In the realm of science and technology, one name stands out: Canan Dağdeviren. Born in Istanbul, she has risen to prominence as a Turkish physicist, material scientist, and assistant professor at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A barrier breaker and innovator, Dağdeviren's journey, accomplishments, and groundbreaking research are reshaping our understanding of the intersection between the human body, the natural world, and the science that connects them.
Born in Istanbul in 1985, Canan completed her primary and secondary education in Kocaeli. After graduating from Hacettepe University's Department of Physics Engineering in 2007, she completed her Master's program in Material Science and Engineering at Sabancı University in 2009. She began her doctoral education in the Department of Material Science and Engineering at UIUC, backed by a Fulbright scholarship. During this time, she worked on flexible and foldable electronic devices that can be attached to the skin or worn.
Canan Dağdeviren currently holds the position of LG Career Development Professor in Media Arts and Sciences at MIT. Significantly, she made history at Harvard University as the first Turkish scientist to be a Junior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows.Dağdeviren leads her own research group at the MIT Media Lab called 'Conformable Decoders'. The group operates at the intersection of material science, engineering, and biomedical engineering. They develop mechanically adaptive electromechanical systems that integrate closely with the target object, for sensing, actuating, and energy harvesting, among other applications.
Dağdeviren believes in 'encoding' vital information from nature and the human body into various physical models. Her research focuses on creating 'conformable decoders' capable of 'decoding' these patterns into useful signals and/or energy.
One of her significant inventions involves the use of piezoelectric materials—materials that can generate electricity when a pressure or force is applied—to convert the movements of human organs into electrical energy. As of September 18, 2019, she is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Kadir Has University.
Canan points to two pivotal moments that stoked her passion for science. First, a book about Marie Curie that her father gifted her, and second, a piece titled 'Memories and Thoughts' she received directly from Erdal İnönü. She particularly emphasizes that meeting Erdal İnönü played a key role in her high school field selection. During periods of low motivation, she has mentioned drawing inspiration from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Her work has received coverage in numerous media outlets, including The Washington Post, IEEE Spectrum, Forbes, Discover Magazine, MedGadget, Stat News, Nature Materials, AP News, and more.
Dağdeviren's accolades are numerous. She made it to the Forbes list of '30 Scientists Under 30', became a Junior Fellow of Harvard, and featured in MIT Technology Review's list of 'Inventors Under 35'. She is also a recipient of the Illinois Innovation Prize. Through her extraordinary work, Dağdeviren continues to break boundaries and inspire future generations in the world of science and technology.
Canan Dağdeviren is not only an influential scientist making strides in her field but also a potent role model for young people worldwide, particularly women in STEM. She has exhibited a remarkable capacity for innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in her intersection of expertise—material science, engineering, and biomedical engineering. Her groundbreaking work in creating conformable decoders to harness vital information from nature and the human body is just one testament to her inventive genius.
Furthermore, her commitment to inspiring future generations demonstrates her dedication not just to the advancement of science, but also to the cultivation of a diverse, inclusive scientific community. As she continues her journey, Dağdeviren will undoubtedly further contribute to her field and continue to inspire others. Her story is a compelling reminder that curiosity, resilience, and a passion for discovery can lead to transformative innovations and recognition on the global stage.