About Me
I'm a PhD candidate at Sabanci University exploring how machine learning and reinforcement learning can improve trading execution and portfolio optimization. With a background in analytics and modelling, I enjoy turning complex data into practical solutions — whether building predictive models, automating workflows, or researching quantitative strategies.
Education
PhD — Business Analytics & Operations Management
Sabanci University
Feb 2024 — Present
Istanbul, Turkey
GPA: 3.58 / 4.00
Full Scholarship — Sabanci University Dean's Office
Coursework
Operations & Decision Analytics · Data Mining · Methods of Statistical Inference · Probability & Statistics · Stochastic Processes · Dynamic Programming · Empirical Methods in Operations Management · Modeling in Operations Management · Operations Research & Data Mining · Logistics & Transportation Systems Planning
MSc — Business Analytics
University of Edinburgh
Sept 2022 — Sept 2023
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Classification: Merit
Full State Scholarship — Ministry of Science & Education, Republic of Azerbaijan
Coursework
Predictive Analytics · Prescriptive Analytics · Stochastic Optimization · Simulation Modelling · Principles of Data Analytics · Python Programming · Game Theory for Business Analytics · Web & Social Network Analytics · Soft Computing · Industrial Organisation
Exchange Semester
ICD Business School
Jan 2020 — May 2020
Paris, France
Erasmus+ Scholarship
Coursework
International Finance · Management of Complex Sales · Negotiation Strategies · Digital Marketing · Business Plan · Hackathon
BBA — Business Administration
ADA University
Sept 2017 — Jun 2022
Baku, Azerbaijan
GPA: 3.52 / 4.00
Coursework
Business Analytics · Business Statistics I & II · Operations Management · Corporate Finance · Financial Investments · Principles of Finance · Managerial Accounting · Financial Accounting · Management Information Systems · Calculus · Microeconomics · Macroeconomics · Strategic Management · Marketing Management · Corporate Communications · Entrepreneurship
Experience
Teaching Assistant
Sabanci University
Feb 2024 — Present
Istanbul, Turkey
- TA for Introduction to Data Analysis (MGMT 203), Introduction to Management (MGMT 201), International Business (MGMT 403), and Decision Making Under Uncertainty (OPIM 410)
- Provided recitation classes, graded exams, delivered feedback, and guided student course projects
Business Development Assistant
Chamberlain McBain
Jun 2023 — Dec 2023
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
- Scraped 4,000+ commercial property listings across Scotland and cross-matched them with 260,000+ valuation rolls from Scottish Assessors; built an interactive Tableau dashboard mapping property trends
- Automated weekly scraping of 1,000+ court rolls; enriched records with Companies House API data to analyse pursuer/defender participation and industry representation
- Built a Python pipeline (web scraping → demand modelling → automated visualisation → LinkedIn outreach) that replaced two days of manual weekly work
Data Validation Associate
Ipsos MORI
Jan 2023 — Jun 2023
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
- Validated data gathered from telephone interviews, surveys, and venue visits; cross-referenced inputs to ensure 100% accuracy and compliance with company standards
Junior Financial Analyst
FINADCO
Feb 2022 — Sept 2022
Baku, Azerbaijan
- Conducted due diligence and feasibility studies for large investment projects, including a $17M venture; performed financial modelling and sensitivity analysis in Excel and presented reports to guide investment decisions
- Estimated the value of five government-owned tangible assets and equipment exceeding USD 4M; authored the final valuation report detailing techniques employed for each asset
- Conducted market research on the global and local hazelnut industry as well as the local bond market
Teaching Assistant
ADA University
Oct 2021 — Jan 2022
Baku, Azerbaijan
- TA for Business Statistics; organized classes, graded exams, and provided feedback to students
Communications Assistant
Azerbaijan Micro-Finance Association
Jan 2021 — Dec 2021
Baku, Azerbaijan
- Assessed CSR project data and presented insights through interactive dashboards to senior stakeholders, leveraging Python and Excel
- Pioneered a shift from handwritten data collection to a digital approach via Google Forms; directed the firm's social media and website presence, delivering monthly performance reports through Google Analytics
- Orchestrated key stakeholder meetings, ensuring seamless coordination for guest invitations and communication
Skills
Programming
Analytics
Automation
BI / Visualisation
Cloud & Databases
Test Scores
640
GMAT
Quant: 49 / 51
Dec 2021
110
TOEFL iBT
Jan 2024
8.0
IELTS
Jun 2022