Merve Begüm Terzi, Ph.D.

Merve Begum Terzi, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM)

Electrical & Electronics Engineering Department

Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey

Download CV

About

I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM) & the Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering at Bilkent University, under the supervision of Prof. Emine Ulku Saritas.

I hold both a Ph.D. & an M.S. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Bilkent University, where I was advised by Prof. Orhan Arikan for both degrees.

My research spans a broad interdisciplinary spectrum at the nexus of signal processing, machine learning, & medical imaging. Over the years, I have worked on diverse projects involving anomaly detection, image processing & reconstruction, computer vision, pattern recognition & clinical decision support systems.

I specialize in developing data-efficient learning approaches—including unsupervised, self-supervised, weakly-supervised & few-shot learning to address challenges associated with limited annotated datasets. My expertise also extends to inverse problem solving, federated learning & explainable AI (XAI).

Through interdisciplinary collaboration & a strong engineering foundation, I aim to translate theoretical machine learning & signal processing advances into tangible improvements in next-generation medical imaging & intelligent health systems.

Research Interests

Machine Learning Unsupervised & Self-Supervised Learning Federated Learning Explainable AI (XAI) Signal Processing Image Processing & Reconstruction Computer Vision Pattern Recognition Anomaly Detection Inverse Problems Medical Imaging & Instrumentation Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI)

Education

Ph.D., Electrical & Electronics Engineering

2015 - 2023

Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey

Dissertation Title: Artificial Intelligence-based Hybrid Anomaly Detection & Clinical Decision Support Techniques for Automated Detection of Cardiovascular Diseases & COVID-19

Advisor: Prof. Orhan Arikan

M.S., Electrical & Electronics Engineering

2012 - 2015

Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey

Thesis Title: Early Diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndromes Automatically by using Features of ECG Recordings

Advisor: Prof. Orhan Arikan

International Education Experience

Athénée Royal d'Auderghem, Brussels, Belgium

Complete Secondary Education

Academic Experience

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

2024 – Present

Bilkent University, Electrical-Electronics Engineering Department & National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM), Ankara, Turkey

Supervisor: Prof. Emine Ulku Saritas

Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant

2012 – 2023

Bilkent University, Electrical & Electronics Engineering Department, Ankara, Turkey

Teaching Assistant Performance was formally evaluated as "Exceptional" Five times by course instructors.

Assisted in a diverse range of undergraduate & graduate courses, including:

  • EEE-525 Advanced Signal Processing
  • EEE-520 Multirate Signal Processing & Wavelet Theory
  • EEE-501 Linear System Theory
  • EEE-443/543 Neural Networks
  • EEE-442/542 Nonlinear Systems
  • EEE-431 Digital Communications
  • EEE-424 Digital Signal Processing
  • EEE-351 Engineering Electromagnetics
  • EEE-342 Feedback Control Systems
  • EEE-321 Signals & Systems
  • EEE-313 Electronic Circuit Design
  • EEE-212 Microcontrollers & Embedded Systems
  • EEE-211 Analog Electronics
  • EEE-201/202 Circuit Theory

Honors and Awards

TUBITAK BIDEB-2250 Performance-based Scholarship Program for Post-Doctoral Scholars (2025/1)

Awarded in recognition of research performance & active contribution to research projects.

TUBITAK BIDEB-2250 Performance-based Scholarship Program for Post-Doctoral Scholars (2024/2)

Awarded in recognition of research performance & active contribution to research projects.

TUBITAK BIDEB-2250 Performance-based Scholarship Program for Post-Doctoral Scholars (2024/1)

Awarded in recognition of research performance & active contribution to research projects.

TUBITAK BIDEB 2237-A Grant Program (2022)

Awarded to support scientific training activities in science & technology.

TUBITAK BIDEB 2224-A Grant Program for Participation in Scientific Meetings Abroad (2020)

Awarded to support participation in an international scientific conference.

TUBITAK BIDEB 2224-B Grant Program for Participation in Scientific Meetings within the Country (2018)

Awarded to support participation in a national scientific conference.

TUBITAK BIDEB 2211-C National Ph.D. Scholarship Program for Priority Research Areas in Science & Technology

Awarded to support my Ph.D. dissertation research in priority research areas (2017-2018).

Exceptional Teaching Assistant Performance

During my Ph.D. studies, I was recognized five times for “Exceptional” Teaching Assistant Performance based on formal faculty evaluations. These recognitions were accompanied by departmental appreciation & partial financial support for academic conference & publication-related expenses.

Full Merit Scholarship for Graduate Education (2012-2023)

Received a full Merit Scholarship for both M.S. and Ph.D. education at Bilkent University – the top engineering school in Turkey.

Valedictorian (First in Class) in the School of Engineering (2012)

Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey.

TUBITAK BIDEB 2209-A Research Projects Support Program for Undergraduate Students (2011-2012)

Awarded funding & scholarship for my Undergraduate Senior Design Project.

Erasmus Scholarship for Summer School “Biomedical Engineering in a European Perspective” (2013)

The University of Applied Sciences Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Germany, June 2013 – Sept. 2013. The scholarship was awarded in recognition of maintaining continuous High-Honor academic performance during my undergraduate education.

Outstanding Achievement Scholarship (2008-2012)

Awarded for maintaining continuous High-Honor academic standing throughout my undergraduate education.

First Prize Winner at the Interactive Computer Competition of the NATO Science Exhibition

"Bringing Scientists Together for the Advancement of Science", organized by NATO in Brussels, Belgium.

Research Projects

A Neurotechnological Solutions Platform for Challenges Threatening Human Function

Funding: TUBITAK ARDEB 1004 Project (23AG005)

Principal Investigators (PI): Prof. Ergin Atalar & Prof. Emine Ulku Saritas

Focused Hyperthermia & Simultaneous Temperature Monitoring with Magnetic Particle Imaging

Funding: TUBITAK ARDEB 1001 Project (122E162)

Principal Investigator (PI): Prof. Emine Ulku Saritas

Nanoparticle Fingerprinting for Cancer Imaging with Magnetic Particle Imaging

Funding: TUBITAK ARDEB 1001 Project (120E208)

Principal Investigator (PI): Prof. Emine Ulku Saritas

Ensemble Learning–based Hybrid Clinical Decision Support Technique for Automated COVID-19 Detection using RT-PCR Curves, Computed Tomography Images & Clinical-Laboratory Data

Funding: TUSEB Strategic Research & Development Project Support Program (CV01-9081)

Principal Investigators (PI): Prof. Orhan Arikan & Prof. Ozlem Ozdemir Kumbasar

Modeling Structural Characteristics of Anomalies and Irregularities in the Turkish Ionosphere using Machine Learning Techniques

Funding: TUBITAK ARDEB 1001 Project (114E541)

Principal Investigators (PI): Prof. Feza Arikan & Prof. Secil Karatay

Machine Learning– and Signal Processing–based Automated ECG Analysis for Early and Robust Detection of Cardiovascular Diseases

Funding: TUBITAK ARDEB 1001 Project (113E174)

Principal Investigators (PI): Prof. Orhan Arikan & Prof. Adnan Abaci

Magnetic Resonance Electrical Properties Tomography (MREPT)

Funding: TUBITAK ARDEB 1001 Project (11E090)

Deep Learning–based Automated Early Detection of Cardiac Diseases from Sympathetic Nerve Activity Signals

Funding: TUBITAK ARDEB 1001 Project

Principal Investigators (PI): Prof. Orhan Arikan & Prof. Adnan Abaci

Weakly-Supervised Multiple Instance Learning for Tumor Detection in Histopathology Images

CS-550 Machine Learning Course Project

Course Instructor: Prof. Cigdem Gunduz Demir

Explainable AI (XAI) for Computer Vision Failure Mode Analysis

EEE-543 Neural Networks Course Project

Course Instructor: Prof. Tolga Cukur

Numerical Simulation & Comparative Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sequences

EEE-574 Foundations of MRI Course Project

Course Instructor: Prof. Ergin Atalar

Ora-Nasal Airflow Measurement System Design & Ora-Nasal Respiratory Index Measurement

Funding: TUBITAK BIDEB 2209-A Project

Advisor: Prof. Osman Erogul

Selected Publications

Magnetic Particle Imaging Scanner Hardware: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

MB Terzi, EU Saritas

Manuscript in preparation

Unsupervised Image Reconstruction Techniques for Magnetic Particle Imaging

MB Terzi, EU Saritas

Manuscript in preparation

No-Reference Image Quality Assessment (NR-IQA) for MPI Image Reconstruction

MB Terzi, EU Saritas

Manuscript in preparation

Multi-Color Magnetic Particle Imaging for Interventional Procedures: Current Technologies and Future Directions

MB Terzi, MT Arslan, EU Saritas

Manuscript in preparation

Machine Learning based Hybrid Anomaly Detection Technique for Automatic Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Diseases using Cardiac Sympathetic Nerve Activity and Electrocardiogram

MB Terzi, O Arikan

Biomedical Engineering / Biomedizinische Technik, vol. 69, no. 1, 2024, pp. 79-109

Deep Learning-based Hybrid Clinical Decision Support System Algorithm for COVID-19 Diagnosis via PCR Graphics and Thorax CT Images, Preliminary Data

EB Verdi, M Gok, DD Mulazimoglu, MB Terzi, AG Kaya, S Erol, O Isik, OU Guvendik, C Uzun, AH Elhan, ZC Karahan, A Azap, A Kaya, O Arikan, OO Kumbasar

European Respiratory Journal, vol. 60, suppl 66, September 2022

Deep Learning-based Hybrid Clinical Decision Support System Algorithm for COVID-19 Diagnosis via PCR Curves and Thorax CT Images, Preliminary Data

EB Verdi, DD Mulazimoglu, MB Terzi, M Gok, AG Kaya, S Erol, O Isik, OU Guvendik, C Uzun, AH Elhan, ZC Karahan, A Azap, A Kaya, O Arikan, OO Kumbasar

25th Annual National Congress of Turkish Thoracic Society, Antalya, Turkey, May 2022, pp. 211-212

Detection of Cardiac Arrhythmia using Sympathetic Nerve Activity, Gaussian Mixture Model and Artificial Neural Network

MB Terzi, O Arikan

19th National Neuroscience Congress (USK), Ankara, Turkey, November 2021

Detection of Cardiac Arrhythmia using Sympathetic Nerve Activity, Gaussian Mixture Model, and Artificial Neural Network

MB Terzi, O Arikan

Anatomy: International Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy, November 2021

Deep Learning with Gated Recurrent Neural Networks for Anomaly Detection

MB Terzi, O Arikan

International Congress on Multidisciplinary Natural Sciences and Engineering (ICOMNAS), Ankara, Turkey, December 2021, pp. 300-308. (ISBN: 978-605-71156-0-7)

Deep Gated Recurrent Unit and Long Short Term Memory-based Anomaly Detection Technique

MB Terzi, O Arikan

International Congress on Multidisciplinary Natural Sciences and Engineering (ICOMNAS), Ankara, Turkey, December 2021, pp. 149-157. (ISBN: 978-605-71156-0-7)

Anomaly Detection with Deep Long Short Term Memory Networks

MB Terzi

2021 6th International Conference on Computer Science and Engineering (UBMK), Ankara, Turkey, 2021, pp. 129-132

The GU-ECG Database: ECG Datasets for Detection and Classification of Acute Myocardial Ischaemia Through Machine Learning

MB Terzi, A Abaci, O Arikan, M Candemir, M Dedeoglu

Mendeley Data, V1, 2021

Detection of Ischaemia using Nerve Activity, Artificial Neural Network and Gaussian Mixture Model

MB Terzi, O Arikan

18th National Neuroscience Congress (USK), Ankara, Turkey, 2020, p. 200

Detection of Cardiac Arrhythmia using Autonomic Nervous System, Gaussian Mixture Model and Artificial Neural Network

MB Terzi, O Arikan

2020 Medical Technologies Congress (TIPTEKNO), Antalya, Turkey, 2020, pp. 1-4

Anomaly Detection Technique based on Sympathetic Nerve Activity for Detection of Cardiac Arrhythmia

MB Terzi, O Arikan

2020 28th Signal Processing and Communications Applications Conference (SIU), Gaziantep, Turkey, 2020, pp. 1-4

Detection of Myocardial Ischaemia by using Sympathetic Nerve Activity, Artificial Neural Network and Gaussian Mixture Model

MB Terzi, O Arikan

Anatomy: An International Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy, vol. 14, 2020, p. S151. (ISSN: 1307-8798)

Detection of Myocardial Infarction using Autonomic Nervous System, Gaussian Mixture Model and Artificial Neural Network

MB Terzi, O Arikan

2020 Medical Technologies Congress (TIPTEKNO), Antalya, Turkey, 2020, pp. 1-4

Detection of Myocardial Ischaemia by using ECG, Artificial Neural Network and Gaussian Mixture Model

MB Terzi, O Arikan

2020 28th Signal Processing and Communications Applications Conference (SIU), Gaziantep, Turkey, 2020, pp. 1-4

Detection of Acute Coronary Syndrome based on Support Vector Machines and ECG

MB Terzi, O Arikan

2019 27th Signal Processing and Communications Applications Conference (SIU), Sivas, Turkey, 2019, pp. 1-4

Detection of Acute Myocardial Ischemia based on Artificial Neural Networks and Skin Sympathetic Nerve Activity

MB Terzi, MK Korkmaz, O Arikan, S Topal, A Abaci

II. International Conference and Exhibition on Digital Transformation and Smart Systems (DTSS), Ankara, Turkey, 2019, pp. 69-72

Coronary Artery Disease Detection by using Support Vector Machines and Gaussian Mixture Model

MB Terzi, O Arikan

2019 Medical Technologies Congress (TIPTEKNO), Izmir, Turkey, 2019, pp. 1-4

Detection of Myocardial Ischaemia based on Artificial Neural Networks and Skin Sympathetic Nerve Activity

MB Terzi, MK Korkmaz, O Arikan, S Topal, A Abaci

EasyChair, 2019, (2165)

Detection of Acute Myocardial Ischemia based on Support Vector Machines

MB Terzi, O Arikan

2018 26th Signal Processing and Communications Applications Conference (SIU), Izmir, Turkey, 2018, pp. 1-4

Classification of Regional Ionospheric Disturbances based on Support Vector Machines

MB Terzi, O Arikan, S Karatay, F Arikan

2017 25th Signal Processing and Communications Applications Conference (SIU), Antalya, Turkey, 2017, pp. 1-4

Classification of Regional Ionospheric Disturbances based on Machine Learning Techniques

MB Terzi, O Arikan, S Karatay, F Arikan

The Third Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Symposium, Jeju, South Korea, 2017, pp. 1-4

Classification of Regional Ionospheric Disturbances based on Support Vector Machines

MB Terzi, F Arikan, O Arikan, S Karatay

41st Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly, Istanbul, Turkey, 2016, vol. 41, pp. C1-4

Classification of Regional Ionospheric Disturbance based on Machine Learning Techniques

MB Terzi, O Arikan, F Arikan, S Karatay, T Gulyaeva

Living Planet Symposium (LPS), European Space Agency (ESA) Special Publication, Prague, Czech Republic, vol. SP-740, 2016, pp. 1-6. (ISSN: 0379-6566) (ISBN: 978-929221305-3)

Classification of Regional Ionospheric Disturbances based on Support Vector Machines

MB Terzi, O Arikan, F Arikan, S Karatay, T Gulyaeva

VIII. International Union of Radio Science (URSI) Scientific Congress, Ankara, Turkey, September 2016, pp. 1-4

Classification of Regional Ionospheric Irregularities using Support Vector Machines

MB Terzi, O Arikan, S Karatay, F Arikan, T Gulyaeva

Summer School on New Techniques in Machine Learning and Information Processing, Ankara, 2016

Early Diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndromes with Automatic ST/T Classifier

MB Terzi, O Arikan, A Abaci, M Candemir, M Dedoglu

2014 18th National Biomedical Engineering Meeting, Istanbul, Turkey, October 2014, pp. 1-4

Ora-Nasal Airflow Measurement System Design & Ora-Nasal Respiratory Index Measurement

MB Terzi, T Celik, O Erogul

2011 16th National Biomedical Engineering Meeting (BIYOMUT), Antalya, Turkey, October 2011, pp. 1-4

Full list of publications available upon request.

Conference Organization

Organizing Committee Vice Chair – 29th Graduate Research Conference

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bilkent University, 6 April 2018.

Conference Website

Organizing Committee Vice Chair – 30th Graduate Research Conference

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bilkent University, 22 March 2019.

Conference Website

Organizing Committee Vice Chair – 31st Graduate Research Conference

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bilkent University, 8 May 2020.

Conference Website

Organizing Committee Vice Chair – 31st Graduate Research Conference

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bilkent University, 20 January 2021.

Conference Website

Organizing Committee Vice Chair – 32nd Graduate Research Conference

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bilkent University, 27 January 2022.

Conference Website

Organizing Committee Vice Chair – 33rd Graduate Research Conference

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bilkent University, 27 January 2023.

Conference Website

Professional Memberships

  • COST Association – COST Action Working Group, since 2025
  • Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), since 2024
  • International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), since 2023
  • IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS), since 2012
  • IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS), since 2014
  • IEEE Machine Learning for Automation (MLA) Technical Committee, since 2014
  • IEEE Robot Control (RCTRL) Technical Committee, since 2014
  • IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE), since 2012
  • IEEE Young Professionals, since 2012
  • Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineering (IEEE), since 2012
  • Turkish Magnetic Resonance Society, since 2023
  • Turkish Society for Brain Research and Neuroscience (TUBAS), since 2023
  • Bilkent University Cognitive Science Society & Consciousness Collective Club, since 2025
  • UCTEA The Chamber of Electrical Engineers (EMO), since 2012
  • Academic Journal Reviewership

  • The Lancet
  • IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging
  • IEEE Transactions on Computational Imaging
  • IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering
  • IEEE/ACM Transactions on Audio, Speech and Language Processing
  • IEEE Transactions on Artificial Intelligence
  • IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics
  • IEEE Internet of Things Journal
  • Expert Systems with Applications
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Biomedical Signal Processing and Control
  • Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine
  • Australasian Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine
  • Physics in Medicine and Biology
  • European Journal of Medical Physics
  • Medical Physics
  • Computers in Biology and Medicine
  • Signal, Image, and Video Processing (SIVP)
  • Canadian Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Applied Intelligence
  • The British Journal of Radiology
  • European Radiology
  • La Radiologia Medica
  • American Journal of Physiology–Renal Physiology
  • European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
  • European Journal of Preventive Cardiology
  • IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (ISBI)
  • Journal of Thoracic Imaging
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Medical Hypotheses
  • Journal of Medical Microbiology
  • Access Microbiology
  • Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
  • TUBITAK – Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
  • CJC Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
  • Data in Brief
  • Technical Skills

    Programming Languages

    • Python
    • MATLAB
    • Julia
    • C, C++
    • CUDA

    Deep Learning Frameworks

    • PyTorch
    • TensorFlow
    • Keras
    • scikit-learn
    • MONAI

    Scientific Computing & Simulation

    • Simulink
    • COMSOL
    • LTSpice

    Technical & Research Tools

    • LaTeX/Overleaf
    • Linux
    • Git

    Language Skills

    • English Professional working proficiency
    • French Professional working proficiency
    • German Elementary proficiency
    • Turkish Native proficiency

    Contact

    Feel free to reach out for collaborations or inquiries