Ahmet Akbiyik

About Research Teaching Consulting CV

Teaching Assistant

GOV1737: Evaluating the Impacts of Public Policies: How to Design and Implement Randomized Controlled Trials (by Michael Hiscox, Spring 2024, Harvard University)

During the course, I worked closely with students to help them not only design and implement randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and survey experiments but also develop the skills necessary to effectively communicate their results to various stakeholders. I guided students through the process of translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights that could be understood by both academic and non-academic audiences, including policymakers, government officials, and non-governmental organizations. We focused on developing strategies to convey the practical implications of their research, emphasizing the importance of tailoring presentations and reports to the specific interests and needs of different stakeholders. I provided support in structuring their arguments, using data visualization techniques to highlight key results, and framing their findings in a way that underscored the value and impact of their policy interventions.

GOV50: Data (by Matt Blackwell, Fall 2023, Harvard University)

During the course, I worked closely with students to help them grasp the fundamentals of causal inference and how to effectively use R, GitHub, and other essential tools for social science analysis. My role involved not only guiding students through the technical aspects of these tools but also ensuring that they developed a deep understanding of the underlying concepts. I provided support and instruction as students navigated the complexities of their own research projects, helping them to apply the techniques they learned in practical and meaningful ways. By the end of the course, the teaching team's aim was to ensure that each student had gained both the technical skills and the confidence needed to independently conduct robust social science research and effectively communicate their insights.

Survey Research Methods (by Chase Harrison, Spring 2023, Harvard University)

In this course, I assisted students in understanding how to effectively design, conduct, and analyze surveys to generate original data and answer complex questions. I guided students through the process of recognizing when and how surveys could be used as valuable data sources, interpreting survey results, and analyzing data while accounting for various sources of error. Additionally, I emphasized the importance of crafting the right questions, including how to approach sensitive topics thoughtfully and respectfully. Throughout the course, I supported student groups as they collaborated on creating and analyzing their own surveys on topics of their choice, ensuring they gained hands-on experience in survey research.