About Me
In the broad sense, I summarize my research interests with this question: “What new knowledge of physics and the universe can we unveil by studying phenomena in the sky?” I am especially passionate about improving our understanding of physics by probing the mysterious processes, geometries, and transient behaviour of compact objects, as well as developing novel tools to study the diverse mysteries of our universe.
Before Caltech, I completed my PhD at the University of British Columbia and my MSc at Sabancı University in Istanbul. I also hold a double BSc in Physics and Industrial Engineering from Koç University.
When I'm not chasing compact objects…
You'll find me doing yoga, dancing bachata, playing volleyball, or learning a new language (1200+ days on Duolingo and counting). My curiosity stretches well beyond astrophysics, from the arts and science communication to the creative possibilities of artistic and scientific data visualization.
Research
My work explores some of the most energetic and exotic corners of the universe, using multi-wavelength observations, novel data analysis techniques and theoretical modelling.
Astrostatistics & Data Science
My statistical methods for high-energy astrophysics span Bayesian, frequentist and entropy-based techniques, such as Wiener deconvolution and mutual information. This includes building large-scale data processing pipelines for X-ray data.
Black Holes & Accretion
I develop and adapt novel timing methodologies to study time lags and reverberation mapping in accreting black holes, probing the geometry of accretion disks and relativistic jets.
Magnetars
Magnetars are neutron stars with the most powerful magnetic fields in the universe! I study them through theoretical modelling, time-resolved spectroscopy, and X-ray polarimetry. Here is a public database of over 1,500 magnetar bursts that I led broadband spectral analysis for.
Multi-wavelength Astronomy
I combine X-ray data with optical and radio observations to build comprehensive pictures of compact objects, from transient outbursts to steady-state accretion.
Instrumentation & Future Missions
I enjoy contributing to the science cases and simulations for next-generation X-ray observatories, including AXIS and the Colibri telescope concept. I've also worked as a member of the IXPE and NuSTAR Science Teams.
Neutron Stars & Pulsars
I use X-ray polarization to probe the geometry and physics of neutron stars. This includes studying the complex rotational dynamics and polarization properties across various bands.
Selected Awards & Distinctions
Selected Publications
First-author and selected co-author works. For a complete list, see my profile links below.
Selected Papers
Crab pulsar: IXPE observations reveal unified polarization properties in the optical and soft X-ray bands
Astronomy & Astrophysics, 693, A152
DOI →The Advanced X-ray Imaging Satellite Community Science Book
arXiv preprint
arXiv →Complex rotational dynamics of the neutron star in Hercules X-1 revealed by X-ray polarization
Nature Astronomy, 8, 1047–1053
DOI →The detection of polarized X-ray emission from the magnetar 1E 2259+586
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 527(4), 12219–12231
DOI →Probing magnetars using spectral lines with future telescopes
Proceedings of the IAU Symposium No. 363: Neutron Star Astrophysics at the Crossroads
DOI →Broadband spectral investigations of magnetar bursts
The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, 232(1)
DOI → Database →Selected Talks
The Science of Being Late: From Stadiums to Black Holes
Caltech Postdocs Launch Seminar, Pasadena, CA
Compact Objects through Novel Timing Methodologies
AAS HEAD Session · American Astronomical Society Meeting, Pasadena, CA
Time Lags in Astronomy through Novel Timing Methodologies
Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA) Annual General Meeting
★ Best Talk Award, CASCA BoardExploring Compact Objects with Spectral Lines: Then, Now and Beyond
Istanbul University Observatory
Watch →PhD Dissertation
"New tricks for old stars: studying compact objects through novel methodologies in timing, energy and imaging"
University of British Columbia, 2025 ·
Read it here →
Academic Service
Here's a (probably non-comprehensive) list of my efforts for the scientific community through mission science teams and peer review.
Science Teams
- 2025–PresentMember, Caltech NuSTAR Science Team
- 2022–PresentMember, IXPE Science Team
- 2022–2026Member, AXIS Compact Objects & Supernova Remnants Science Working Group
- 2018–PresentMember, Colibrí X-ray Telescope Science Working Group
Peer Review & Panels
- 2026Reviewer Panelist, NuSTAR 12th General Observing Cycle
- 2025Reviewer Panelist, NASA IXPE 3rd General Observing Cycle
- 2026Proposal Reviewer, Caltech SURF Program
Conference & Community
- 2026Session Chair, AAS HEAD Meeting, Pasadena, CA
- 2026Chambliss Poster Judge, AAS HEAD Meeting, Pasadena, CA
- 2026Judge, Caltech Vodopia-Hasson SURF Summer Poster Competition
- 2022–2025Member, Canadian Space Agency Space Astronomy Topical Team: High Energy Astrophysics & Gravitational Waves
Science Communication & Media
I'm passionate about science communication and public outreach. Here's some of my past work in this space. Feel free to reach out with outreach ideas!
- "What Delayed Light Tells Us About Black Holes," Explore JPL, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Oct 2026
- "Black Holes and Delayed Encores," Astro on Tap, Great Basin Dark Sky Festival, Sep 2026
- "Living and Zombie Stars," St. John's College, UBC, 2022
- "A Journey Through the Life of the Sun," H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver, 2019
NuSTAR Observes a Transient Magnetar
A news piece I wrote for the NuSTAR team on the mission's observations of the transient magnetar 1E 1547.0-5408, probing its connection to Fast Radio Bursts.
READ →The Field That Rends the Light
An Astrobites article I helped shape, featuring my visualization from the 1E 2259+586 IXPE paper.
READ →IXPE Solves 50-Year-Old Mystery of Wobbling Neutron Star
Our Nature Astronomy paper on Her X-1's complex rotational dynamics, as covered by UBC.
READ →IXPE: X-ray Polarization from a Magnetar Outburst
Science news coverage of the first magnetar X-ray polarization measurement.
READ →Building Community During the Pandemic
On my work as Residence Community Coordinator at St. John's College during COVID-19.
READ →Scientific & Artistic Visualization
I'm deeply interested in the intersection of science and art through data visualization for astrophysics. My channel features visualizations of black holes, neutron stars, and more.
WATCH →Gallery
I love that science has taken me to some extraordinary places! Here are a few.
Get in Touch
Whether you're interested in collaborations, science outreach, or just want to talk about some data or how beautifully weird compact objects are, my inbox is open.
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA, USA