Irem Ozturk Mihci

I am a PhD researcher in the Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience at the University of Manchester, fully funded by the President’s Doctoral Scholar Award.

My research investigates how children and adults express and interpret beliefs across different levels of evidence in Turkish and English. I focus on cross-linguistic differences in the use of mental state verbs (e.g., think, know) and non-mental state expressions (e.g., in my opinion) during belief reasoning. Using experimental developmental methods, I examine how evidence strength shapes linguistic expression and belief understanding. 

I completed my BA and MA in Psychology at Bilkent University, Türkiye, as a high-honour student. During my undergraduate and graduate years, I worked as a research assistant at the Bil-Ge Developmental Psychology Centre, contributing to multiple projects on children’s theory of mind, language, and socio-cognitive development. I also completed a summer research internship at Boston University Social Learning Lab, where I gained hands-on experience in conducting cross-cultural developmental studies with children in Türkiye and the United States.

Before beginning my PhD, I worked as a developmental psychologist at YÖM Schools in Istanbul, supporting children’s social, emotional, and academic development and collaborating closely with families and teachers.

Alongside my research background, I completed accredited training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and gained experience providing psychotherapy and counselling services.

I am currently pursuing my PhD under the supervision of Prof. Anna Theakston and Dr. Birsu Kandemirci, and I have been working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and a PhD Tutor at The Brilliant Club, contributing to teaching, widening participation, outreach, and academic engagement for my future career.

Belief reasoning

Mental state expressions

Evidentiality

Evidence-based belief expression

Cross-linguistic cognition

Linguistics

Pragmatics and language use

Language development

Cognitive development

Experimental developmental psychology

Theory of Mind

Cultural Research

Graduate Teaching Assistant – University of Manchester

PSYC21032 – Interventions to Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing
Graduate Teaching Assistant, (2024–2025)

• Supporting the delivery of lab sessions, assisting with their project on a qualitative approach to study mental health, grading their projects, and providing detailed feedback.

PSYC14441 – Psychological Research Skills I
Graduate Teaching Assistant (2025–2026)

• Contributing to the project grading.

PSYC10211 – Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Guest Lecturer – Motor Development Session (2025)

• Delivered a full lecture on motor development, covering early motor milestones, mechanisms of change, and foundational developmental processes.

• Designed lecture materials and led student discussions focused on applications in developmental research.

Teaching Assistant – Bilkent University (2019–2022)

PSYC203 – Statistical Methods in Psychological Science I
PSYC205 – Statistical Methods in Psychological Science II

• Led tutorial sessions, supported students in understanding core statistical concepts, and contributed to assessment preparation and grading.

PSYC240 – Developmental Psychology

• Facilitated the delivery of the lectures, organised one-to-one sessions with students, and supported students’ exam grading.

PSYC350 – Advanced Cognitive and Social Development

• Assisted with course delivery, graded assignments, and supported students in developing higher-level conceptual understanding in cognitive and social developmental psychology.

Degrees

MA in Psychology, Bilkent University (2020–2022)

• Grade: 3.91/4.00 (High Honour)

• Thesis: Detailed Investigation of Turkish Children’s Diverse Belief Task Performance

• Supervisor: Asst. Prof. Hande Ilgaz

BA in Psychology, Bilkent University (2015–2020)

• Grade: 3.51/4.00 (High Honour)

• Thesis: The Relationship between Turkish Evidentiality and Theory of Mind Performance

• Supervisor: Asst. Prof. Hande Ilgaz

Professional Certifications

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Certification (2024–2025)

Prof. Dr. Hakan Türkçapar

• I have completed accredited training in Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy (CBT) through an association recognised by the European Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EACBT).

Experiential Play Therapy - Level 1 & Level 2 (2023)

Dr. Byron Norton & Dr. Nilüfer Devecigil

• I completed my Level 1 and 2 Experiential Play Therapy training.

Additional Qualifications & Awards

• High Honour Awards (Bilkent University, multiple semesters)

• President’s Doctoral Scholarship (PDS), University of Manchester (2023–2027) — competitive full funding awarded to researchers of outstanding academic calibre