interviewed in 2024)

Thomas Scheufler

"I've learned a lot from the research culture at TUD!" Müslüm Kaplan initially came to Dresden as an Erasmus student, then went on to study Textile and Clothing Technology at the Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM), and is now a TUD regional ambassador for research cooperation with Turkey.

Name	Müslüm Kaplan
Degree program	Textile and Clothing Technology
Faculty	Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering
At the university	2008 to 2011
Current work	Lecurer at Bartin University (Turkey)
Regional Ambassador	for Turkey since 2020

Why did you decide to study at TU Dresden?

I initially came to TU Dresden as part of the Erasmus exchange program. Back then, my aim was to go abroad for the first time, to improve my German and to see how research is carried out in my field in Germany.

What factors drove you to choose your field of study?

I came to ITM for six months while I was doing my Bachelor's degree in textile engineering in Turkey, and I was very impressed by both the research activities and the laboratory infrastructure. I decided to apply for the Master's degree program at ITM and to stay for a longer period of time.

Who from research and teaching influenced you the most during your studies?

I was most impressed by the fact that research and teaching were integrated and all students were actively working in the labs. I was also impressed by the fact that the laboratory infrastructure offered an extremely wide range of possibilities and that the technology was far ahead of today's standards.

Where are you employed today, and what are your responsibilities?

I am currently working as a visiting researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research (IPF) in Dresden. Before I came here, I was working as a lecturer at Bartın University in Turkey.

What advice would you give to our current first-years?

I would advise them not to limit themselves to the subject area they are studying, but to take an interest in a number of different areas. I would also advise them to make more efficient use of the university's educational and research infrastructure.

What do you remember most fondly about your time as a student?

I remember my astonishment when I first gazed upon the beautiful banks of the Elbe in Dresden and Saxon Switzerland.

What was your favorite place on campus?

I can say that the SLUB is my favorite place at TUD. The atmosphere motivates you to learn and the great lighting made it possible for me to study for hours without getting bored for the first time in my life.

What still has a lot of value for you today/would you like to have had more of?

I have learned a lot from the German work and research culture, and I continue to benefit from it. However, if I had known how special these research activities were during my Master's degree, I would have spent more time and got more involved in them.

What tips do you have for hitting the ground running in your industry?

Nowadays, I believe that to have a successful career in this industry, you need to develop basic soft skills, build a professional network, and be aware of the industry trends. Above all, foreign language skills and specialist knowledge are essential.

What connects you to TU Dresden today?

I have been a member of the regional ambassador program for Turkey since 2020 and I am still in contact with my alma mater ITM. As part of the alumni program at ITM, we meet regularly to discuss the development of the current curriculum and the program's funding activities.

As a TUD regional ambassador, how can you currently support TUD members who are interested in studying or conducting research in Turkey?

I can provide information to TUD members who are planning to study in Turkey and help them prepare their itineraries. I can also provide information to those looking to collaborate on a research topic while helping them to find suitable partners and build solid connections.                                                                  

What opportunities for cooperation do you see for the future?

Strengthening links with regional ambassadors and supporting them in applying for international projects will surely bolster cooperation. In addition, it would be advantageous for future cooperation if the institutes were to invest more their online or on-site alumni events, communicate the current situation of the institutes, and be more vocal about possible opportunities for cooperation.

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