CGE Scholar Spotlight: Lili Hurioglu

Dr. Lili Hurioglu
International Scholar from Turkey
Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Lili Hurioglu, a Postdoctoral Fellow at FSU's Learning Systems Institute (LSI), moved to FSU from Turkey to pursue her dream of practicing world-class research in an international setting. Hurioglu’s current work is based on Cognitively Guided Instruction; she evaluates students’ math achievements and teachers’ outcomes. While at FSU, Hurioglu participated in the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs’ Five Minute Research Competition (5MR) and won the People’s Choice Award for her presentation on Cognitively Guided Instruction in Early Math Classrooms.

“I received many emails about my research, knowledge, and expertise. Sharing my research to a broader audience without any scientific terminology was challenging and allowed me to expand my communication skills,” Hurioglu said.

She later presented this research with her colleagues Claire Riddell and Dr. Rob Schoen at the Annual Eastern Educational Research Association (EERA) Conference in February of 2021.

She also served as a representative for FSU’s Postdoctoral Association from December 2019 to February 2021, attending meetings, events, and collaborating with FSU postdocs to maximize opportunities for all members.

Through her work as a postdoctoral researcher at FSU, Hurioglu achieved her goal of working with scientists from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds.

“I knew that would enhance my professional development, attributes and allow me to network with a multitude of scientists around the globe. It has been a great opportunity for social and cultural exchange,” Hurioglu said.

She corresponded with FSU professors almost a year before coming to FSU. Hurioglu discussed her research interests and shared her work experience that led her to FSU to start collaborating on a particular project. Soon after she came to the U.S., Hurioglu learned that the original project she was hired for was canceled. It was not long after she found out the unfortunate news, that Hurioglu met Dr. Schoen. She was impressed with their initial conversation where she discovered his leading early math education research conducted across the state of Florida.

Hurioglu’s academic background matched perfectly with Schoen's research projects - 'Foundations for Success: Developing Effective Mathematics Educators through Cognitively Guided Instruction (SEED),' and 'Follow-Up to the Replicating the CGI Experiment in Diverse Environments’. Schoen offered Hurioglu a postdoc position, and she was excited to contribute to the research projects' overall success.

"When I received the offer to be a part of Dr. Schoen's project team, I was ecstatic knowing the advancements we will make in early math education. I was also honored to work closely with Dr. Schoen. He has designed and directed more than one-dozen large-scale, randomized controlled trials of educational interventions designed to improve teaching and learning in mathematics."

Hurioglu graduated Magna Cum Laude with her bachelor’s degree in Education, Summa Cum Laude with her M.S., and Magna Cum Laude with her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the Department of Educational Sciences – all from Çukurova University, in Adana, Turkey.

In the second year of her undergraduate studies, Hurioglu began research investigating the study habits and attitudes of undergraduate students according to their department, gender, satisfaction, studying environment, and studying hours. As a research and teaching assistant at Çukurova University’s School of Education, Hurioglu provided training for women who were living in prison with their young children. This training was designed to help the women manage time with their kids and understand their developmental characteristics.

In the second year of her undergraduate studies, Hurioglu began research investigating the study habits and attitudes of undergraduate students according to their department, gender, satisfaction, studying environment, and studying hours. As a research and teaching assistant at Çukurova University’s School of Education, Hurioglu provided training for women who were living in prison with their young children. This training was designed to help the women manage time with their kids and understand their developmental characteristics.

Hurioglu greatly values her experiences at FSU because they have allowed her to grow, learn, and explore a different culture.

“Every place has its own culture, history, beliefs, and differences. So does FSU,” Hurioglu said. “And I acknowledge and embrace these differences that contribute to my ability to understand and appreciate the history, life experiences, and beliefs of diverse groups of people. As human beings, we have numerous differences but not so distinct motivations and life goals. FSU is an amazing university for those who want to experience this multicultural diversity. I adapted in a shorter time than I would need normally. I am so thankful to be working with everyone at FSU. I am growing and evolving every day, and I am grateful for that.”

If you’re an international scholar who is interested in being highlighted by the CGE on our website, social media platforms, and in publications, please share your experience as an international student at FSU with us through this questionnaire. Plan to upload a collegiate picture of yourself and spend about 20 minutes completing the survey.