Ankara: Three Turkish high school students recently had the opportunity to conduct research in the Arctic Ocean as a part of Trkiye's fifth National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition (TASE V) this year. Finalists in the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Institution's 2204-C and 2204-D projects attended the Arctic expedition, organized by the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency.
According to Anadolu Agency, Burcu Ozsoy, researcher and expedition coordinator, explained that students from the provinces of Kocaeli, Kastamonu, and Afyonkarahisar were taken to the Arctic region to evaluate the measurements they developed for their projects. The students will implement these projects, obtain their results, and translate them into scientific publications. Ozsoy reminisced about her own experiences as a student in 2007, noting the significance of young Turkish scientists exploring the Arctic today.
Rukiye Asli Kilci, one of the students, analyzed polar drawings from 1811-1927 and created a graphic novel as an awareness campaign. She conducted field studies in Norway to promote her project internationally. Kilci emphasized the impact of climate change, with ice melting and human intervention evident, inspiring her to raise awareness through her artwork depicting Arctic wildlife and expedition scenes.
Elif Berra Demir, another student, focused on renewable bioplastics from agricultural waste. She developed bioplastics from onion peels, walnut shells, and macroalgae, which prevent bacterial growth, change color based on pH levels, and are biodegradable. Demir plans to use the Arctic data to advance her project further.
Kaan Yusuf Odaci, a high schooler from Trkiye, aimed to measure air quality in the poles using artificial intelligence to identify gas parameters most affected by climate change. Inspired by a wind turbine at his school, Odaci hopes his project will enable precise air quality measurements globally to improve environmental conditions.
Odaci emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean environment and reducing air pollutants to mitigate climate change effects, especially in polar regions.