About Us

Project Manager (Founder)

Dr. Hilal Akdemir

Hilal is a researcher and social innovator working at the intersection of social inclusion, knowledge equity, and cultural participation. She holds a PhD in Tourism from the University of Algarve, where her research explored creative participation and social inclusion among older artisans. Her academic background continues to inform her applied work, especially in designing ethical and socially responsive projects.

Hilal is currently a researcher at KIPT CoLAB, where she develops evidence-based social impact and sustainability initiatives in the tourism and cultural sectors. Through One Drop Project Studio, she expands this work into a creative space for socially responsive design and innovation—a laboratory where ethical responsibility, empathy, and creative thinking are transformed into projects that generate meaningful change.

YouCanToo, developed within One Drop Project Studio, embodies this philosophy in practice. Founded as a mentorship network for women in science, it positions mentorship as a tool for collective empowerment rather than mere career progression. The project reflects Hilal’s commitment to equity of access to support in education.

Across academia, grassroots networks, institutional settings, and community-led collaborations, Hilal brings analytical depth and emotional clarity—guided always by lived experience, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to building spaces where people feel seen, capable, and connected.

Natural Science Coordinator

Dr. Duygu Dengiz

I am a materials scientist and engineer working on adaptive biomedical and environmental solutions. I earned my PhD in Material Science and Engineering from Kiel University, where I developed thin-film NiTi implants for brain aneurysm therapy. During my PhD, I mentored and supervised several master’s students, an experience that strengthened my belief in supporting young scientists, especially women in engineering. I am currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at Harvard University, where I work on indoor air quality and advanced material systems for healthier built environments.

Beyond research, I am deeply engaged in science communication. I co-founded Kaleidoscope Dialogues, a public-facing science communication platform, and frequently give outreach talks at science festivals and public events. I am a Zia Fellow with Zeit Germany – Visible Women in Science and a Joachim Herz Fellow in interdisciplinary science, both supporting my commitment to visibility, collaboration, and empowerment within STEM.

In all aspects of my work, I believe that mentoring has the power to open doors, build confidence, and shape the next generation of scientists, creating a positive effect far beyond the lab.