Tugce Aldemir
Pennsylvania State University

My name is Tugce Aldemir, and I am a PhD candidate in Learning, Design and Technology major at Pennsylvania State University. I received my bachelor’s and M.S. degrees in Computer Education and Instructional Technology major at Middle East Technical University in Turkey. I also studied in Information Design major at FH Johanneum-University of Applied Science in Graz, Austria.

I have been involving in AECT for two years. I was selected as Design and Development Division Board Representative previous year, and I have earned the privilege of serving for this multicultural and extremely productive community. This year, I am running for the President-Elect Positon of Graduate Student Assembly, and would be honored to take on a leadership role in order to gain valuable perspectives on the needs of both professional members and students.

I believe unknown induces fear, and fear leads to hatred. We, as future-educational-change-agents, can impede this outcome by destroying the boundaries among people with equal opportunities of seeing the world from different windows. GSA, as a hub for creative, transformative, and powerful initiatives formed by a diverse group of devoted professionals, stands as a path to contribute to this ideal. So, I believe, GSA seeks to enhance the network among graduate students and experienced professionals, which extends beyond AECT boundaries, and initiate ideas to provide graduate students with professional development opportunities.

If given the privilege to serve for this position, I am looking forward to putting all efforts required to contribute to these purposes. Getting inspired from the amazing works of the previous presidents, I aim to help forward the vision of GSA by assisting with opportunities to extend collaborative networks and professional development opportunities. I am ready to devote my enthusiasm and energy for this community to whom I feel responsible as a piece.