My academic research primarily explores the interplay between media and politics, with a focus on journalism, media effects, political communication, and climate change communication. I have published articles in several top-tier peer-reviewed journals, including Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, International Journal of Public Opinion Research, Communications: The European Journal of Communication Research, Visual Studies, and Visual Communication.

My research agenda embrace five main strands: agenda-setting and the influence of journalism on public opinion; the role of visuals in journalism and political communication; climate change communication with a focus on the role of emotions and framing in shaping climate policy support; media's framing strategies in times of crises; and agenda-setting and framing practices in coverage of female athletes and their self-framing/self presentation strategies on social media. I employ a multi-method approach, utilizing large-scale surveys, laboratory experiments, and text and visual analysis of media outlets and social media platforms such as Instagram in multiple national settings including Turkey, UK and US. Furthermore, I actively collaborate with academics from different institutions and fields of expertise to ensure a comprehensive examination of the research topics.

Notably, I have successfully secured a highly prestigious research grant of approx. 40,000 USD from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) and conducted a research on agenda-setting and the role of journalism in shaping public opinion at cognitive levels from May 1, 2021, to December 1, 2022, serving as the principal and solo investigator.

In addition, I have undertaken and continue to take on roles as a principal investigator, co-investigator, consultant, and instructor in seven different interdisciplinary collaboration projects related to climate change, media, journalism, and social media. These projects include both externally funded initiatives like those from the EU and internally funded ones. 

Furthermore, in January 2023, I was elected as the chair of the ECREA (European Communication Research and Education Association) Women's Network and successfully held this position for one term, until October 2024.

My insights are enriched by my six years of journalistic experience in Turkey and the UK. I began my career as a correspondent for Izmir Life, where I worked for two years, followed by over three years at NTV. I also had the opportunity to work at ITV’s London TV Centre in the Specialist Factual & Arts Department with renowned British TV personality Melvyn Bragg on the award-winning program The South Bank Show. Additionally, I contributed to the British Museum’s Broadcast Unit, assisting in the production of the documentary series A History of the World in One Hundred Objects in partnership with the BBC Radio.

I was previously an Associate Professor at Yaşar University in Izmir, Turkey, where I worked for 13 years.

I am passionate about bridging theory and practice in my research and teaching, and I welcome the opportunity to engage with students who share these interests.