Our Team
Dr. Öğr. Görevlisi Ali Fuat Canbolat – Head of EKAD, Chairman of the Board
He graduated from Hacettepe University Biology Department in June 1987. In July 1987, driven by a fortuitous opportunity, he volunteered to collect data on sea turtles and embarked on a journey to Dalyan Beach. Alone in a shack on the beach for two months, he dedicated himself to acquainting with sea turtles, even mistaking every bush for a sea turtle and crawling extensively in the process. On the third day, tracing a track resembling a tractor trail, he encountered his first sea turtle. In 1990, he completed his master’s thesis on sea turtles in Dalyan and Patara. In 1997, he earned his doctoral degree, becoming the first person to obtain a Ph.D. on sea turtles in Türkiye. His research covered almost all nesting beaches for sea turtles in the country. After 2007, as conservation efforts in Dalyan progressed, he began allocating more time to other nesting areas.
Eventually, he focused on the 29.5 km-long beaches of Belek, hosting the highest number of Caretta caretta nests in Türkiye and facing various challenges typical of a nesting beach. He continues to primarily conduct his research in this region. Throughout his life, he collaborated with over 2.000 volunteer colleagues, with 30-40 of them pursuing academic studies in different universities and fields. He persists in his dedication to understanding and protecting sea turtles.
Dr. Burak Akbaba – Mammalogist, Vice Chairman of the Board
After graduating from Hacettepe University Biology Department, he pursued both his master’s and doctoral degrees in the Department of Zoology within the same university. His research primarily revolves around mammal species, with a specific focus on the ecology and biology of large mammals. His work delves into the intricate details of their ecological dynamics and behaviours.
For his master’s thesis, he delved into the habitat preferences and feeding behaviours of red foxes. His doctoral research further extended into the ecological characteristics of the Eurasian lynx, encompassing diverse habitat types in Northern Anatolia. Beyond his thesis studies, he exhibits a keen interest in conservation biology, particularly focusing on terrestrial vertebrate species. To this end, he engages in research on amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammal species, actively contributing to conservation projects implemented across various regions of Türkiye.
Dr. Haydar Metin – Technical Coordinator
He completed his undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the Biology Department of Hacettepe University, while also pursuing undergraduate and master’s education in the Department of Computer Engineering at Ahmet Yesevi University. His involvement in Sea Turtle Monitoring projects commenced in Northern Cyprus in 2000 and continued along the Mediterranean coasts of Türkiye from 2002 onwards. His contributions extended to various projects in the Foça and Gökova SPA’s.
Within EKAD, he brings his expertise to the forefront, specialising in coastal and seabed mapping, as well as playing a pivotal role in data entry and processing. His interdisciplinary background in both biology and computer engineering uniquely positions him to contribute significantly to the organisation’s endeavours, particularly in the realm of sea turtle conservation and environmental protection.
Yrd. Doç. Dr. Şafak Bulut – Wildlife Ecologist, Board Member
After completing his degree in the Biology Department of Hacettepe University, he served as a research assistant in the same department from 2010 to 2017. Subsequently, he transitioned to the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Hitit University, where he currently holds the position of assistant professor. Specialising in wildlife biology, his expertise spans ecology, zoology, ornithology, and mammalogy. Proficient in the intricacies of critical habitats across Türkiye, he plays a crucial role in decision-making regarding construction projects with potential environmental impact.
Beyond his academic roles, he actively participates in various Environmental Impact Assessment projects, overseeing EU initiatives and ecological consultancy projects. His responsibilities encompass diverse tasks, from monitoring bird and mammal populations near wind energy production areas to studying the behavioural ecology of small mammals. Additionally, he provides ecological consultancy for natural gas conversion plants and offers expert guidance on sea turtle monitoring and conservation efforts in the Belek region, specialising in the fields of conservation biology and wildlife ecology.
Prof. Dr. Onur Candan, Board Member
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Candan, having completed his undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral education at Hacettepe University’s Biology Department, initiated his career as a Research Assistant in the Biology Department of Ordu University in 2008. In 2017, he continued his academic pursuits in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. Currently serving as a Faculty Member in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Ordu University, Dr. Candan actively engages in biodiversity, species action, and species conservation projects across various regions of Türkiye.
His master’s and doctoral studies delved into the temperature-sex relationship in green sea turtles, and his encounter with sea turtles in Belek in 2000 marked the beginning of his involvement with these remarkable creatures. Volunteering in the “Dalyan Sea Turtle Research” project led by EKAD, he supported project activities by renting umbrella lounges on the beach after fieldwork. Dr. Candan took his initial steps into the Yumurtalık Nesting Beach with the “Discovering Sea Turtles” project by the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline company in 2003, during his undergraduate education. To this day, he oversees EKAD’s work in that region, contributing significantly to the organisation’s efforts in sea turtle conservation and research.
Prof. Dr. Barış Özüdoğru, Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi
He completed his undergraduate studies in the Biology Teaching Department and his master’s and doctoral degrees in the Biology Department at Hacettepe University. Currently, he works as a faculty member in the Botany department of the Biology Department. His primary research focuses on the taxonomy, systematics, biogeography, and ecology of members of the Brassicaceae family, especially plants found in the high mountains of Anatolia, and the historical responses of these plants to climate change. In addition to his main research topic, he conducts fieldwork throughout Türkiye and is particularly interested in Anatolian biodiversity and endangered species.
Biologist, Fatih Polat – Kızılot Project Coordinator and Area Supervisor
He completed his undergraduate education in the Biology department at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University in 2015. Following graduation, he served as a Biology Teacher in private high schools in Burdur and Antalya. His involvement with sea turtle conservation began in 2011 when Polat volunteered for the “Belek Sea Turtle Research, Monitoring, and Conservation Project” led by EKAD. Since then, he has been an integral part of the Society and the ongoing project.
Throughout various periods, he has worked as a Biologist in environmental and social planning research companies, contributing to numerous biodiversity projects. Simultaneously, he is pursuing his master’s degree at Ordu University, focusing on sea turtles, and actively engaged in thesis studies.
Referred to as the “Midwife of Loggerheads,” Polat has been dedicated to sea turtle projects since his university years. His involvement spans research, monitoring, and awareness activities, showcasing his commitment to the conservation and protection of sea turtles.
Cansu Ulusoy – Project Assistant
After completing her studies in the Biology Department at Hacettepe University, she is dedicated to her scientific career, currently pursuing a master’s degree in the Molecular Biology and Genetics Department at Hitit University. Her research focuses on methods for determining sea turtle nesting sites, demonstrating her commitment to the conservation of these magnificent creatures.
She initially engaged with the Sea Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Project through internship training in 2016. Since then, her consistent dedication and passion have made her a valuable contributor to the project. Known for her scientific curiosity, love for nature, and environmental awareness, she stands out as a scientist deeply committed to understanding the delicate balance points of nature and contributing to the conservation of sea turtles.
Her work not only reflects her dedication to preserving the balance of nature but also underscores her determination to leave a healthier environment for future generations. She continues her work with the goal of making significant contributions to scientific research, developing expertise in her field, and furthering our understanding of the intricate ecosystems that support sea turtles and the broader natural world.
Deniz Candaş – Coordinator of Educational Programs, Project Development
Graduating from the Biology Department of Hacettepe University, she immersed herself in various research projects as a field biologist right from her first year of undergraduate studies. Her journey with sea turtles began in 1998, and her passion for these creatures has kept her deeply involved ever since. Following the completion of her master’s education in Zoology within the same department, she delved into popular science and technology writing.
Her career path led her to roles as a writer for TÜBİTAK Science and Technology and NTV Science Magazine, a science and technology news presenter for TRT radios, and a documentary translator for television channels. She translated CITES training and species identification guides into Turkish. Currently, she serves as a news writer for science websites, a translator, and editor for popular science books across various publishers, and an editor for scientific articles prepared for SCI.
Her longstanding commitment to environmental causes and her extensive experience in the field make her a valuable asset to EKAD, where she has been contributing since its establishment.