I graduated from the Faculty of Fisheries at Ege University and completed my BSc and PhD in fisheries ecology at Istanbul University in 2002 and 2007, respectively. During my PhD, I spent a year (2003-2004) as an exchange student at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. I became an Associate Professor in 2010 and a Professor in 2015. Most recently, I conducted my sabbatical studies (2023-2024) at Bournemouth University, UK. As a member of numerous international journals, committees, and editorial boards, I currently lead several ecology, impact, and risk management projects. 

My research interests focus on understanding human impacts on freshwater fish communities, with emphasis on conservation, fisheries, and invasion biology. Specifically, I aim to understand the effects of global warming on the behavior and trophic ecology of riverine fishes, with a particular focus on invasive species. My recent work includes predicting the impact of invasive species on biodiversity and economies in Europe and Türkiye, assessing the traits and ecology of fish communities, predicting the impact of climate change on them, quantifying the effects of multiple stressors on trophic interactions, and assessing conflict species in Europe and Türkiye.

My research, particularly on non-native freshwater fish and their environmental impacts, has resulted in over 180 peer-reviewed publications and invitations to guest-edit special issues in leading journals. Additionally, I have led and recently completed two EU-funded projects, with the following titles and budgets:

Educational Capacity Strengthening for Risk Management of Non-native Aquatic Species in Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro) - €830,000

Addressing of Invasive Alien Species Threats in Terrestrial Areas and Inland Waters in Turkey - €2,080,000