This spring, the inaugural class of Morehead-Cain Global Fellows will conclude their year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This miniseries of the Catalyze podcast highlights members of the first class, featuring global fellows from Nigeria, Turkey, and India.

In this episode, Ali Slack ’28 of the Scholar Media Team speaks with Morehead-Cain Global Fellow Güneş Tuğcu ’26 about her journey to Carolina, her experiences in the program, and how the year will inform her future impact.

About the guest

Güneş is a psychology and western languages and literatures double major at Boğaziçi University, passionate about science communication and accessibility. She co-founded a mentorship program for students affected by the 2023 earthquakes, is a staff reporter for campus journalism, and teaches English to underserved communities. At UNC, she is engaged in research in the Neurocognition and Imaging Lab, examining the neural substrates of complex cognitive functions. She is also involved in community engagement initiatives through the THRIVE Program, supporting outreach and service efforts for veterans and first responders living with traumatic brain injury. With a strong interest in the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging neuro-technologies, she plans to pursue neuroscience and law, aspiring to contribute to the emerging field of neurolaw as an IP lawyer and researcher focused on responsible innovation and equitable access.

About the Morehead-Cain Global Fellows program

The Morehead-Cain Global Fellows program identifies, invests in, and empowers emerging leaders who seek to positively shape communities across the world. Global fellows pursue a fully funded year of undergraduate study and research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

During their time at Carolina, global fellows engage in rigorous academics, immersive research, and meaningful cross-cultural exchange. The program includes funded travel within the United States, personal coaching from Morehead-Cain advisers, and yearlong leadership development designed to strengthen purpose, confidence, and impact. Global fellows return home with world-class research experience, an international network, and the skills to lead with clarity and purpose. 

Are you ready to step forward and shape the world for the better? Learn more at global.moreheadcain.org. 

Music credits

The episode’s intro song is by scholar Scott Hallyburton ’22, guitarist of the band South of the Soul.

How to listen

On your mobile device, you can listen and subscribe to Catalyze on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For any other podcast app, you can find the show using our RSS feed. You can let us know what you thought of the episode by finding us on social media @moreheadcain or you can email us at communications@moreheadcain.org.