PRESIDENT | MURAT KEREM ERSIN | SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL

Murat Kerem Ersin is a Juris Doctor graduate of Suffolk University Law School and holds a law degree (LL.B.) from Koç University. He is currently awaiting the results of the New York Bar Exam. His professional interests include international, corporate, and tax law, as well as legal technology. Murat began his involvement with the New England Turkish Student Association (NETSA) in 2023 as an Event Coordinator, organizing community and networking events for Turkish students. He now serves as President, where he oversees the team’s initiatives, coordinates planning efforts, and helps shape the organization’s vision and priorities. Alongside his community leadership, Murat is beginning a new chapter with Manay CPA as a Junior Associate, contributing to tax and legal operations - while maintaining a professional presence in both Atlanta and Boston as he advances toward a career as a tax attorney. Outside of his legal pursuits and community involvement, Murat enjoys networking, working out, exploring new restaurants, and staying engaged with fashion and trends.

VICE PRESIDENT | OMER SEYFEDDIN KOC | NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Omer Seyfeddin Koc is a Data Science graduate from Northeastern University (Class of 2025), with a background in Industrial Engineering from Istanbul Technical University. His passion lies in transforming complex datasets into clear, actionable strategies through machine learning, predictive modeling, and impactful data visualization. He joined the New England Turkish Student Association (NETSA) as Treasurer in 2023 and currently serves as Vice President, where he leads community initiatives and provides technical expertise to support the organization’s growth. Outside of data and community work, Omer is a curious mind with a love for history, a lifelong football fan, and a music enthusiast.

DIRECTOR | MELISA BULUT | THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

Melisa holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the University of Kansas School of Law, where she was a scholarship recipient and an active member of the International Law Association and Women in Law Society. She completed her legal education at Bahçeşehir University School of Law in Turkey, served as president of the IT & Technology Law Club, and broadened her global perspective through studies at the University of Valencia in Spain. With a strong multicultural background and extensive networking experience, Melisa has cultivated a unique ability to engage with diverse communities. She is currently working as a Law Clerk at an immigration law office. As the Director of NETSA, Melisa brings her passion for cultural exchange, community involvement, and human connection to every initiative. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, photography, and playing pinball.

EVENT COORDINATOR | SAMET TEMURCIN | NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Samet Temurcin is pursuing a Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering at Northeastern University. He holds a Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering from Gaziantep University. His interests include data science, machine learning, business intelligence, and statistical modeling. Through NETSA, he helps Turkish students navigate academic life and adapt to U.S. culture, building a strong, connected community. Since joining NETSA in 2025 as an Event Coordinator, he has helped build this community through creative events and collaborative initiatives. Outside academics, he focuses on leadership development, staying updated on data and technology trends, and applying analytical thinking to real-world challenges. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and participating in collaborative projects.

SECRETARY | BENSU MERCAN | BOSTON COLLEGE

Bensu Mercan completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology, beginning at Ankara University and graduating from Salem State University with a Bachelor of Science. Her academic and professional interests include child and adolescent mental health, multicultural counseling, and art and play based therapeutic approaches. Bensu is currently completing her OPT at 17 Healers Inc., a nonprofit organization offering inclusive mental health support to diverse communities. In Fall 2025, she will begin her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Boston College. She joined NETSA in 2022 and served as Secretary. Outside of her academic interests in multicultural and expressive therapies, Bensu enjoys cooking and hiking.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER | EKIN ALPER | NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Ekin Alper is a Senior Business Analyst in Fidelity Enterprise Relationship Management (ERM), a unit of Fidelity Investments reponsible for overseeing Fidelity's largest corporate client relationships. She supports relationship management and business development efforts for ERM’s diversified financials/insurance and higher education clients. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Business Analytics and an MBA from Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business. Prior to her college education, she went to Lycée Français Saint Benoît in Istanbul, Turkey. Currently, she serves on the Northeastern University Young Alumni Advisory Board (YAAB) and previously worked as an Associate Business Analyst Co-op at ERM, where she focused on data aggregation, financial analysis, and strategy support for all the sectors. She was also a Business Analyst Co- op at Wayfair, working on the B2B Email Marketing Retention team, where she contributed to data-driven strategies that enhanced customer engagement and revenue. She also served as a Teaching Assistant for an entrepreneurship course and was the Co-Director of Marketing for the Northeastern University Blockchain Organization. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, spinning, tennis, and singing!

OUTREACH COORDINATOR | ALARA ULKER | BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Alara Ulker is from Istanbul, Turkey and has called Boston home for the past 12 years. She graduated from Boston University with a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology and went on to earn her Master’s in Psychoanalysis from the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis. She currently works as a Behavioral Health Clinical Crisis Interventionist at NeighborHealth’s Behavioral Health Urgent Care, part of the Emergency Department, where she provides acute care for patients in crisis. Her professional interests center on crisis care, emergency psychology, and de-escalation, with a focus on helping people feel safe and understood during their most critical moments. She joined NETSA in 2025 as an Outreach Coordinator, contributing to the organization’s mission. Outside of her clinical work, Alara is also a graduate of the McGill Conservatory of Montreal, with a deep passion for piano and music theory. She enjoys cooking and creating spaces for cultural exchange

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR | IMEN SARUHANOGULLARI | MCPHS UNIVERSITY

Imen Saruhanogullari is pursuing a degree in Medical and Molecular Biology at MCPHS University and actively works on her medical school application. She is a scholarship recipient whose academic interests include medical research, and biotechnology, as well as how science can advance approaches to skin health and overall well-being. She began her involvement with NETSA in 2025 as Student Engagement Coordinator where she focuses on building strong connections among Turkish students and strengthening the Turkish student community across New England. Outside of her academic interests Imen enjoys working out, creating digital art, and staying engaged with fashion and music.