Position: Founder of USEB
Contact: betuloktay267@gmail.com
Betül Oktay is the Founder of USEB Academy, a student-centered educational initiative dedicated to creating meaningful, accessible, and human-focused learning experiences.
Her academic journey began with a strong curiosity for biology during her science high school years. This passion led her to the TÜBİTAK National Biology Olympiads, where she received intensive Winter and Summer Camp training from distinguished university professors and was awarded the Bronze Medal in 2009. Even while still a student, she began supporting younger learners as an Olympiad tutor—marking the early emergence of her commitment to education.
In 2011, she entered the Department of Biology at Ege University as her sole university preference and was admitted with first-rank placement. During her undergraduate studies, she became the only student in her department to receive the TÜBİTAK Scientist Support Scholarship, awarded in recognition of her National Biology Olympiad achievement. She later completed pedagogical formation training, qualifying as an educator.
In Turkey’s Public Personnel Selection Examination (KPSS), she ranked among the top 10 candidates nationwide—a rare academic distinction. Following this achievement, she began her professional teaching career in Antalya. Between 2015 and 2019, she worked across approximately fifteen institutions, including science high schools, vocational schools, private colleges, and exam preparation centers, teaching hundreds of students from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Through close observation and experience, she developed original educational materials and individualized learning approaches, guided by the belief that every mind learns differently. As a result of these contributions, she was appointed to the central organization of the Turkish Ministry of National Education in Ankara—becoming the first teacher in her department to be recruited through intercity assignment, a significant professional milestone. There, she worked within the educational materials development unit, bringing classroom insight directly into national production.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became an active contributor to Turkey’s national distance education system, including teaching on EBA TV, where her lecture videos continue to be broadcast weekly. She delivered televised lessons, produced educational content, and prepared assessment materials reaching students across the country.
At the same time, she authored educational articles for one full year in the pandemic-era education support supplement of Hürriyet, one of Turkey’s most widely recognized national newspapers—helping students navigate learning during an uncertain period. Her contributions to distance education were recognized with multiple commendations from senior officials.
Today, she continues to serve education at the national level: she is currently the editor of a TÜBİTAK science high school textbook project, and she remains actively involved in ongoing Ministry initiatives alongside her academic path.
Over time, she recognized a profound connection between how individuals process academic knowledge and how they carry emotional experiences. Her deep love for education—and her desire to touch not only students’ academic lives but also their inner worlds—gradually strengthened her interest in psychiatry. This journey led her to develop her own psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic perspectives and ultimately to make the decision to become a psychiatrist.
With this goal in mind, she chose to study medicine and applied to Semmelweis University. Taking into account her extensive academic background and professional achievements, the university granted her exemption from entrance examinations and admitted her directly to the Faculty of Medicine in 2022. Upon leaving her position within Turkey’s Ministry of National Education, she was honored for her contributions to the national education system.
Today, while continuing her medical education in Budapest, she integrates her experience as both educator and student to design clearer, more motivating, and more sustainable learning models.
In 2024, she founded USEB Academy—initially as a platform dedicated solely to medical students, beginning with academic book writing and structured learning materials. Within a short time, USEB grew rapidly, receiving strong appreciation and support from university professors across different institutions, as well as educators, teachers, and students. The platform expanded into tutoring programs and medical entrance exam preparation, now supporting learners not only throughout medical school but also at the very beginning of their journey into medicine. Its publications continue to grow, and its team is steadily professionalizing with each new step forward.
Beyond structured education, her work naturally extends into service. Alongside her academic efforts, she actively participates in—and organizes—charity initiatives, carrying learning into compassion, and knowledge into collective responsibility.
2009 – National Biology Olympiad Bronze Medal
Awarded by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) at the 17th National Science Olympiad in the field of Biology.
2009–2010 – TÜBİTAK Certificates
Certificates of Participation and Achievement from the National Olympiad Committee, including Summer and Winter Schools of the International Science Olympiad (Biology category).
2014–2017 – Educational Contribution Plaques
Recognition plaques awarded by local education authorities and institutions in Turkey for contributions to student education and academic projects.
2015 – Academic Degrees and Certifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology (Ege University, Faculty of Science), Pedagogical Formation Certificate (Ege University Faculty of Education),
and Certificate in Laboratory Animal Experimentation (Gazi University).
2020 – Articles in Hürriyet Newspaper
Articles published in Hürriyet during the COVID-19 pandemic and a plaque awarded by the newspaper’s editorial board for contributions to educational support.
2020 – Certificate of Achievement by the Minister of National Education
Special Achievement Certificate and honorary plaque awarded by Prof. Dr. Ziya Selçuk, Minister of National Education,
in recognition of contributions to EBA TV and national digital education projects.
2016–2018 – Educational Seminars and Courses
Multiple seminar and course certificates issued by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, including training on teaching methods,
curriculum development, and quality monitoring in education.
Author: Betul Oktay
75 pages
A comprehensive guide to the upper limb, covering bones, joints, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and important regions.
See Details“
Why Teaching?
From a young age, I knew teaching was my calling—it felt like a natural talent I couldn’t ignore. In many education systems, the focus is often on the best students, while those struggling are left behind. For me, true teaching talent lies in helping those whom others overlook. I became a teacher to support students who needed the most help, and I was ready to stand by my ideals, even if it meant going against the grain.
Over the years, I’ve taught hundreds of students, and the most valuable lesson I’ve imparted is to never give up. People often ask me how I maintain such a positive outlook, and the answer is simple: persistence. I’ve learned that those who keep going, despite setbacks, will eventually succeed. This belief drives me to move forward, even when I’m walking the path alone. Failures are part of the journey, and I embrace them with a smile, knowing they are steps toward success. As long as I’m walking that path, I’m never truly alone.
Founding USEB
I founded USEB to provide students with the motivation and tools they need to succeed, particularly in challenging fields like medicine. I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for students, and I wanted to create a platform that not only offers academic support but also encourages them to stay motivated. At USEB, we believe that when students are motivated, they perform better, develop essential skills, and overcome obstacles.
Success isn’t about meeting others’ standards—it’s about reaching your own potential. That’s the core philosophy at USEB. We are here to show students that learning doesn’t have to be difficult when the right methods are used. Every student can succeed, and no one should feel hopeless. We are here to guide and support them every step of the way, helping them discover that learning can be an enjoyable, empowering experience.
What does USEB stand for?
USEB stands for "Use Brain." Throughout my teaching career, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of students, each with unique learning abilities. Some grasp concepts quickly, while others take more time. However, I can confidently say that with the right teaching methods and patience, there hasn’t been a single student who couldn’t learn. Every mind has the capacity to learn, but how each mind processes information varies. The key is discovering the method that works best for you and understanding how your brain processes information. This is also part of a larger journey of self-discovery.
A teacher’s role is not simply to transfer knowledge into students' minds but to help them learn how to use their own brains effectively. USEB encourages active learning rather than passive memorization. Under the guidance of a skilled teacher, every student can learn how to utilize their brain most efficiently and continue their learning journey independently.
The USEB platform aims to teach students how to progress based on their own mental capacities, taking individual differences into account. The name USEB, meaning "Use Brain," reflects our approach to education by emphasizing the importance of motivation in active learning. A motivated brain is essential for self-directed learning, and USEB team operates with a strong focus on both individual and collective motivation. This approach enables us to accomplish great, high-quality work as a team in a short amount of time. Our main goal is not just to impart academic knowledge but to empower students to become self-sufficient in their learning.
”- Betul Oktay
