Ceyda Alabacak

2025

Chapel Hill, NC

Academic Interests

Computer Science and Economics

Fun Fact

I speak 4 languages — English, German, Italian, and Turkish

Despite having lived in Chapel Hill for the past couple of years, I moved around quite a bit growing up. I was born in Ohio and lived in multiple cities of Turkey (where I am originally from) as well as Italy. I always knew my interest lay mainly in STEM, but it wasn't until I moved to the U.S. that I realized the significant gender and diversity gap in STEM. After realizing this, I founded the WeLead initiative to expose younger girls and nonbinary individuals to STEM opportunities. Over time, this initiative ended up having chapters in multiple locations, and we were able to reach out to over 80 girls. My efforts of contributing to STEM diversity were also amplified by my job as a coding Instructor Assistant at the Kode with Klossy non-profit organization. In addition to my passion for equity and diversity in STEM, I enjoy running, traveling, working out, and posting on social media. My goal for the future is to push myself out of my comfort zone as much as possible and to explore my areas of interest further.

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

I love the school spirit at Duke. Moreover, the sense of having a community that supports each other instead of engaging in toxic competition is incredibly meaningful to me. The Chapel, helpful and kind professors, and fabulous WU food are some additional aspects of Duke that I love!!

Ceyda Alabacak
Ceyda Alabacak