Portrait of Mehmet Soyer. Mehmet Soyer is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences whose research explores the relationship between community responses and the impacts of energy development. Additionally, he integrates pedagogical and community-based approaches into his research, focusing on enhancing teaching practices, creating inclusive and safe learning environments, and strengthening community engagement in education. Soyer has stated, “Research is not just about producing knowledge—it is about fostering curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking.” Viewing the students he mentors as future colleagues who can contribute to their fields, and “watching them develop confidence, ask bold questions, and make real contributions to scholarship is inspiring.” His advice to students is to embrace challenges and seek mentorship, leading to thinking beyond the classroom, and extending an offer to everyone interested in research to contact him. Soyer has published in at least eight journals with undergraduate students and is continuously centered in their commitment to student-centered learning, teaching, and mentorship.
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