2023 Global Citizen Award Recipient: Gizem Solmaz-Ratzlaff

Gizem Solmaz-Ratzlaff has been named a 2023 recipient of the Center for Global Engagement’s Global Citizen Award, which honors outstanding students who have actively engaged in intercultural initiatives on campus or abroad and who have exemplified leadership in promoting and supporting a global community among Florida State University students.

Gizem is a doctoral student from Turkey who is enrolled in the Curriculum and Instruction program in Florida State University’s College of Education. In her time at FSU, Solmaz-Ratzlaff, has been involved in a variety of campus groups and activities and has been the recipient of numerous fellowships, awards and scholarships. 

While completing her doctoral program, she has served as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Learning Systems Institute since August 2019. In her research, she has worked under the supervision of Dr. Robert C. Schoen with a mission of improving mathematics teaching and learning for all. She is currently working on two research projects, titled Foundations for Success: Developing Effective Mathematics Educators through Cognitively Guided Instruction (SEED) and Follow-Up to the Replicating the CGI Experiment in Diverse Environments. She also works as an instructor in the College of Education and teaches Teaching in Diverse Populations. 

“As an avid follower of Social Learning Theory, my goal is to improve the lives of children and teachers by making education more effective and accessible. My research focuses on mathematical anxiety and its effects on educational settings,” she said, “The importance of my research is also what keeps me motivated to pursue my degree. After graduation, I aspire to become a professor and establish a nonprofit organization for immigrant children to promote social justice and equality, continuing my long history of service and mentorship.”

She has been sure to make the most of her time at FSU inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to her research, she is a student coordinator for Women’s Leadership Institute, a Global Ambassador and a Global Nole for the Center for Global Engagement, and an officer for the Seminole Scuba Club. In addition to the Global Citizens Award, she has received a variety of other fellowships, awards and scholarships. She is a recipient of the Adelaide D. Wilson Graduate Student Success Fund and the Dr. Julia B. Schwartz Endowed Scholarship in Early Childhood Art Education. She also received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Book Stipend Award, which is a competitive scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students awarded by The Center for Leadership and Social Change and endowed by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the FSU National Black Alumni, and New Student & Family Programs. In 2020, she was awarded the Graduate Student Excellence in Visual Arts Award for her photograph titled "In Limbo." Her artwork is featured on the Honors, Scholars and Fellows House’s Excellence in the Visual Arts Virtual Exhibition Gallery. In Spring 2021, she was awarded the Dr. Robert Lee “Bob” Vogt Math Scholarship. In addition to receiving scholarships, she has also worked to give them out to others. “In 2015, I founded a local organization in Turkey to raise money to provide scholarships for undergraduate students in need. To date, the fund has provided scholarships for seventeen students, totaling more than $18,000,” she said.   

Solmaz-Ratzlaff’ impressive work ethic and passion for social equality and education began before arriving at FSU. Before coming to FSU, Solmaz-Ratzlaff graduated from Middle East Technical University in Turkey with high honors. She has had the chance to travel to 27 countries and most of these travels have included giving presentations, visiting research institutions, and completing her internships. 

When asked why she decided to attend FSU to pursue her Ph.D. she referenced undergrad professors that attended FSU themselves. “In my undergraduate years, I had two professors who graduated from Florida State University who are Dr. Refika Olgan and Dr. Feyza Tantekin-Erden… They provided us insight into the culture and lifestyle of the United States as well as the United States educational system,” she said, “Every time they talked about Florida State University, their eyes lit up. I always wanted to be a successful professor like them. That’s why since the first year of my undergraduate education, attending Florida State University has been my dream.”

Gizem has been able to accomplish many great things during her time at Florida State University, and the Center for Global Engagement is proud to have named her a 2023 recipient of the Global Citizen Award. For any incoming international students looking to also do great things at FSU, Solmaz-Ratzlaff has the following advice:  “Florida State University is a school that gave me many new opportunities to improve myself which helped me to find out who I really am. FSU provided every opportunity to improve me both academically and personally… One of my biggest fears about becoming an international student was that I might feel isolated, and I encourage prospective students to embrace the unknown. I learned you couldn’t be afraid to meet new people and embrace new experiences if you’re coming to FSU. FSU has offered me a new home with amazing roommates, experiences, and opportunities. FSU will be your new home!”