Vocational School of Justice
Combined her passion into a profession
Assoc. Prof. Güzden Varinlioğlu, Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), became a world-renowned name for her underwater diving practices, which she refers to as “My biggest passion”; she has been involved for 23 years. Assoc. Prof. Varinlioğlu started her underwater research as a hobby during her student years at Middle East Technical University and turned that hobby into scientific research shortly. Assoc. Prof. Varinlioğlu performed dives in 10 other countries, in addition to Turkey, so far.
Assoc. Prof. Varinlioğlu, who participated in important projects such as making an inventory of freshwater shores in Turkey and excavation work for Ertuğrul Frigate in Japan, made a name for herself with her studies on submerged and grotto underwater ecology. Assoc. Prof. Varinlioğlu, who also chairs the Underwater Research Society (SAD), published her articles in numerous journals and scientific studies. Varinlioğlu also published a book titled, “Su Altındaki Dijital Kültür Mirası (Digital Cultural Heritage Underwater)”, a book on detailed information how to establish a virtual museum. Also mentoring the IUE Sailing Club, Assoc. Prof. Varinlioğlu combined her passion into a profession and became a role model to the students.
“Focusing on sailing”
Assoc. Prof. Varinlioğlu indicated that her passion for sea never changed over the years, and lately she started to focus on sailing, and that she would continue her studies in different projects. “People are trying to keep their careers and passions separate from each other. There is no need for that. First, everyone should be able to do what he or she loves. No matter what profession they are in, or how busy they are, they should never give up their hobbies or passions. I combined architecture with underwater, and integrated that with scientific studies. I am very happy for doing so,” said Assoc. Prof. Varinlioğlu.
“Students’ vision and entourage improve”
Assoc. Prof. Varinlioğlu reported that she included many of her students in her projects until now. Varinlioğlu said, “Universities are not places where you learn professions only. Many life experiences are also learned at universities. A good university prioritizes social activities. I believe that social activities are just as important as courses. We accomplished many things with students so far. I gave IUE Sailing Club and Underwater Research Society as an architectural project to my students. We also gave importance to social projects, which in return helped improve the vision and entourage of our students.”