I had always dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon, but everything changed when I was diagnosed with a significant neurological condition at 17. Then, at 19, I was diagnosed with another neurological condition. Seeing that the diagnoses were quite lengthy and challenging for the doctors pushed me to research my conditions, and I realized there was a world behind medicine — scientific discovery — that fuels the tools physicians use to help people. I also realized how many unanswered questions still exist in neuroscience.

One of my teachers encouraged me to pursue bioengineering, recognizing my passion for both medicine and engineering. These experiences, along with my family’s struggles navigating the healthcare system, inspired me to pursue biomedical engineering and develop technologies that can make diagnoses faster, more accurate, and less invasive.

As a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University, I study how the human brain changes with age. I work with donated brain tissue and advanced sequencing technologies to understand how molecular patterns shift over time. My work combines biology, medicine, computer science, and engineering. I use AI to uncover patterns in data, hoping to discover new ways to detect and prevent brain diseases.

One of my proudest accomplishments is developing a non-invasive liquid biopsy that uses Raman spectroscopy and AI to detect brain tumors from blood samples. This method could help patients avoid high-risk surgeries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I also co-developed a biosensor that could detect the virus in saliva with more than 95% accuracy. These projects reminded me of how science can respond to urgent, real-world needs.

Managing my health while pursuing a demanding academic path was a challenge, but I never saw myself as limited or defined by my conditions; I truly believe that this mindset — and my excitement for discovery — played a role in my healing. I remember showing up to lab just days after surgery or being in a meeting right before a scheduled surgery, while my doctors were looking for me in the OR prep room. These experiences strengthened me, giving me deeper understanding of what patients face and fueling my determination to create science that is human-centered, innovative, and impactful.

I hope to make brain diagnostics smarter and more accessible, while mentoring future scientists and advocating for diversity in STEM. I want my journey to show that challenges can be a catalyst for innovation. Optics is not just about light: It’s about illuminating possibilities. I’m honored to be part of this vibrant community shaping the future.

Hulya Torun
Postdoctoral Fellow, Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience, Stanford University
Born in Türkiye / Resides in United States
Educational Background: BS in Bioengineering, Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye; MS in Biomedical Engineering, PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Koc University, Türkiye