Team

PROJECT LEAD


Meltem Anafarta Ş.

(Assoc. Prof., Psychotherapist,
Clinical Psychologist)
Ankara Social Sciences University,
Department of Psychology

Education

BSc: Middle East Technical University, Department of Psychology
MSc: Middle East Technical University, Clinical Psychology Program
PhD: Middle East Technical University, Clinical Psychology Program
Visiting Scholar: SUNY-Stony Brook, USD. Attachment Research Lab.

Expertise/Research Areas

Eating disorders, emotion regulation processes, attachment representation, intergenerational transmission of attachment

Project Responsibilities

Ensuring the research process progresses according to the designated plan
Coordinating and strengthening the communication among the project team for cohesive teamwork
Collaborating with professional stakeholders to support a multidisciplinary approach and encouraging national/international academic and scientific activities
Providing information and support through digital platforms (website, social media, etc.) for participants who are considering, undergoing, or have undergone surgery

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT


Eva Martins Conceição

(Prof. Dr., Clinical Health Psychologist)
Faculty of Psychology and
Education Sciences,
University of Porto

Education

MSc: University of Minho, School of Psychology, Clinical Psychology
PhD: University of Minho, School of Psychology, Clinical Psychology

Expertise/Research Areas

Eating disorders, Problematic eating behaviors, bariatric surgery, childhood/adolescent obesity, online interventions

Project Responsibilities

Provide information for the project by staying updated on global developments
Offer consultancy to enhance the scientific value and practical contributions of the project
Guide the in-depth interpretation of quantitative and qualitative study findings
Facilitate international academic and scientific collaborations

RESEARCHERS


Derya Özbek Şimşek

(PhD., Psychotherapist, Clinical Psychologist)
Postdoctoral researcher

Education

BSc: Hacettepe University, Department of Psychology
MA: Penn State University, USA. Applied Clinical Psychology Program
PhD: Middle East Technical University, Clinical Psychology Program

Expertise/Research Areas

Clinical practice of psychoanalysis, anxiety disorders, somatic symptoms, eating disorders, relationship conflicts and qualitative research

Project Responsibilities

Carrying out the qualitative study process
Planning and conducting individual meetings with our participants who are willing to share their stories with us.

Arcan Tığrak

(PhD., Developmental Psychologist,
MSc. in Biostatistics)
Kütahya Dumlupınar University,
Department of Primary Education

Education

BSc: Hacettepe University, Department of Psychology
MSc: Hacettepe University, Department of Biostatistics
PhD: Hacettepe University, Developmental Psychology

Expertise/Research Areas

Parenting, Self-Determination Theory, structural equation modeling, quantitative research methods

Project Responsibilities

Manage the online survey participation process and troubleshoot technical issues
Keep the website and social media accounts dynamic and up-to-date
Ensure the highest level of data security and participant confidentiality
Analyze research data and prepare comprehensive reports

Aybeniz Civan Kahve

(MD., Psychiatrist)
Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine,
Department of Psychiatry

Education

MD: Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine
Psychiatry Residency: Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Psychiatry Clinic

Expertise/Research Areas

Sexual Dysfunction, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Eating Disorders, Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health, Psychopharmacology

Project Responsibilities

Integrate psychiatric expertise into the project
Support participant outreach and project promotion
Enhance the project’s recognition among professional stakeholders
Explore interdisciplinary collaboration and joint activity opportunities
Provide appropriate guidance based on participants’ needs
Create informative content for the website

SCHOLARS


Ayten Altunsaray Akkaya

(Dietician)
Lokman Hekim University, Nutrition and Dietetic Master’s Student

Education

BSc: Gümüşhane University, Department of Nutrition and Dietetic

MSc: Lokman Hekim University, Health Sciences Institute, Nutrition and Dietetic (cont.)

Expertise/Research Areas

Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, Gastrointestinal system diseases, Microbiota, Product development in the Food Industry

Project Responsibilities

Engage with participants individually, promote the project, encourage participation, and organize the process
Provide necessary information to address participants’ questions and issues
Facilitate effective communication within the project team
Implement strict measures to protect data security and participant confidentiality

Merve Tutkun

(ASBÜ Undergraduate Psychology Student)

Education

BSc: Ankara Social Sciences University, Department of Psychology (cont.)

Expertise/Research Areas

Project Responsibilities

Engage with participants individually, promote the project, encourage participation, and organize the process
Provide necessary information to address participants’ questions and issues
Maintain the functionality of the website and social media channels, and solve potential problems
Facilitate effective communication within the project team
Implement strict measures to protect data security and participant confidentiality

VOLUNTEER-BASED PROJECT TEAM


Elif Sertdemir

(ASBÜ Undergraduate Psychology Student)

Ayşe Neslihan Arslan

(ASBÜ Undergraduate Psychology Student)

B. Canan Çiçek

(Psychologist, ASBÜ graduate)