I was born in Izmir, Turkey, in May 1987. I was named Defne by my uncle Erdinç Gönenç. I finished primary, secondary, and high school in Izmir. This city holds a very special place in my life, as it is where I initially developed a love for reading, writing, dancing, and pets. 

 

In 1997, I began learning to play the piano, which I still enjoy greatly. I generally play classical music, but my favorite piece remains Libertango! It reminds me of liberty and aspiration. 

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I moved to Ankara in 2005 to pursue my BSc in International Relations at METU. After spending one semester as an exchange student in Paris at Sciences PO, I completed my BSc years in 2010 with an additional minor in economics. These years were when I realized how much I enjoyed studying social sciences and understood that they should be studied in a multidisciplinary and holistic manner. 

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In 2010-2011, I spent a year in Cambridge for my MPhil in International Relations. This was certainly the greenest year of my life, full of beautiful, tall trees and squirrels. It was not only an academic hub but also a colourful paradise. 

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After completing various internships and exploring life, I began a PhD in Political Science and International Relations in Geneva in 2013. While researching environmental politics and justice, I also worked as a Teaching Assistant and realized how much I enjoyed teaching. I also took several Latin dance classes and participated in celebratory dance festivals in various countries.

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Currently, I am a faculty member and program coordinator in the Political Science and International Relations Department at the Middle East Technical University's Northern Cyprus campus. My research focuses on global environmental politics and justice, the political economy of developing countries, critical theory, and India and the Mediterranean, with a particular emphasis on Greece and Turkey. 

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What do I like to do when I do not do research? I enjoy reading novels, playing piano, theatre, dancing, windsurfing, playing table tennis, writing, spending time with pets, and eating good food.  I love watching Beetlejuice, and I have a great cat :) My favourite novels are Little Prince, Grapes of Wrath, and Anna Karenina. I particularly enjoy reading literature in French, Russian, and Turkish. I have loved the smell of books since my childhood.