Meet Zeynep Ayhan

Zeynep is 26 years old and from Turkey

She did her Bachelor’s in Psychology at Hacettepe University

Her main interests are: positive psychology, wellbeing, eHealth,

and gamification

You can reach her out on LinkedIn

What inspired you to pursue the IDA Master program?

Before starting a master’s program, I spent some time reflecting on what I wanted to achieve in the future. I have always had a strong desire to combine research and entrepreneurship, to build a bridge between rigorous scientific research and people’s everyday lives, and to make a real impact.

So, I started looking for programs that were flexible enough for me to explore the topics I am passionate about, while also helping me develop skills in conducting research and strengthening my analytical skills. IDA was perhaps the only program that truly spoke to me and met all my expectations. The possibility of working one on one with supervisors across multiple traineeships, and the program’s strong focus on research, really inspired me to pursue IDA.

What motivates you to pursue this field of study, and what personal significance or purpose do you find in it?

Personally, I feel that psychology as a field sometimes struggles to reach the people who need it most. There is so much excellent research out there, but often it does not translate into real-world change. Meanwhile, the services that do reach people sometimes lack an empirical foundation, leaving many individuals feeling unheard, untreated, or even hopeless. Beyond clinical psychology, there are limited ways for people to apply research findings in their daily lives. That is where I see my purpose: building a path where empirical findings are immediately reflected in people’s lives. I am especially passionate about positive psychology and wellbeing. I want to help people not only when they “need” help but also to support them in living their best life by finding their purpose, happiness, or in other words, to help them flourish!

Furthermore, I truly think it is a privilege to spend time and energy on something you are deeply curious about. For me, diving into topics I care about is a real moment of gratitude. I am intrinsically motivated by learning itself. Every day brings something new, and nothing feels redundant or unnecessary in this program. Seeing myself get closer to my future goals day by day is what keeps me going.

Which field do you see yourself pursuing after completing the program?

I see myself continuing my career in academia. In the future, I would love to launch my own mobile app and combine it with academic research, bringing science and real-world application together.

Looking at the program schedule, which courses are you most excited about and why?

All the traineeships are exciting since you get to choose your topic and work closely with a supervisor to really dive deep into it. However, right now I am especially excited about my master’s thesis. It is on a topic I am truly passionate of exploring, and I finally get to immerse myself in it.

Do you ever feel stressed or under pressure in your studies? How do you manage those challenges? Any tips to share?

The IDA program is a fast-paced and rich learning environment. To stay on top of everything, you really need to give your best effort. Honestly, I cannot imagine this environment being stress-free. But for me, motivation is key to navigating that stress, because in the end it is all worth it. The effort we put into our studies pays off in valuable skills and meaningful learning experiences.

So yes, I do feel stressed (most of the time actually 😅). But I try to manage it in a way that helps me create good work. Managing stress is essential for our wellbeing. I join yoga and mindfulness classes (sometimes with my lovely classmates 💛), I bake (a lot 😄), and I love taking “awe walks” in the forest near campus.

But, what helps me most is sharing the experience with my friends. I feel truly blessed to have met such amazing people here at IDA. We take breaks together, talk about how we are feeling, and support each other. (While I was writing this interview, my doorbell rang and my lovely friend brought me pastries, which totally made my day!)

What motivates you to keep going when things get tough?

I like to reflect on what I have learned so far and look back at my growth over the past year. It reminds me that I am on the right track toward my goals. These reflection moments, sometimes even with friends, help me realize that I have overcome challenges before and I can do it again. Seeing my own progress motivates me to keep pushing forward. With every little step, I feel like I am getting closer to my goals and dreams.

How do you see the skills and knowledge from the IDA Master being applied in the real world?

I think the IDA Master really equips you with critical thinking skills, the ability to conduct rigorous research, and the confidence to apply your knowledge beyond academia. It teaches you how to approach real-world problems through an evidence-based lens, which is exactly what is needed to make meaningful change.

What do you enjoy most about collaborating with your peers, supervisors, or being part of the IDA community?

My peers are such brilliant and passionate individuals. I love discussing ideas with them and hearing their perspectives. It is always intellectually stimulating. Collaborating with supervisors has also been an exceptional experience. They are open, encouraging, and genuinely excited about their research. Their enthusiasm makes you feel inspired and grateful to be part of such a vibrant community.

How would you describe your relationship with the faculty in the IDA program? How does this influence your learning experience?

The IDA program is designed to give students hands-on experience with their supervisors, and that is one of its strongest aspects. My relationship with the faculty has been truly inspiring. The one on one design in certain courses allows you to tailor your learning to your goals. Supervisors are supportive and open to new ideas, and they encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. In my experience, I have had the privilege of working with brilliant researchers who are deeply passionate about their fields, and that has had a huge positive impact on my learning journey.

How would you describe an “IDA student”? What common qualities do they share, and who do you think is best suited for this program?

IDA students are definitely curious, passionate, and intrinsically motivated. Everyone I have met is highly conscientious, detail-oriented, and always striving to excel in what they do.

Is there anything you wish you had known before starting that would have made your journey smoother? What advice would you give to someone just beginning the program?

Everyone’s experience and learning curve is uniquely their own. If you are here, you belong here!  Some courses might push you out of your comfort zone, and you may struggle at times, but be kind to yourself. You will find your rhythm and flourish in no time. 💛