CQN Profile: Benazir Fazlioglu-Yalcin

CQN?members, meet Benazir Fazlioglu-Yalcin, Bena, a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Mundy lab at Harvard. She joined the lab in October 2023.?

"Specifically, my focus lies in the realm of BaTiO3 thin films, which we grow on substrates using a very advanced technique known as Molecular Beam Epitaxy, sometimes referred to as atomic spraying," she explains. "This method operates within a reactor of ultra-high vacuum, meaning the reactor chamber contains nothing but the source materials. By employing this tool, we meticulously grow our materials atom by atom, resulting in thin films with exceptional quality, even better than those found in nature." Bena explains further what she envisions being able to do with these materials: "These high-caliber BaTiO3 thin films serve a crucial purpose in the development of electro-optic modulators, which are integral components of contemporary digital communications and internet infrastructure.?Our pursuit of superior BaTiO3 thin films in our ongoing research efforts has the potential to unveil numerous groundbreaking applications, including revolutionizing classical computer power into much faster quantum computing capabilities."

We asked Bena how she started on her journey as a scientist:?"I began my journey as an undergraduate student in the Chemistry department at Bogazici University. The reason behind my choice was twofold: Firstly, Bogazici stood out as the top university in Turkey, my home country. Secondly, I was intrigued by the study of change itself. I wanted to delve into the mechanisms of how things transform, whether for the better or worse. My aspiration was to contribute to understanding and influencing these changes for the betterment of our world.

??????Initially, I immersed myself in a lab focusing on cancer drugs as an undergrad. Later, I transitioned to a lab dedicated to solid oxide fuel cells in my Master studies, to potentially reduce carbon emissions on our planet. Eventually,?I moved to the US, got my Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at?Penn State and driven by the evolution of technology and societal needs, I pivoted towards synthesizing optimal materials (thin films) to maximize their application capabilities. This is where my career focus lies at present.

We were curious what first drew Bena to pursue science:

"My interest in STEM came up during my childhood, fueled by a deep admiration for individuals working in laboratories and pioneering innovations. Whether it was a groundbreaking drug to cure diseases, a device simplifying our lives, or a theory unraveling the mysteries of the universe, these achievements fueled immense excitement and inspiration within me. I always?wanted?to be a part of this world of discovery. ??????I recall my fascination with the everyday devices we use, pondering over the minds behind their creation and the journey to their invention. As I progressed through high school, my aspiration continued -- I wanted to be the scientist who creates something transformative, contributing to a better future for all and motivating the next generation with the possibility of turning dreams into reality."

We also wondered what Bena likes to do when not in the lab: "Outside of the lab, I strive to deepen my understanding of the world in order to better appreciate it and share my insights with those around me. This could include exploring historical sites to learn about past generations, visiting museums, immersing myself in nature through walks, indulging in novel reading, and, of course, engaging in creative pursuits while absorbing information from my surroundings. I enjoy activities such as pencil drawing, painting, and woodburning as means of expression and relaxation."

We're grateful to have Bena, with her unique skills and perspective, contributing to the work of?CQN.