My Story
Hi! I'm Yusuf Efe Kıvılcım, a passionate researcher.
I was born in October 2003 in Malatya, Turkey, into a family that valued education deeply. My earliest memories are filled with the scent of lab chemicals—thanks to my mother’s academic career; my path was perhaps set from the start.
At the age of 13, I moved to Ankara to study at the prestigious Ankara High School of Science. The academic freedom I found there helped shape not only my character but also my future career.
It was during these years that I discovered my interest in neurology. I started studying with neuroscience and neuroimaging courses from Johns Hopkins University. But pretty soon, I realised I wanted more than remote learning—I wanted to be involved in real research. Around the same time, I also found myself drawn to entrepreneurship. I co-founded and served as chairman of the entrepreneurship society in my high school, alongside engaging in various science projects.
One project in particular, which is not directly tied to what I do now, was about water treatment. It opened the door to national recognition and became a defining experience. I earned awards in regional and national science competitions and was selected as a finalist for the ISEF 2022.
After graduating from high school with honours, I delved into research roles. I worked as an intern at Bilkent University's Cognitive Computational Neuroscience Lab, gaining practical experience with fMRI and analysing data related to visual perception.
Subsequently, my interest in the connection between gut microbiota and neuropsychiatric conditions led me to the Experimental Neuropathology Lab at the University of Oxford. There, I gained valuable in vivo research experience using rodent models. This deepened appreciation for animal experimentation further prompted me to undertake training in Animal Use in Experimental Research at Medipol University, working with diverse species including zebrafish, axolotls, and rodents.
Although my journey began with neuroscience, during my undergraduate studies at the University of Cambridge, I focused particularly on the natural science disciplines of genetics and microbiology.
During these years, I started the Kivilcim Lab, a student-run research group focused on neurogenetics, which I led until May 2025. Running a lab with three other undergrads was one of the most rewarding leadership and research experiences I’ve had. Although my lab has concluded its work, I remain actively involved in research across genetics, immunology, and microbiology under the guidance of exceptional mentors.
Upon completion of my undergraduate studies at Cambridge, I will be continuing my medical training in Turkey. In parallel with my medical school, I will be pursuing a Master's program in Genetics at Cambridge University.
Outside the labs and lecture halls, I actively engage with the scientific community. I regularly attend international conferences and training programs.
I try to maintain this website, sharing insights into my academic journey.