My name is Zeliha Ece, and I graduated from Sabancı University with a degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering. I grew up and completed my undergraduate education in Türkiye, a country that shaped both my academic foundation and my sense of purpose. Moving from Türkiye to Ireland later became not only a geographical transition but also the beginning of a new chapter in my personal and scientific journey. Since my childhood, I have lived with the dream of becoming someone who makes a meaningful difference for humanity. To pursue this dream, I have worked both professionally and voluntarily in non-governmental organizations, striving to improve the lives of young girls and to be a strong role model for them.
One of the most transformative experiences during this time was my work with young girls in the Girls Without Barriers (Kızlar Atakta) Project. While supporting and encouraging them was deeply meaningful, it was there that I realised something important. Passion alone was not enough. If I truly wanted to inspire them and help them imagine new visions and goals for their future, I needed to grow stronger in my own path by developing my knowledge, gaining more experience, and becoming a more confident and capable role model for the next generation of young women.
At that time, I was working in industry, but instead of feeling fulfilled, I increasingly felt stuck. The work I was doing was no longer feeding my curiosity or my passion for improving myself. I started to feel as though I was slowly moving away from the purpose that had motivated me since childhood. I knew that if I truly wanted to become the strong role model I dreamed of being, I needed to find a new path.
Then came the decision that would quietly change everything. My partner and I decided to move to Ireland.
While researching possible career opportunities after the move, I initially searched for industry positions. But somewhere along the way, my search shifted. Instead of companies, I found myself exploring university opportunities, research projects, and master’s programs. It was in that moment that I asked myself a simple but transformative question. Why not return to academia and follow the passion that had always lived within me?
During this search, I came across a master’s opportunity at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). The project focused on developing polymer-based materials for photothermal cancer therapy and antimicrobial coatings, innovative approaches with strong potential for public health applications. The challenge was clear. The project was strongly rooted in polymer engineering, a field that was unfamiliar to me.
At first, I questioned whether I could really succeed in such a different discipline. Stepping into an entirely new field felt intimidating. But then I realised that this was actually a powerful opportunity to pursue the purpose that had been driving me since the beginning. Polymer science is still a field where women are underrepresented, and combining my background in biological sciences with this discipline could allow me to contribute to innovative solutions in public health while also becoming a strong role model for young girls and women who dream of pursuing careers in science.
Motivated by this vision, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and follow this opportunity. When I arrived at TUS and stepped into the university for the first time, it felt as though a new chapter of my life had quietly begun. From the very beginning, my experience at TUS confirmed that I had made the right decision. My supervisors and research team have created a supportive and encouraging environment that inspires me every day. Their guidance has not only shaped my research but has also helped me grow into a more confident and independent researcher. At the same time, the global and multidisciplinary atmosphere at TUS constantly reminds me how powerful collaboration in science can be. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds and perspectives creates an inspiring environment where research, curiosity, and innovation are truly encouraged. For anyone considering studying abroad, TUS offers a place where you can grow both academically and personally while feeling part of a vibrant international community.
By the sixth month of my master’s program, something became clear to me. This was exactly where I was meant to be. The passion I once felt uncertain about had returned stronger than ever. With the encouragement of my supervisors, I decided to take the next step and transfer into a PhD program at the end of my first year. After successfully completing my PhD transfer viva, I officially began my journey as a PhD student.
It felt as though a door had opened to an endless source of curiosity and discovery where every question leads to a new possibility. Today, my research focuses on developing materials that can convert light into heat. These materials have promising applications in antimicrobial technologies and photothermal cancer therapy. The possibility that this work may one day contribute to improving public health is what continues to motivate me every day.
If you are someone who feels stuck, uncertain, or unsure of the path ahead, remember this. Sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin with a single step into the unknown.
Trust the quiet voice of your passion. Follow the path that calls you forward. Because often, the path that feels the most uncertain is the one that leads you exactly where you are meant to be.
Perhaps that is why, outside my research and university life, one of the things I enjoy most about Ireland is exploring its beautiful trekking routes. Walking through breathtaking landscapes reminds me that every journey begins with a single step, and sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones we dare to follow.