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Tutku Bedük, Scientist, Advanced Sensors & Electronics Technologies
Tutku Bedük, Scientist for Advanced Sensors and Electronics Technologies, joined SAL two years ago. She is originally from Turkey where she finished her bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemistry. Afterwards, Tutku transferred to KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) in Saudia Arabia where she got her PhD in Materials Science and Engineering. In this position, she worked on sensors for medical applications during the COVID-19 pandemic, developing prototypes of devices to detect COVID-19 and working together closely with patients. This is also where Tutku met Jürgen Kosel – SAL’s Head of Sensor Systems – who invited her to use and expand her knowledge at SAL!
“Being a researcher means learning for a lifetime”
Dear Tutku, what does a typical workday look like for you?
I am very much of a morning person, so I like to start my days early, scheduling all important tasks before lunch. I also try to plan my work week every Monday ahead of time because we deal with many different projects at the same time, and it can get quite busy. In between all that, there is always time for interactions with my colleagues and my boss – we are a very tightly knit group and are always exchanging ideas and thoughts.
What fascinates you about your work as a researcher?
I always knew that I wanted to be a researcher because it gives me the opportunity to learn for a lifetime. Nothing ever repeats itself in my research, instead there is always something new, so I get to learn and evolve constantly. There are always exciting challenges, and that’s what I love about being a researcher!
What are your main tasks as a researcher at SAL?
I was involved in a lot of projects right from the beginning, but my biggest challenge and opportunity so far was our project Sole Sensors (SOLES) where I gained my first project management experience. The goal of SOLES was to introduce intelligent shoe inlays.
By printing electronics directly onto shoe insoles, it is possible to analyze and measure a person’s gait, foot positioning, weight distribution or sore spots. This data can then come in handy for physiotherapy, orthopedics or sports medicine and will allow doctors to tailor soles and shoes to their patients’ precise needs. These solutions will be especially beneficial for patients with polyneuropathy who suffer from reduced sensation in their feet, thus making them more susceptible to unnoticed injuries and wounds. Additionally, the insoles can aid individuals with foot prostheses, offering feedback on ground contact among other things and improving the walking experience. Within SOLES, we developed technologies to print sensors directly onto shoe soles using additive manufacturing, thus decreasing material loss and enabling a more sustainable production that will allow for mass production in the future.
I am really proud that SOLES attracted so much attention inside and outside of Austria – we got a lot of requests from pressure sensing companies who wanted to gain our knowledge. The project has come to an end now, but it opened up many opportunities for follow-up endeavors. One company, for example, has approached us wanting to implement our insoles for underwater shoes for hydrotherapy, which would be an interesting new research focus!
What do you appreciate about SAL?
The bridge between industry and science. I enjoy turning innovations into actual industrial applications.
What was your personal highlight at SAL?
When we finished the SOLES project! It was my first experience in project management, and we poured a lot of time and effort into this endeavor.
What advice would you give young researchers who want to apply at SAL?
Don’t be afraid of challenges and don’t limit yourself! Don’t let any negative thoughts consume you during an application process but stay positive and don’t be afraid to try something new.
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