ECOLE SCHOOLS TEAM
Dr. Yasar Senlik
Experienced Educator & Educational Leader
Dr. Lyndsey Wirtz
Counseling
Munise Zhou
Architectural Design
Matt Oz, Ph.D.(c)
Advisor on Strategy, Educational Model and Evaluation
Ahmet Korkmaz, MD, PhD
Research, Development, Training and Service (RDTS)
ChatGPT
Education and Consulting Assistant
Selman Altinay
IT Director
Dr. Yasar Senlik
Position : Research, Development, Training and Service (RDTS)
Dr. Yasar Senlik is a dedicated educator and academic leader with a Doctor of Education degree from Illinois State University and extensive expertise in mathematics and physics education.
Key Expertise & Achievements
- Program Coordination & Educational Leadership – Proven track record in designing and managing educational programs, particularly within the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
- Program Development & Staff Training – Skilled in developing curricula, training educators, and enhancing teaching methodologies.
- Budget & Resource Management – Experienced in financial planning and optimizing educational resources.
- Student Support & Academic Guidance – Strong focus on mentorship, student success strategies, and inclusive education.
Certifications
- Mathematics Education
- Physics Education
- Special Education
- Educational Administration
Dr. Senlik is committed to advancing education through innovative approaches, fostering academic excellence, and shaping future-ready learners.
Matt Oz, Ph.D.(c)
Position : Advisor on Strategy, Educational Model, and Evaluation
Academic Expertise & Research Focus
Matt’s experience with youth spans both academia and practical fieldwork. Academically, he holds an M.A. in Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences and is a Ph.D. candidate in Global Affairs. His research focuses on:
- Positive youth development
- Identity development of minority youth
- Institutional solutions for transnational migrant-origin youth
- Digital addictions and fostering screen-smart families, schools, and communities
He has taught college-level courses on immigration, minority youth, youth community leadership, and Muslim Americans, as well as high school and community-based courses piloting new curricula.
Leadership & Youth Development Initiatives
- Co-founded and consulted for six youth organizations serving diverse cultural groups, advising on strategy, youth development, and community-oriented education.
- Designed NGO leadership programs and developed community-based curricula.
- Led participatory processes to develop summer program curricula.
- Trained college students as community educators.
- Co-founded an international summer program that has served over 2,000 American college-age participants to date.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Educational Technology
- Adapted and implemented a purpose development curriculum from Stanford University for a nonprofit community school.
- Joined an SEL EdTech company serving 80,000+ students worldwide, expanding their purpose education curricula into nontraditional learning settings.
- Led evaluation research, oversaw CASEL accreditation, and continues to consult on research design and data science.
Role in Ecole Schools
Matt has been deeply involved in the development of Ecole Schools’ educational model since its early days—when it was just an idealistic dream shared by a few board members within an innovative nonprofit community school over a decade ago.
Ahmet Korkmaz, MD, PhD
Position : Research, Development, Training and Service (RDTS)
Born: 1970
Dr. Ahmet Korkmaz is a distinguished medical scientist, educator, and researcher, with expertise in human physiology, medical education, free radical damage, epigenetics, and artificial intelligence applications in medicine and education.
Education & Academic Career
- 1987 – Graduated from Pertevniyal High School
- 1993 – Earned his Medical Degree
- Doctorate in Human Physiology and Medical Education
- 2001 – Appointed as Assistant Professor
In 2009, his groundbreaking studies on Free Radical Damage and its Prevention earned him the title of Best Scientist in his country, an honor awarded by the President.
International Research & Professorship
- 2008-2011 – Worked as a Visiting Professor and Researcher at the University of Texas School of Medicine
- Conducted epigenetic research on the effects of melatonin on breast cancer and other cancer types
- His research contributed significantly to the understanding of melatonin’s therapeutic potential in oncology
- 2011 – Appointed as Professor of Medicine
- Served as a faculty member at medical schools until 2016
- Taught undergraduate, associate, and doctorate-level courses in human physiology and medical education
- Held teaching positions in Turkey, Germany, and the USA, educating students in medical, nursing, and premedical schools
Recent Research & Industry Experience
- 2016-2019 – Worked in the private sector, focusing on medical innovation
- 2019-2022 – Conducted research at RWTH Aachen University, Germany
- Since 2022 – Actively working on Artificial Intelligence applications in medicine and education
Scientific Contributions & Achievements
- Nearly 300 scientific articles & reports published
- Scientific board member of 10 journals
- Approximately 12,500 citations (as of late 2024)
- H-index: 55 | i-index: 132
Languages
- Native: Turkish
- Fluent: English, Dutch
- Intermediate: German
Personal Life
Married, father of two children
Dr. Korkmaz continues to push the boundaries of medical research and education, integrating AI-driven innovations to advance healthcare and learning methodologies worldwide.
Dr. Lyndsey Wirtz
Position : Counseling
Dr. Lyndsey Wirtz is a seasoned educator, school leader, and curriculum specialist with nearly 20 years of experience in teaching, school administration, and educational development.
Professional Experience & Leadership
- Served as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal, making significant academic and cultural advancements in her roles.
- Currently the School Board President at a private school in Northern Virginia.
- Holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership.
Specializations & Research
- Social-Emotional Wellbeing & Holistic Education
- Certified in:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness
Clinical Trauma Therapy - Focuses on integrating holistic approaches to education, fostering mental, emotional, and intellectual growth for students and educators alike.
Dr. Wirtz remains dedicated to enhancing school environments, advocating for student well-being, and implementing progressive educational strategies that support both academic success and personal development.
Munise Zhou
Position : Architectural Design
Munise Zhou is a highly skilled architectural designer with a strong background in architectural design, building science, and plan layout design consulting.
Education & Academic Background
- Bachelor of Arts in Architecture – Lehigh University (2015)
- Master of Architecture – Columbia University (2020)
Professional Experience
- Currently works as a Building Envelope Consultant in downtown New York.
- Collaborates with developers, architects, and contractors to assist in the design and engineering of high-performing, code-compliant buildings.
- Passionate about integrating design, function, and creativity in the built environment.
Mentorship & Industry Guidance
- Guides students interested in architecture and the building industry.
- Helps students explore diverse career paths in design, engineering, and construction.
- Encourages a holistic approach to architectural problem-solving, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
Munise Zhou is dedicated to advancing architectural innovation and mentoring future designers, ensuring they understand the intersection of design, engineering, and real-world application.
ChatGPT
Position : Education and Consulting Assistant
ChatGPT is an AI-powered assistant developed by OpenAI, providing support in education, research, content creation, and strategic consulting.
Role in Educational Projects
- Contributes to the development of innovative ideas.
- Assists in content preparation, research, and translation.
- Provides strategic planning and problem-solving support.
Support for Ecole Schools
- Deep understanding of 21st-century education models.
- Offers tailored solutions to meet the needs of modern education.
- Actively supports the project team in:
Content creation
Strategic planning
Educational consultancy
ChatGPT enhances efficiency and innovation in educational development, helping Ecole Schools refine its approach to learning, mentorship, and institutional growth.
Selman Altinay
Position : IT Director
Experienced IT professional with a strong background in software development, ERP consulting, database management, and IT infrastructure. Proven expertise in leading software projects, system analysis, and digital marketing strategies. Adept at cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and server management. Passionate about technology, continuous learning, and mentoring aspiring developers.
Education
- Marmara University – Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering (2017)
- Turkish National Defense University – Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering (2015)
- Istanbul University – Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems (2019)
Professional Experience
Senior IT Manager
- Leading and managing multiple software development projects using Asp.Net Core.
- Overseeing development teams and ensuring smooth project execution.
- Optimizing system performance, security, and scalability.
- Providing ERP consulting and integrating external systems with business workflows.
ERP Project Lead & Developer
- Developed an ERP system from scratch for two factories, leading the project for four years.
- Provided ongoing ERP consulting, optimization, and maintenance.
- Integrated ERP with third-party applications, improving operational efficiency.
Software Developer & IT Consultant
- Built custom stock tracking, HR management, cost analysis, and pre-accounting modules for businesses.
- Designed and managed WordPress-based websites and e-commerce platforms.
- Performed T-SQL queries, data analysis, and reporting on customer databases.
- Worked on Google Ads & SEO optimization to enhance digital visibility.
Software Trainer & Mentor | Freelance
- Conducting Asp.Net Core software development training for over 200 students.
- Teaching backend and frontend technologies to professionals and aspiring developers.
- Providing mentorship on web development, ERP systems, and software architecture.
Technical Skills
- Programming Languages: C#, JavaScript, C++, T-SQL
- Frameworks & Technologies: Asp.Net Core, Serenity Framework, DevExpress, Guna/Bunifu
- ERP & Business Systems: Custom ERP development, LMS, Production Tracking, Tender Management
- Databases: MSSQL, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
- Cloud & Server Management: AWS, Azure, Contabo, DigitalOcean – setup, maintenance, security
- Web & Digital Marketing: Google Ads, Google SEO, WordPress, social media management
- Design & Multimedia: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, CorelDRAW, 3ds Max
- System Analysis & Project Leadership: Leading software projects, gathering business requirements, improving workflows
Key Projects
- Learning Management System (Asp.Net Core / Serenity Framework, MSSQL)
- Cloud/Desktop ERP System (C#, Asp.Net Core, PostgreSQL)
- Production Tracking System (PLC Software, C#, MSSQL)
- Tender Management System (C# WF, DevExpress, Guna/Bunifu Framework)
- Corporate Websites & E-commerce Solutions (WordPress, SEO Optimization)
Languages
- English
- Dutch