Aylin Sumengen

Assistant Professor

Education

  • PhD, Pediatric Nursing, Koc University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 2020
  • MSc, Psychiatric Nursing, Koc University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 2016
  • BSN, Koc School of Nursing, 2013

Biography

Dr. Akca Sumengen is an Assistant Professor at the Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) at the University of Alabama (UA). She obtained her BSN in 2013, MSC in Psychiatric Nursing in 2016, and PhD in Pediatric Nursing in 2020 from Koc University in Turkey. She possesses clinical experience from both American and Koc University Research and Training Hospital in Turkey, starting as a staff nurse in the pediatric ward and progressing to the role of team leader nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit. Following the completion of her MSC, she began her teaching career in 2016 as a lecturer at Bahcesehir University in Istanbul, Turkey. During her PhD studies, she served as a Teaching Assistant at Koc University until her graduation. Prior to joining CCN, Dr. Akca Sumengen worked at Yeditepe University School of Health Science in the Nursing Department. Moreover, she holds board certification as a registered professional nurse since 2022.

With over 10 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Akca Sumengen has delved into diverse topics, ranging from the effects of cyber victimization on adolescent self-esteem to the quality of life among pediatric asthma patients. She has also focused on the integration of technology into patient care, having established a research and development company aimed at creating a symptom detection sensor for pediatric asthma patients. Additionally, Dr. Akca Sumengen concentrates on the utilization of 3D printing technology in preoperative education for congenital heart disorders. She has showcased her research at both national and international congresses.

As a nurse educator-scientist, Dr. Akca Sumengen has dedicated over 7 years to teaching undergraduate and graduate-level nurses in the fields of pediatric nursing, research in health sciences, health promotion, and innovation in nursing, including internships and clinical practices. She also serves on dissertation committees for graduate-level students.

Honors and Awards

  • 2nd prize for oral presentation at the 24th Pediatrics Nursing Days Congress, 2023
  • Graduation from PhD with High Honors Degree, 2020
  • Nominated Rising Stars of Research and Scholarship in Sigma Theta Tau International 29th Congress, 2019
  • Graduation in Dean’s Honor List, 2013
  • Koc University Scholarship Achievement Award, 2011-2012

Areas of Interest

  • Minority Health
  • Chronic Disease Management and/or Prevention
  • Adolescent and/or Pediatric Health
  • Technology

Scholarly Highlights

  • Grant Funded: 2020 TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) Individual Young Entrepreneur Program – Wearable Asthma Symptom Sensor Development