Dr. Aref Yelghi
Artificial Intelligence Researcher • Machine Learning Expert • Optimization & Generative AI
Professional Summary
I am an Artificial Intelligence researcher and Assistant Professor with expertise in machine learning, deep learning, optimization algorithms, computer vision, and generative AI. My research focuses on metaheuristic optimization, neural networks, diffusion models, reinforcement learning, and multi-objective optimization for intelligent systems.
I have published scientific papers in international journals and conferences, and I actively work on AI-driven projects involving recommendation systems, image generation, latent-space optimization, and medical AI applications.
Education
- Ph.D. in Computer Engineering — Karadeniz Technical University, Türkiye (2018)
- Visiting Ph.D. Researcher — Linnaeus University, Sweden (2015)
- M.Sc. in Computer Science — Azad University, Iran (2012)
- B.Sc. in Software Engineering — Mirdamad University, Iran (2008)
Professional Experience
-
Chief AI Scientist
NellaDerm Therapeutics
April 2026 – Present
Leading AI research and development in medical artificial intelligence, generative AI, deep learning, computer vision, and optimization algorithms. -
Artificial Intelligence Researcher (Full-Time)
NellaDerm Therapeutics (Remote)
November 2024 – Present
Research in machine learning, large language models (LLMs), diffusion models, optimization algorithms, and AI-driven healthcare solutions. -
Assistant Professor
Istanbul Topkapı University
2021 – Present -
Lecturer
Istanbul Gelişim University
2026 – Present -
Lecturer
Istanbul Bilgi University
2023 – 2024 -
Assistant Professor
Avrasya University
2018 – 2021 -
Lecturer
Azad University
2010 – 2011
Selected Research Topics
- Survivor Optimizer for global optimization problems
- Evolutionary latent optimization for GAN inversion
- Multi-objective optimization for text-to-image diffusion models
- Artificial intelligence systems for medical image analysis
- Reinforcement learning and intelligent recommendation systems
- Neuro-fuzzy and hybrid intelligent systems
Funded Projects & Grants
-
TÜBİTAK 1002-A Rapid Support Program Grant
Multi-Objective Optimization for Compositional Accuracy in Text-to-Image Models
Supported by TÜBİTAK (EEEAG), 2026. - Google Research Grant — Eczema.app (2025)
Technical Skills
Programming
- Python
- C++
- Java
- SQL
Machine Learning
- TensorFlow
- PyTorch
- Scikit-learn
- Keras
Cloud & Deployment
- AWS
- Google Cloud Platform
- Docker
- Kubernetes
AI Technologies
- Diffusion Models
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- MLOps
- RAG Pipelines
Licenses & Certifications
-
Machine Learning Operations (MLOps): Getting Started
Google Cloud
Issued: September 2025 · Expires: September 2025
Credential ID: GY87CQJ37F9H -
DevOps, DataOps, MLOps
Duke University
Issued: September 2025
Credential ID: DMZQ487XDBSW -
Project: Generative AI Applications with RAG and LangChain
IBM
Issued: August 2025
Credential ID: DSCUI8QF5W2K -
Generative AI with Large Language Models
Amazon Web Services
Issued: August 2025
Credential ID: P22O0YTC6YKN -
Structuring Machine Learning Projects
DeepLearning.AI
Issued: July 2024
Credential ID: UV7NKM8NNZ28 -
Improving Deep Neural Networks: Hyperparameter Tuning, Regularization and Optimization
DeepLearning.AI
Issued: June 2024
Credential ID: WDZ2BP2ULZA6
Courses Taught
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Optimization Algorithms
- Operating Systems
- Computer Networks
- Programming Languages
- Algorithm Analysis
- Expert Systems
Honors & Awards
- TÜBİTAK 1002-A Funded Research Project (2026)
- Google Research Grant Award (2025)
- Full Scholarship for Ph.D. Studies in Türkiye
- High Honor Student — Ph.D. Program
Contact
Email: arefyelghi@topkapi.edu.tr
LinkedIn: Visit LinkedIn Profile
Google Scholar: View Google Scholar
Location: Istanbul, Türkiye