Bridging Education and Technology: An Interview with Prof. Dr. Nadire Cavus

In this inspiring interview, we explore the academic journey of Prof. Dr. Nadire Cavus, a leading scholar in computer information systems and educational technology. From her early academic achievements at Near East University to her innovative contributions to distance learning and cybersecurity, Prof. Dr. Cavus has established herself as a pioneer in her field.

With over 6,000 citations and recognition as one of the top 3% of influential scientists globally, she has left an indelible mark on the academic and scientific communities. In this interview, Prof. Dr. Cavus reflects on her journey, her effective research, and her vision for the future of education and technology.

Can you tell us how you decided to pursue a career in this field? Was there a person or event that significantly influenced your academic journey?

When I started the Near East University (NEU) Preparatory School in 1990, my aim was to study only for one year, improve my English and continue my education in Medicine in Türkiye. However, after achieving excellent academic results in my first semester, I was offered the opportunity to study in the Computer Information Systems (CIS) Department. My interest in computers had already begun in high school, when I was one of ten students chosen to take Computer Science as an elective course.

The education I received at NEU further solidified my passion for computer science and ultimately changed my aspirations. Graduating with the highest honors as the valedictorian from both the CIS Department and the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences formed the foundation of my academic journey. With the encouragement of my professors who recognized my analytical and curious nature, I decided to pursue a career in academia. In 1995, I started my master’s degree, supported by a full scholarship from Dr. Suat Günsel. Completing my master’s degree with high honors in 1997 instilled in me a passion for research. Completing my master’s degree with honors in 1997 further deepened my passion for research.” Being an interdisciplinary field, CIS offered ample opportunities for cross-sectoral exploration and integration. This motivated me to pursue a PhD, and I graduated with high honors in 2007. Publishing my PhD research in a prestigious indexed journal was an unforgettable milestone that motivated me to contribute more to science.

“Innovation often emerges from necessity; distance learning was my answer to regional educational challenges.”

 
 
 

 
 
What has been your most significant scientific contribution or discovery, and could you share the story behind it?

In the early 2000s, during my Ph.D. studies, I explored advanced educational systems worldwide. I believed that overcoming our region’s educational challenges, such as limited budgets and infrastructure, required innovative approaches. My research led me to the concept of distance learning at a time when Northern Cyprus relied on dial-up internet connections. After two years of rigorous work, I developed a virtual learning environment capable of delivering programming courses remotely. My findings, published in a high-impact journal, gained international recognition and have since been widely cited. Initially met with skepticism, this work later became a cornerstone for universities during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling uninterrupted education.

Over the years, my research has expanded to encompass areas such as mobile learning, learning management systems, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and bioinformatics. To date, my work has received over 6,233 citations, with an h-index of 33 and an i10-index of 61. Being ranked among the top 3% of influential scientists globally in Stanford University’s latest report was an exceptional honor.

“Failures are not the end; they are stepping stones to success.”

How have you dealt with failures in your scientific journey, and what lessons have they taught you?

Failure is an inherent part of science. Research requires time, effort, and resources, and not all projects yield immediate results. One particularly challenging project involved a collaboration with a colleague, where two years of work revealed the need to change our research model. After a week of mutual support, we revised our methodology, reanalyzed the data, and eventually achieved remarkable results within six months. This experience taught me that setbacks are often stepping stones to success. Perseverance, resilience, and adaptability are crucial qualities for any academic.

As a woman in the rapidly evolving field of computer science, what opportunities and challenges have you faced? What advice would you give to young women aspiring to excel in this field?

As a female academic in the rapidly evolving field of computer science, I have naturally encountered both opportunities and challenges. One of my greatest advantages has been my strong communication and empathy skills, which allowed me to seize potential opportunities in projects I worked on alongside my male colleagues. Additionally, in the early years of my career during the 1990s, the number of women working in computer science was significantly lower compared to male professionals. This imbalance presented me with greater opportunities to be involved in more projects in the field, as the representation of female computer scientists was sparse.

However, challenges were certainly not absent. Projects in the field of computer science, and the IT sector in general, are inherently complex and require collaboration among experts from various disciplines, such as software testers, system analysts, database administrators, programmers, and interface designers. Group projects often span long periods and disregard conventional time constraints. As women, our responsibilities within the family—such as cooking, cleaning, or ironing—demand a portion of our time. Adding to that, societal restrictions stemming from living in a male-dominated culture often resulted in unanticipated time management difficulties.

Nonetheless, I can confidently say that my passion for science and the sense of dedication instilled by academia enabled me to overcome all these challenges.

 

 

To our young women: I urge you to develop an interest in innovative technologies, delve deeper into research, and focus your efforts on this promising area. The IT sector encompasses a wide range of fields and is one of the most forward-looking professions with a bright future. It ranks among the top professions globally in terms of workforce demand. As women, we must prove ourselves in the IT sector, just as we do in every other field, and achieve remarkable success through our work. As Atatürk said, “Everything in the world is created by women.” Women need to have a stronger presence in the tech world. I encourage our young women to gather all their strength and determination, work systematically to establish themselves in this field, and adopt a philosophy of continuous self-renewal throughout their lives.

 

 

“The security of our children in the digital world is a moral imperative for scientists.”

If there were no limitations, what scientific or societal issue in your field would you prioritize solving, and why?

Information technologies are evolving and advancing rapidly worldwide, and as a result, their usage among individuals is increasing day by day. The purposes for which these technologies are used are of utmost importance. Utilizing technology for the benefit of society is, of course, the ultimate goal we all hope for. However, in the hands of malicious individuals, technology can lead to serious issues that could threaten the very existence of society.

Every day, through various news outlets, we hear about individuals, companies, and even nations falling victim to digital crimes such as cyber fraud, cyberattacks, and cyberbullying. In the field of science, studies are being conducted to protect against these digital vulnerabilities and cyber threats. However, new methods of attack are being developed continuously, making it inevitable for these efforts to be repeated and refined relentlessly.

Children, in particular, are frequently exposed to cyberattacks and cyberbullying. The consequences are often devastating—sometimes costing them their lives, other times jeopardizing their futures. Yet, as Atatürk said, “Our future lies in our children.” Children are the foundation of society’s survival and progress. Therefore, my foremost scientific goal is to develop effective cybersecurity systems that can prevent even a single child from experiencing digital victimization.

 

About Prof. Dr. Nadire Cavus

Prof. Dr. Nadire Cavus is a leading academic in educational technologies and computer information systems. She serves as Chairperson of the Department of Computer Information Systems at Near East University and has published over 15 books and numerous articles in top-tier journals. Her research interests include mobile learning, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. Recognized globally, she continues to shape the future of technology and education.