November 16, 2023 | News | New faces at MPIDR
Welcome, Zafer Büyükkececi!
Zafer Büyükkeçeci will work in the BIOSFER Project at MPIDR. © MPIDR/Schulz
The Laboratory of Fertility and Well-Being welcomes Zafer Büyükkeçeci as a new team member. Zafer was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cologne, working on the KINMATRIX project, which examined extended family networks in nine European countries and the role of these networks as protection against isolation and as a source of various forms of capital to promote education and careers. He received his Ph.D. in Microsociology from the Humboldt University of Berlin. His dissertation, entitled "Social Interaction Effects on Family Life Courses: The Social Contagion of Family Formation in Four Network Domains," examined the influence of relevant others, such as siblings and colleagues, on an individual's family formation behavior.
What's your job at MPIDR?
I am a researcher at MPIDR, currently working on the BIOSFER project. Our research focuses on the interplay between social and biological factors and their influence on fertility. I will be involved in this project for four years.
What motivates you to work in this area of research?
I find the study of the interplay between social and biological factors and their impact on outcomes such as fertility to be a fascinating and promising area of research. It's an area with remarkable opportunities for further investigation. In addition, I see this project as a valuable opportunity for personal growth and learning. I am particularly excited about collaborating with scholars from different disciplines, as it provides a rich and multidimensional perspective for my research.
Why did you choose MPIDR as your new employer?
I chose MPIDR as my new employer because of its excellent reputation for providing an enriching environment, both scientifically and socially. This reputation has been consistently echoed by those in the academic community, and I've had the privilege of experiencing it firsthand on several occasions. Moreover, the opportunity to collaborate with scientists from different disciplines within the BIOSFER project is very appealing to me. In addition, MPIDR's reputation as one of the top institutes for high-quality research in demography was a major draw for me.
Where are you from? What do you miss most about home (and maybe: what don't you miss at all)?
I am from Istanbul and I miss a lot of things, including my partner, my parents, our beloved cat, dear friends, the culinary delights and the warm Mediterranean weather. Interestingly, I find that I may not miss the sea view and coastal landscape as much, thanks to the breathtaking views from the Institute.
What is your favorite and least favorite part of your job?
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is the daily interaction with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, the shared meals, and the rich exchange of ideas. I also enjoy conducting research and exploring unknown territories. As for my less favorite aspect, I wouldn't pick one in particular. However, if I had to choose, I would say that I prefer the research process itself rather than the subsequent task of documenting it.