BEKIR OLCAY AKCE

| Full Time Graduate Student |

| Gifted Education Research & Resource Institute (GER²I) |
| Department of Educational Studies |
| Purdue University |
| 2771 Peachleaf Dr. West Lafayette, IN 47906 |
| (225) 249-6418 | bakce@purdue.edu

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Creativity theme:
The effects of visual and performing arts classes/methods on the creativity of gifted and talented students
Identification theme:
Identification of underrepresented gifted and talented populations
Social and Emotional Development theme:
The effects of cultural values on the social and emotional development of gifted and talented students

EDUCATION

Purdue University, College of Education West Lafayette, IN

- Doctor of Philosophy in Gifted Education Aug 2018 - present
Louisiana State University, College of Human Sciences & Education Baton Rouge, LA
- Master of Education in Gifted Education Jan 2016 - May 2018
University of Pennsylvania, English Language Program Philadelphia, PA
- Advanced academic English language courses for graduate studies Oct 2014 - Oct 2015
Marmara University, School of Foreign Languages Istanbul, Turkey
- Classes in advanced English in preparation of the national English exams Feb 2014 - Oct 2014
Istanbul University, Hasan Ali Yucel Faculty of Education, Istanbul, Turkey
Department of Special Education
- Bachelor’s degree in the Teaching of Gifted Children Sept 2009 - July 2013

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING / CERTIFICATES

Istanbul University & Istanbul Provincial Directorate for National Education; Istanbul, Turkey
Gifted and Talented Children's Education Workshop Jan 2013
ICIE International Conference on Excellence in Education 2011; Istanbul, Turkey
Giftedness- Creativity- Development July 2011

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Louisiana State University, UREC Tiger’s Den Summer Camp Baton Rouge, LA
Counselor May 2017 - Aug 2017
- Coordinated small and large group activities such as arts and crafts, board games, skill building, inside –
outside sports, field trips, and road events for children ages 6-12
- Provided supervision, while ensuring a safe environment and positive camp experience for all campers
- Assisted in activity planning and executing that promote creativity and growth within the community
Okyanus Colleges Istanbul, Turkey
Teacher Aug 2013 - Feb 2014
- Facilitated learning for 3rd and 4th grade honors students using student-centered lessons and activities
- Modified curriculum for gifted students in the regular education classroom by translating the concepts in
their needs
- Evaluated student’s homework, tests, and quizzes and prepared assignments and exam papers
- Gained experience in departmental duties such as organizing curriculum and scheduling exams

Gifted Children Institute Istanbul, Turkey

Class Coordinator, Teacher June 2010 - July 2011
- Created activities that show the relationship between Da Vinci machines and everyday life to motivate
students
- Developed a curriculum which fostered student’s creativity and critical thinking in thematic units
- Encouraged student improvement by sending weekly progress reports home to parents

ACADEMIC AWARDS / SCHOLARSHIP

Purdue University West Lafayette, IN

Dean's Graduate Student Travel Award ($300) Nov 2018
Gifted Education Research & Resource Institute Graduate Student Travel Award ($1000) Nov 2018
Ministry of National Education Scholarship Ankara, Turkey
Awarded full scholarship for completion of ESL studies, Master’s and PhD studies Feb 2014 - present

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
UNICEF Turkey Istanbul, Turkey
Face to Face Fundraiser June 2012 - Nov 2012
Talked about UNICEF's projects with members of the public to inspire potential donors to make a financial
commitment
Greenpeace Mediterranean Istanbul, Turkey
Frontline Street Representative May 2011 - Nov 2011
Talked to people about Greenpeace’s environmental projects and asked to donate on a regular basis

MEMBERSHIP
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Sep 2018 - present

OTHER ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS

- Acting; experience in film and theatre - Keen on rock and roll and classical music
- Literature; creative writing such as poems and essays - Duzici High School Soccer Team Captain (2008)
COMPUTER SKILLS
- Advanced in Microsoft Office - Proficient in both Windows and Mac OS