Medine Yucesoy Isler
For Medine Yucesoy Isler, nursing has always been more than a profession.
“For me, it is a way of listening, being present, and asking deeper questions about care,” she said.
That curiosity and commitment eventually led her from Turkey to the United States to pursue doctoral education at Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.
Scheduled to graduate in July 2028, the Ph.D. nursing student also serves as a Teaching Assistant and a Research Assistant, which allows her to work closely with students while contributing to ongoing research initiatives.
“These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for the integration of education, research, and mentorship within the field of academic nursing,” Medine said.
Her academic journey began in Turkey, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ankara University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Gazi University. During her undergraduate studies, she completed one semester as part of the Erasmus Learning Mobilityprogram atJózef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland.Before relocating to the United States for her Ph.D., Medine worked in Turkey as a registered nurse and later as a research assistant.
“I was drawn to nursing because of its ability to bring together scientific knowledge and human connection,” Medine shared. “Nursing is not only about clinical skills, but also about presence, trust, and advocacy.” These values continue to guide her professional identity and her approach to both patient care and scholarship.
“My research interests are shaped by clinical experience working with individuals living with epilepsy, as well as my previous work with diabetes patients and those undergoing hemodialysis,” she said.
Through these experiences, Medine developed a strong interest in patient safety and quality of life, particularly for populations who may experience increased vulnerability within health care settings. By advancing nursing knowledge in epilepsy-focused care, she hopes to contribute to safer practices, improved patient experiences and more person-centered approaches to health care delivery.
Throughout her doctoral journey, Medine has been guided by her official mentor, Dr. Lisa Wiese, whose support has been instrumental in her academic and professional development.
“Dr. Wiese’s mentorship has encouraged me to think critically, build confidence in scholarly writing, and approach my work with clarity and purpose,” Medine said.
The PhD program has transformed how Medine understands nursing, as both a science and a philosophy. It has taught her to slow down, ask deeper questions, and value reflection alongside scientific rigor.
Following graduation, Medine plans to pursue postdoctoral training and continue developing her research agenda, with a commitment to ongoing scholarship and contributions to nursing research and education that support safer, more compassionate, and patient-centered care.