Ali Efe Kışlak

About Me

Academic

I’m a third-year physics student with a strong interest in both theoretical and experimental research. Over the years, I’ve explored topics ranging from thin film deposition to DFT based computational modeling, while also taking initiative in team based projects such as rocket design and software development. I value curiosity, hands on learning, and cross disciplinary thinking, which has led me to engage in diverse experiences from research labs to sailing teams and beyond.

Education

2021 - Present

İZMİR Institute of Technology

Third Year Physics Student

I completed a year of English preparatory education, which helped me build a strong academic foundation in the language. Alongside the theoretical knowledge from my physics courses, I’ve gained hands on experience in various research labs, where I explored both fundamental concepts and current scientific questions. Beyond academics, I’ve maintained an active student life contributing to a rocket team, leading the paragliding society, and participating in sailing and windsurfing through the water sports society.

2017 - 2021

Nova Science High School

Graduated Student

I first discovered my deep interest in science especially in physics. During this time, I also represented my school in chess tournaments and became the runner-up in my age category in the 2019–2020 Bursa provincial championship. In line with my future goals, I began learning Mandarin Chinese and reached HSK3 proficiency.

Experience

April 2023 - January 2025

CENT Research Group

Internship

I focused on semiconductors using density functional theory (DFT), which allowed me to significantly deepen my understanding of computational materials science. I later began working on my own research paper, titled “From Bulk to Monolayer: A Comparative Study of Structural, Vibrational and Electronic Properties in Possible Low-Dimensional Phases of PbSnS₂”, which is still in progress. Beyond research, I also developed a custom task management app to improve internal communication and project tracking within the lab environment.

April 2022 - September 2022

Teknoma Technological Materials Industrial and Trading Inc.

R&D Intern

As an R&D intern at Teknoma, I took part in magnetron sputtering processes used for production in the defense industry. This experience helped me apply thin film deposition techniques in a real-world, industrial context.

November 2021 - October 2023

AVCI Rocket Team

Team Member

During my English preparatory year, I co-founded the AVCI Rocket Team with a group of friends. Although our initial attempt ended at the Critical Design Report stage, we came back stronger in 2023 and became finalists in the Teknofest Rocket Competition. Our rocket reached an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet and a top speed of 0.7 Mach during a successful launch. Throughout the project, I was responsible for the design and development of the production and recovery systems.

October 2021 - September 2022

OZYUZER Research Group

Internship

I was introduced to the fundamentals of experimental physics and thin film deposition techniques. I gained hands-on experience with magnetron sputtering systems and learned to apply various characterization methods such as UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy and thickness profiling.