In support of the International Girls in ICT Day
Compulsory Peace & ICTs Education From Kindergarten to K-12, and Beyond | Campaign (8th Session)
#CompulsoryPeaceICTsEdu

2026 Theme for Girls In ICT Day: “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future“
Dedicated to: Pioneer of the GPS Dr. Gladys B. West
Session Theme: ICTs, AI, and Space Tech For Girls | #ICTsForGirls Day 2026
Delivered on April 25, 2026

The below presentation dedicated to:
The Life and Discoveries of Prof. Semahat Geldiay
A Pioneer Lighting the Path for Girls in STEM: Prof. Semahat Geldiay

Presented by Duru Sert, Woodson High School (Fairfax, VA);
Through Atatürk Society of America, Member of the #CompulsoryPeaceICTsEdu Campaign

Introductory Note: Bridging History and Innovation
[LMGlobal.Org] In this presentation, Duru Sert, a junior at Woodson High School (Fairfax, VA), honors the pioneering legacy of Professor Dr. Semahat Geldiay (1923–2002), a transformative figure in Turkish science and academic leadership.
Duru skillfully explores how Professor Geldiay’s groundbreaking work in insect endocrinology—conducted during a time when women faced significant barriers in higher education—laid the essential foundations for modern biology education in Turkiye. By connecting Geldiay’s resilience and international scientific recognition to the opportunities available to today’s generation, Duru offers a powerful reflection on what it means for young women to be not just participants in STEM, but future innovators.
We invite you to explore Duru’s full presentation and learn more about the visionary scientist whose life and career continue to inspire the next generation of women in technology and beyond.

Opening/Title Slide:
Good morning, my name is Duru Sert, and today I will be presenting on the pioneer for women in STEM, Professor Semahat Geldiay. I am a junior at Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia. As someone who values both my cultural background and the opportunities available to girls today, I find it inspiring to learn about women like Semahat Geldiay who helped make that progress possible.

Slide 1:
Professor Geldiay was a Turkish scientist and academic who played a significant role in shaping modern science education in Turkiye. Her story remains especially meaningful because she succeeded during a time when very few women had access to careers in science, and her contributions continue to inspire girls pursuing STEM fields today.

Slide 2:
Semahat Geldiay remains relevant today because her impact extended far beyond her own achievements as one of Turkiye’s first female scientists and academic leaders. She helped establish scientific education systems that created opportunities for future generations, including women entering STEM fields. In fact, the Zoology department she helped create at Ege University was one of the most well-equipped and advanced in the country. When we discuss empowering girls in science today, we are building upon the foundation created by individuals like her. Her legacy demonstrates that progress in STEM is gradual and is driven by those who challenge limitations and expand opportunities for others.

Slide 3:
To fully understand the significance of her accomplishments, it is important to consider the historical context in which she lived. During the 1940s and 1950s, women across the world faced significant barriers in higher education and were often discouraged from pursuing careers in science. In Turkiye, reforms under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkiye’s leader at the time, promoted women’s education, which created new but still limited opportunities. Despite these challenges, Semahat Geldiay earned her PhD in 1954 from Ankara University, conducted research internationally, and became a respected academic. Her achievements reflect both her individual determination and the importance of access to education in overcoming societal barriers.

Slide 4:
Semahat Geldiay’s influence extended beyond her own research, as she played a key role in developing scientific education in Turkiye. At Ege University, she contributed to the establishment and growth of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. She helped build laboratories, design academic programs, and support research initiatives that continue to benefit students today. Rather than simply participating in the academic system, she actively shaped and strengthened it. Her contributions ensured that future generations of scientists would have access to the resources and education necessary to succeed, especially in the field of biology education.

Slide 5:
In her scientific work, Semahat Geldiay specialized in insect endocrinology, specifically focusing on neuro-hormones and neuro-secretions. This field examines how hormones influence behavior and biological processes in organisms. Geldiay found that animals were controlled by neurosecretions and was able to prove that electric shocks or hyperactivity would trigger hormone secretions. She utilized advanced technology for her time, including electron microscopy, to study complex biological systems. Her work with the electron microscope allowed her to see the place where neurohormones were secreted, which she named the Cerebral Neurohemal Organ. Although her work was highly specialized, it has broader relevance to fields such as medicine, neuroscience, and even modern technologies that draw inspiration from biological systems.

Slide 6:
Semahat Geldiay’s contributions were recognized both nationally and internationally. She was awarded two Fulbright scholarships, which, along with the American Association of University Women Research Award, allowed her to conduct research in the United States. She also received a NATO research grant and the TÜBİTAK Science Award from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, one of Turkey’s most prestigious scientific honors. These recognitions demonstrate that her work had a global impact and that she was an active participant in the international scientific community.

Slide 7: 
Semahat Geldiay’s story continues to hold significance for girls today. She entered a field in which women were underrepresented and succeeded at the highest levels. More importantly, she contributed to expanding opportunities for those who followed. Today, girls have access to a wider range of opportunities in STEM, including emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and digital technology. Her story reminds us that being confident, pursuing education, and a willingness to challenge expectations are keys to success. Her legacy reinforces the idea that girls are not only participants in STEM but also innovators and leaders who can shape the future.

Slide 8:
The future now lies in the hands of the next generation of women in STEM, made possible by the groundbreaking contributions of Semahat Geldiay and other pioneering female scientists who came before us.

Thank you for your time.