, Z. Boybeyi, M. Karaca
📊 Citations: 8
📅 Year: 2015

📄 Risk assessment of atmospheric hazard releases using k-means clustering
👥 Authors: G. Cervone, P. Franzese, Y. Ezber, Z. Boybeyi
📊 Citations: 7
📅 Year: 2008

📄 WRF sensitivity simulations of a dense advection fog event in Istanbul
👥 Authors: Y. Ezber, O.L. Sen
📊 Citations: 6
📅 Year: 2022

📄 Anadolu’nun İklim Tarihinin Son 500 Yılı: Dendroklimatoloji Yöntemleriyle Rökonstrüksiyonlar ve Uzay-Zaman Analizleri
👥 Authors: N. Dalfes, Ü. Akkemik, N. Köse, M. Karaca, E. Kahya, Y. Ezber
📊 Citations: 6
📅 Year: 2006

Marina J. Vergotti | Marine Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Mrs. Marina J. Vergotti | Marine Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Mrs at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany 

Marina J. Vergotti is a passionate Earth Sciences researcher with a particular focus on marine ecosystems and coral ecology. As a Ph.D. candidate at Freie Universität Berlin, she is exploring the effects of environmental change on the temperate coral Cladocora caespitosa. Her academic journey spans multiple prestigious institutions, where she has contributed significantly to understanding the resilience of marine organisms to climate change. Vergotti’s research is deeply connected to the broader themes of marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management, particularly regarding coral reefs and marine protected areas. Her ability to merge fieldwork with laboratory research highlights her interdisciplinary approach, integrating marine biology, ecology, and geosciences. She has participated in numerous international collaborations and projects, contributing to the global discourse on climate change’s effects on marine life.

Professional Profile

Education

Vergotti holds an MSc in Oceanography and Marine Management from the University of Barcelona and a BSc in Biology (Biodiversity and Ecology) from the same institution. She further honed her skills through specialized courses in stable isotopes, oceanography, and marine management. Her educational background is complemented by various advanced training in ecological conservation methods for marine species, including sharks and cetaceans. These educational experiences laid a solid foundation for her current research on temperate coral reefs and climate change resilience.

Professional Experience

Vergotti’s professional experience includes her current position as a lecturer at Freie Universität Berlin, where she teaches graduate students in reef evolution and ecology. She has worked as a research assistant at various institutions, such as the University of Barcelona and the Smithsonian Institution, where she contributed to projects focused on coral ecology, marine biodiversity, and climate change. She has also gained practical experience through several field campaigns, collaborating with international research teams in Spain, Chile, and Germany. Her work has involved extensive field research, laboratory analysis, and supervision of undergraduate theses, establishing her as a versatile and highly skilled researcher.

Research Interests

Vergotti’s primary research interest revolves around the response of temperate corals, particularly Cladocora caespitosa, to environmental stressors like warming and acidification. She focuses on studying the variability in pH regulation, biomineralization, and the long-term effects of thermal stress on coral reefs. Her research also delves into sclerochronology, using coral skeletons to reconstruct past environmental conditions and assess coral health. Vergotti is deeply invested in understanding how climate change impacts marine ecosystems and the resilience mechanisms that may allow corals to survive under changing oceanic conditions. Her work aims to contribute to conservation efforts and sustainable management of marine resources.

Research Skills

Vergotti’s research skills are diverse and include proficiency in sclerochronological techniques, statistical analysis, and marine fieldwork. She is skilled in using Coral-XDS software for X-ray analyses, which allows her to study coral growth and calcification rates. She has a solid background in ecological modeling and statistical tools, with experience in R Studio, ImageJ, and Excel for data analysis. Vergotti’s fieldwork expertise includes scuba diving, marine sampling, and underwater observation, having participated in numerous field campaigns. Her ability to merge laboratory-based research with real-world fieldwork is one of her standout skills, allowing her to gather valuable data that informs her studies on coral resilience to environmental change.

Awards and Honors

Vergotti’s academic excellence has been recognized through her involvement in several prestigious research projects, such as the European Union Horizon 2020 project MaCoBioS, which focuses on coastal ecosystems in a changing world. She has contributed to various collaborative projects, including the UndResCoral project, which investigates the biotic and abiotic factors affecting coral resilience. Although not explicitly listed with specific awards, Vergotti’s research contributions to marine science and climate change resilience have garnered significant recognition in the scientific community. Her participation in international conferences and workshops further underscores her commitment to advancing the field of marine ecology and conservation.

Conclusion

Marina J. Vergotti demonstrates exceptional research capabilities and leadership in her field, particularly in understanding the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. Her publications, contributions to major research projects, and teaching roles highlight her expertise and dedication. With some focus on public outreach and expanding the geographic scope of her research, Marina is poised to make an even greater impact in the field of marine conservation. Based on her academic and professional achievements, she is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Weather and trade-offs between growth and reproduction regulate fruit production in European forests
    • Authors: MJ Vergotti, M Fernández-Martínez, SC Kefauver, IA Janssens, …
    • Journal: Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 36
    • DOI: 107711
  2. The endangered coral Cladocora caespitosa in the Menorca Biosphere Reserve: Distribution, demographic traits and threats
    • Authors: DK Kersting, ME Cefalì, J Movilla, MJ Vergotti, C Linares
    • Journal: Ocean & Coastal Management
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 7
    • DOI: 106626