Gizem Solmaz-Ratzlaff

Why FSU?

In my undergraduate years, I had two professors who graduated from Florida State University, Dr. Refika Olgan and Dr. Feyza Tantekin-Erden. They provided insight into the culture and lifestyle of the United States as well as the US educational system. Every time they talked about Florida State University, my eyes lit up. I always wanted to be a successful professor like them. That’s why, since the first year of my undergraduate education, attending Florida State University has been my dream. 

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

My biggest motivation is improving children’s education. As an avid follower of Social Learning Theory, my goal is to improve the lives of children and teachers by making education more effective and accessible. My research focuses on mathematical anxiety and its effects on educational settings. Many researchers have reported that math anxiety in teachers can have negative consequences on the math achievement of their students. In addition, mathematics anxiety affects learning negatively and ultimately affects students’ attitudes toward mathematics as well as their mathematical performance. The importance of my research is also what keeps me motivated to pursue my degree.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

Since 2019, I have served as a graduate research assistant at the Learning Systems Institute (LSI). I am currently working on two research projects: 'Foundations for Success: Developing Effective Mathematics Educators through Cognitively Guided Instruction (SEED),' and 'Follow-Up to the Replicating the CGI Experiment in Diverse Environments’ under the supervision of my academic advisor, Dr. Robert C. Schoen. The mission of the Schoen Research Lab is to serve children and society with the goal of improving mathematics teaching and learning for all. I am so honored to work in Dr. Robert Schoen’s research lab. We have a great research team that supports one another while also pushing each other to be our best. Being a part of this talented team with these goals in mind is what motivates me to work every day. Applying a scientific approach to educational research, the Schoen Research Lab serves individuals and society by creating knowledge and sharing innovative ideas about how to improve mathematics teaching and learning for all. 

International Education Experience

I was born in Turkey and spent most of my life there. A fun fact about Turkey is that it is known for its rich history and is home to two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in Bodrum. Four years ago, I moved to the USA, becoming the first in my family to have the opportunity to study abroad. I've been fortunate enough to visit 29 countries for academic conferences, internship opportunities, and leisure travel. Traveling is one of my greatest passions in life. As Paulo Coelho famously said, "A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." This quote eloquently conveys my motivation to explore and experience new cultures. Staying in my comfort zone has never been who I am. I constantly seek ways to expose myself to different cultures and have friends all over the world.

One of the most exciting aspects of my international education experience has been the opportunity to study in the US at Florida State University and immerse myself in a vibrant and diverse academic community. This journey has allowed me to engage in a wide range of activities that extend beyond the classroom. The combination of academic rigor, diverse experiences, and the opportunity to make a real impact in the field of education has made my international education experience not just exciting but also deeply fulfilling and transformative.

What is the hardest part about studying away from home?

Leaving everything behind and coming to an unknown future was not easy. I had fears of isolation and concerns about being accepted by a new culture. However, my experience at FSU has been a stark contrast to those initial worries. FSU welcomed me with open arms, ensuring that I was never left alone and always had the support I needed. This warm and inclusive environment has made the transition to studying away from my country of origin much more manageable and rewarding.

Accomplishments during graduate career

In addition to conducting research, I also serve as an instructor in the College of Education.

I've been diligent in making the most of my time at FSU, both in and out the classroom. I am a student coordinator for the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) (Center for Leadership & Service), a Global Ambassador, a Global Nole for the Center for Global Engagement, and an officer for the Seminole Scuba Club. I've also been an active representative in the Congress for Graduate Students (COGS), the Pen&Inc program through FSU Libraries. Additionally, I've taken on the role of an ambassador for the Center for Open Science (COS).

In addition to the Global Citizens Award, I've garnered a multitude of other fellowships, awards, and scholarships, including the Adelaide D. Wilson Graduate Student Success Fund and the Dr. Julia B. Schwartz Endowed Scholarship in Early Childhood Art Education. I've also received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Book Stipend Award, a competitive scholarship available to both undergraduate and graduate students. I was also honored with the Graduate Student Excellence in Visual Arts Award in 2020 for my photograph titled "In Limbo." and in 2022, my art piece featuring astrophotography was exhibited in the FSU Libraries.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

I believe that the teaching profession, and being a role model, require continuous progress toward self-development. During my time at FSU, I have observed diverse cultures and experienced how, through shared goals, people can come together as one community. I am so glad that I have been a part of this diverse community. Florida State University is a school that gave me many new opportunities to improve myself, which helped me find out who I really am. FSU provided every opportunity for me to improve academically and personally. I always feel supported. One of my biggest fears about becoming an international student was that I might feel isolated, and I encourage prospective students to embrace the unknown. FSU has offered me a new home with amazing roommates, experiences, and opportunities.

Career aspirations

After graduation, I aspire to become a professor and establish a nonprofit organization for immigrant children to promote social justice and equality, continuing my long history of service and mentorship. In 2015, I founded a local organization in Turkey to raise money to provide scholarships for undergraduate students in need. To date, the fund has provided scholarships for seventeen students, totaling more than $18,000. In the future, I hope to expand this organization into an international nonprofit to help more students in need.