As EKOSAM, we were delighted to spend a day with 85 high school students participating in the METU Engineering Summer School.
The programme began with a lecture on lake ecology delivered by our Centre Director, Prof. Dr. Meryem Beklioğlu. Dr. Jens Christian Nejstgaard from the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) then introduced the students to mesocosm systems and explained how these experimental facilities are used in freshwater ecological research.
Following a visit to Lake Eymir, the students explored EKOSAM’s mesocosm facility. They learned about the ongoing TuzluSıcakÖtrofik experiment, which investigates the individual and combined effects of salinisation, warming, and eutrophication on lake ecosystems under different climatic conditions.
During the hands-on activities, the students were introduced to various field sampling methods and had the opportunity to collect samples themselves. They later visited the laboratory, where they observed how the collected samples are processed and analysed.
We sincerely thank all the students for their enthusiasm and participation, as well as everyone who contributed to organising and delivering this inspiring day.
