"Navigating Scientific Frontiers: A Woman Physicist as a Synchrotron User in Türkiye."

"In my talk, I will delve into my experiences and challenges as a woman physicist, engaging with cutting-edge research as a synchrotron user. I earned my Ph.D. in physics at Northern Illinois University in the U.S. and became a synchrotron user during my postdoctoral years at Argonne National Laboratory. There, I had the opportunity to apprentice with well-known scientists who provided me with great support. Upon returning to Türkiye in 2012, I have dedicated myself to both research and teaching, embodying the dual roles of a scientist and an educator. As a woman scientist in a male-dominated field, I have faced discrimination on multiple fronts, both for my identity as a Muslim woman and as a mother. In my talk, I will address the biases encountered, particularly the misconception that motherhood diminishes professional capability. I will also discuss how SESAME has enabled me and my team to advance our studies on rechargeable Na-ion battery research, where we are able to perform in-situ and ex-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction measurements. These measurements allow us to determine structural modifications and valence state changes in the cathode material during intercalation/deintercalation of Na-ions and shed light on the charge/discharge mechanism on the atomic scale."