Tell us who you are?
Hi, I am Asil Kaan Bozcuoglu, a Turkish Microsoft Student Partner and a Computer Engineering student from Bilkent University. As a computer engineer student, I am interested in Robotics, Embedded Systems, Mobile and Web Development.

Tell us about your University?
Bilkent University is one of the most prestigious universities in Turkey. It has great campus with lots of opportunities for students in both social and educational manner. It is also ranked in 129th place in the Engineering/IT discipline at the web site www.topuniversities.com . Another important thing about Bilkent is that Microsoft Innovation Center Turkey is located in our campus.

Tell us about your MSP history, when were you awarded?
I awarded in this August. Before that, I tried to apply several times but never submitted my application. Applying to be a MSP is very tough process in Turkey. You need to record a 15-minute video and tell what you are and why you are eligible to being a MSP in those 15 minutes. It took me several weeks to record that video but I can say easily that it was worth it.

What do you do in order to keep up with latest tools and technologies while focusing on your education?
I must say that our curriculum in Bilkent is opened for the latest trends in the IT world and our faculty members keep in touch with these trends. Therefore, the education in Bilkent is more than sufficient for keep up the latest technologies. Besides that, I am a passionate reader of Microsoft’s awesome MSDN sources and Turkish MVP’s blogs.

What does being an MSP mean to you? and What makes you a great MSP?
In my point of view, being a MSP means that keeping up the latest news from Microsoft in the first place and sharing them with my colleagues. So far, I think that I did accomplish this job. For example, I told some of my friends, who are interested in Robotics, about Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio and they loved its capabilities.

Tell us about faculty support in promoting tools and technologies?
The most important support from my faculty is its membership of MSDN Academic Alliance. With this membership, students can download latest applications, including Windows 7, freely. Other than that, as I mentioned previously, our faculty members and latest-trend courses supply us with great knowledge on latest technologies.

If you could ask Steve Ballmer one question about Microsoft, what would it be?
It would be when Windows Mobile 7 will be put on the market.

Had a chance to attend “MSP Summit”? When and how was your experience?
Unfortunately not, but I’d love to attend if I had a chance.

Who are your top 5 MSP’s from your country? and why?
I can’t give any specific names but all Turkish MSP’s do a great job in my opinion.

What you think about the MSP’s role in promoting technology at your campus?
We are 4 MSP’s here in Bilkent and I think that we are really active in that area. We arranged a Windows 7 launching in Bilkent with the support of Microsoft and Daron Yondem, a Silverlight MVP. Also, we are planning to arrange a Windows 7 install fest in next semester.

If you get a chance to suggest one conference in Middle East? What would it be and why?
I think it would be an Introduction to Robotics Developer Studio Development because robots are not only in science-fiction movies anymore. Robotics is a very exciting new area whose products will begin to enter our life’s in near future. Developers should be ready to enter this area and begin to develop applications for these machineries.

What is the best thing that has happened since you have become a MSP?
Knowing MSP’s from all around the country and starting to discuss latest trends in IT with them.

Which was the last non-technical book you read?
It was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s Nutuk. I read it several times in my life and every time I read it, I found something new about establishment of Turkish Republic.

If you could do so, how would you plan your academic studies differently?
Studying Computer Engineering is a right choice for me. I cannot imagine myself with studying other subjects other than Computer Engineering.

If there was one place you could travel to, right now, where would it be and why?
Silicon Valley. I really want to see the atmosphere in there and chat with couple of engineers who work in the Valley.

How can one be a part of MSP Club? Any suggestions for them?
Turkish students should follow the msakademik.net website. When the application period starts, necessary announcements and the application page will be declared there.

Who are your top 5 technical experts from your country?

• Varol Akman
• Daron Yondem
• Uğur Umutluoğlu
• Muammer Benzeş
• Murat Duran

What are your future plans?
I want to continue my studies as a graduate student in Carnegie Mellon University, Robotics Institute. I applied there and am waiting for their answer.

What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?

• Chosen as a student with full scholarship by Bilkent University Computer Engineering Department: The department is the most popular Computer Engineering Department in Turkey. They are highly selective while giving scholarships. So, being here is an enormous success for me.
• Chosen as MSP: This helps me to follow Microsoft and products more closely and to know a lot of passionate MSP’s.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of MicrosoftFeed?
Never give up following Microsoft! Its solutions for IT are always the best options.

Your contact information?

• Blog / Website – www.ug.bcc.bilkent.edu.tr/~bozcuoglu
• University Website – www.bilkent.edu.tr
• Facebook – www.facebook.com/asilx

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