Independent, long-term educational advisory · London

People

Academic leadership and specialist attention

The people behind the advice.

Echos is personal, but it does not depend on one person. Consultants, mentors and subject specialists work within one coordinated direction, so the student and family do not have to connect separate pieces of advice themselves.

Each person brings a distinct perspective. The shared responsibility is to understand how that expertise fits the student’s wider educational path.

  • One student. One coordinated direction.
  • Academic credentials alone do not determine who works with a student. Subject, level, language, communication style and the purpose of support are all considered before any match is made.
Dr. Ayşe Zeynep Nayır

Founder & Academic Director

Dr. Ayşe Zeynep Nayır

BSc Mathematics & Economics, LSE · MSc Economics, Birmingham · MA Economics (Middle East), SOAS · PhD Economics, SOAS

Dr. Nayır is an accomplished academic leader whose work spans economics, development policy and education. Her doctoral thesis — “From Belief to Bread: A Gendered Examination of Poverty Alleviation in Türkiye” — advanced her expertise in the political economy of development and social policy.

Her teaching experience includes roles as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Birmingham, a Teaching Fellow at SOAS, and a Visiting Lecturer at City, University of London. In each role she mentored students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, equipping them with the skills to succeed in competitive academic environments.

At Echos, Dr. Nayır leads with vision and expertise, overseeing consultancy for high school and boarding school admissions, university applications and academic mentoring. Her academic experience informs every decision made on behalf of a student — not as a process, but as a considered judgement about what genuinely fits.

Undergraduate
BSc Mathematics & Economics, London School of Economics
Postgraduate
MSc Economics, University of Birmingham
Masters (Area Studies)
MA Economics (Middle East), SOAS, University of London
Doctoral
PhD Economics, SOAS, University of London

Expert Consultants

Each consultant brings distinct academic and professional experience — coordinated around a single student direction.

  • Mehmet Nayir

    Mehmet Nayir

    Co-Founder

    • International Law, City
    • Global Energy, King’s
    Read biography

    Mehmet is the Managing Partner and co-founder at Echos Education, where he plays a pivotal role in the institutionalisation and cooperation of the business. His responsibilities span business development, financial and managerial operations, ensuring the organisation's growth and success. His extensive international experience, combined with his academic background in the UK, makes him an invaluable resource for students seeking guidance on their career aspirations. Mehmet's academic journey includes a degree in International Law from City University of London and a postgraduate degree in Global Energy Politics from King's College London. His education in the UK not only enhances his understanding of international markets but also positions him as a mentor for students aiming to build careers in global industries. With his diverse professional background and commitment to student success, Mehmet exemplifies the values of leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

  • Begüm Arandia

    Begüm Arandia

    Education Consultant

    • Law, Marmara
    • Istanbul Bar 2019
    Read biography

    Begüm Arandia graduated with honours from Marmara University Faculty of Law. She began her career at a leading corporate law firm in Istanbul, gaining broad experience in advising companies across multiple areas of law. Admitted to the Istanbul Bar Association in 2019, she has since provided comprehensive legal consultancy to businesses and now oversees operational and legal processes at Echos Education.

  • Aysat Orujova

    Aysat Orujova

    Education Consultant

    • BA History/IR, King’s
    • MA Creative Writing, RHUL
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    Aysat Orujova is a BA History and International Relations graduate from King's College London and an MA Creative Writing graduate from Royal Holloway, University of London. She serves as an education consultant at our firm specialising in personal statements and document reviews. Having completed both of her degrees in UK based institutions, Aysat has first hand experience on the UK education system. Her years at KCL and Royal Holloway have equipped her with in-depth knowledge on how to manage demanding university expectations. She has valuable advice to give and is determined to see our students succeed, first with their applications and later with their studies. Her Creative Writing degree provides her with a fresh outlook on university applications, and with a fusion of implicit and domain knowledge, Aysat's approach to a successful application can be both fun and methodical. At our firm, Aysat provides consultancy services on UK's university selections, personal statements, resumes, and portfolios.

  • Heval Deniz Tolu

    Heval Deniz Tolu

    Education Consultant

    • MA Writing, Birkbeck
    • Theatre, Istanbul
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    Heval Deniz Tolu is a Programme and Content Manager at Echos Education and is currently pursuing an MA in Writing for Screen and Stage at Birkbeck, University of London. She graduated with honours from Istanbul University with a degree in Theatre Criticism and Dramaturgy in 2023. Her background includes experience in film festivals, theatre collectives, and academic settings, where she worked as a student assistant during her undergraduate studies. Her work is shaped by a strong interest in writing, text-based practices, and contemporary cultural production.

  • Vera Islamova

    Vera Islamova

    Education Consultant – Switzerland

    • BSc Pol.Econ, Lausanne
    • MSc Crime Science, UCL
    Read biography

    Vera Islamova brings a truly international academic and professional perspective to Echos Education. Born in Moscow and raised in Geneva, she has developed a multicultural outlook that aligns closely with the global families we support. She completed her high school education in Switzerland, graduating with a bilingual diploma in French and English with honours. Vera completed her Bachelor of Science in Political Economics at University of Lausanne, including an exchange semester at Hitotsubashi University in Japan. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Crime Science with Cybercrime at University College London, combining analytical thinking with a strong interest in emerging global challenges. Alongside her academic work, Vera has built hands-on experience in education and student engagement. She has designed and delivered programming and technology content for younger learners, coordinated creative workshops for diverse age groups, and supported educational initiatives through student organisations. Her ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging way makes her particularly effective when working with students from different backgrounds. Fluent in Russian, French, and English, with additional proficiency in German, Vera works closely with families across Switzerland, supporting Echos Education’s presence in the region. She brings a thoughtful, structured, and highly personable approach to student guidance, with a strong emphasis on communication and long-term development.

  • Pınar Yeğin

    Pınar Yeğin

    Education Consultant

    • Translation, Hacettepe
    • Pedagogical Formation
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    Pınar YEGİN successfully completed her bachelor's degree in Translation and Interpretation at Hacettepe University, as well as her Pedagogical Formation education at Ankara University Faculty of Education. After graduating, she continued her career in the tourism sector as a consultant with over 8 years of experience.

  • Zeynep Özgül

    Zeynep Özgül

    Business Development

    • Sorbonne
    • MSc Management, Bayes
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    Zeynep Ozgul completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Sorbonne University in France with honours, specialising in management, law, strategy and economics. She also holds an MSc in Management from Bayes Business School in the UK. She now works in strategic consulting, bringing together her experience in the UK, France, and Turkey across corporate strategy, finance, and market analysis to deliver data-driven, insight-led recommendations. Her background includes roles at IBM, Valentia Partners, and Özgül Holding, where she worked in consulting, strategy, M&A, research, market analysis, and business development. Multilingual and globally oriented, Zeynep combines analytical rigour with a collaborative approach to help organisations enhance efficiency, profitability, and long-term value creation.

  • Gökay Meriç Şişik

    Gökay Meriç Şişik

    IT

    • MSc IoT, Bournemouth
    Read biography

    Gökay is a software engineer with an MSc in IoT from Bournemouth University. Gökay has worked with technology companies in the UK and Turkey, developing scalable systems and secure digital solutions. He combines academic research with real-world implementation, delivering innovative projects that enhance efficiency, security, and user experience.

Expert Mentors

Subject specialists matched to each student’s academic level, language and working style — not simply assigned by availability.

  • Dr. Nicholas Peyton

    Dr. Nicholas Peyton

    Economics & Further Mathematics

    • PhD Econ, LSE
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    Nick holds a PhD in Economic History from the London School of Economics, where he combined advanced quantitative methods with historical research. Drawing on years of experience teaching Economics and quantitative analysis at both undergraduate and master's levels, Nicholas focuses on building students' intuition for challenging concepts through problem-based learning, helping them develop the confidence and analytical skills to excel in Economics and Mathematics.

  • Yavuz Kaan Celep

    Yavuz Kaan Celep

    Maths & Economics

    • BSc + MSc Distinction, LSE
    Read biography

    Yavuz Kaan Celep holds a BSc in Economics & Finance and an MSc in Data Science (with Distinction), both from The London School of Economics and Political Science, where he studied as a John C. Phelan and ISH-LSE Scholar. He teaches across economics, statistics, and mathematics, equipping students to have a strong quantitative and analytical foundation.

  • Berra Abbas

    Berra Abbas

    Art & Design

    • Painting, Anadolu
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    Berra Sözeri Abbas is a multidisciplinary artist working in painting, art doll design, mural painting, illustration and window display design. In 2019, Berra Sözeri Abbas founded her studio Utila Fortis Arts & Crafts, where she has since continued her individual artistic practice across painting, art doll design, illustration, mural painting, and window display design, following her graduation from the Painting Department of Anadolu University Faculty of Fine Arts.Her workshops adopt a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on cross-disciplinary projects, character design, material use and practical techniques, supporting participants in developing their creative processes.

  • Uswah Eeman

    Uswah Eeman

    GCSE English & Maths

    • BSc, Bilkent
    • MSc FinTech, Surrey
    Read biography

    Uswah is a dedicated tutor specialising in Mathematics and English, with a strong academic background and international teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Bilkent University and completed O Levels and A Levels in the science stream in Pakistan. With over four years of tutoring experience, Uswah has supported students across different educational systems, including teaching O Level Mathematics and ESL in Turkey. Her student-focused approach has delivered exceptional results, earning excellent feedback on Preply. She also served as a Teaching Assistant in Economics at Bilkent University, further strengthening her academic mentoring expertise.Currently pursuing an MSc in FinTech and Policy at the University of Surrey, Uswah combines academic knowledge with practical teaching experience to help students build confidence, master challengin concepts, and achieve their academic goals.Passionate about education and continuous learning, she is committed to creating supportive, structured lessons tailored to each student’s needs, empowering learners to succeed both academically and beyond.

  • Aaron Tan

    Aaron Tan

    GCSE/A Level Science & Law

    • LLB, LSE
    • AQA Examiner
    Read biography

    Aaron Tan is a British Council certified educational consultant and agent. He holds a LLB from LSE and has formerly worked as an examiner and marker for the AQA board for GCSE Physics, Biology and Chemistry. With over 6+ years of teaching in GCSE, IGCSE, A-Levels, SAT and IELTS, as well as 4+ years in consulting, Aaron Tan's experience spans from independent boarding schools from year 7 all the way to university admissions. His students have gone on to esteemed universities like Oxbridge, Imperial, LSE and more. Aaron Tan believes that with the right attitude and enough determination, every student is capable of getting the grades they want. At Echos, Aaron Tan provides mentoring in sciences such as Physics, Biology and Chemistry.

  • Humeyra Acikgul

    Humeyra Acikgul

    Architecture

    • BA Architecture, Atilim
    • MA Architecture, Westminster
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    Zahir Humeyra Acikgul is a highly motivated and determined architect with 3 years of experience planning, developing and implementing architectural projects within the Ministry of Justice in Turkey. She holds a bachelor's degree in Architecture from the Atilim University in Turkey, and a master's degree in Architecture MA from the University of Westminster. During her career in Turkey, she gained experience in both the design phase of architectural projects and construction site supervision, ensuring compliance with building regulations while coordinating with all engineering disciplines. She continues to enhance her expertise in architecture through practical and academic pursuits.

  • Özlem Birgül Yüğeş

    Özlem Birgül Yüğeş

    English Language

    • MA TESOL, Westminster
    • DELTA
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    Özlem is an accomplished language specialist and intercultural communication expert with over 15 years of teaching and training experience in London and internationally. She holds an MA in TESOL from the University of Westminster and a BA (Hons) in TEFL and English Language from Middlesex University.Özlem is certified in TEFL, TESOL, CELTA and DELTA Module Two, Developing Professional Practice. In addition to her teaching and training expertise, Özlem has published widely on diversity, inclusivity, and intercultural communicative competence in education and business. Her publications include a book chapter with Palgrave Macmillan and several peer-reviewed articles in leading international journals.As an Echos Education mentor, Özlem works with students and professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds, providing tailored support in English Language, IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation, and Business English.

  • Randa Memishi

    Randa Memishi

    Law & Junior School

    • LLB, Westminster
    • PGCE, UCL
    Read biography

    Randa Memishi is an experienced educator with a background in law and a passion for cultural exchange and inclusive learning. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Westminster, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from University College London (UCL). Randa's academic achievements, combined with her dedication to education, have shaped her dynamic teaching approach. Over the course of a year, she gained valuable experience through placements in three diverse primary schools across London. These opportunities allowed her to work with students from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, refining her ability to adapt teaching methods to meet individual needs and foster an engaging learning environment. Bilingual and deeply interested in language and cultural exchange, Randa brings a global perspective to her work. Her enthusiasm for exploring diverse cuisines, films, and literature complements her professional endeavors, further enriching her teaching style. With a commitment to fostering inclusivity and inspiring students, Randa's work reflects her belief in the transformative power of education.

  • Emir Fetai

    Emir Fetai

    Business & Finance

    • MA Finance Distinction, King’s
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    Emir is an Analyst in Risk Advisory at a leading consulting and financial advisory firm in London. He holds a Master's degree in Finance with Distinction, specialising in Asset Pricing, from King's College London, and a Bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance from Istanbul, Turkey. With a strong academic foundation and extensive practical experience in the finance industry, Emir brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. In addition to his professional career, Emir has over five years of experience in academic tutoring, guiding students in finance and related fields. His tailored mentoring approach has helped numerous students excel in their studies, achieve top grades, and gain a deeper understanding of complex financial concepts. Through one-on-one and group sessions, Emir has honed his ability to simplify challenging topics, empower students to develop critical thinking skills, and inspire confidence in their academic abilities. Multilingual and passionate about continuous learning, Emir values building professional networks and sharing his knowledge to help others succeed both academically and professionally. His dedication to student success makes him a trusted mentor for those seeking to achieve their academic and career aspirations.

  • Saidat Giwa-Osagie

    Saidat Giwa-Osagie

    Economics & Finance

    • BSc Bristol
    • MSc Distinction, LSE
    Read biography

    Saidat is a London-based educator, researcher and writer. She holds a BSc in Politics and Social Policy from the University of Bristol and a master's degree in Management, Information Systems and Innovation with Distinction from the London School of Economics. Saidat has taught international students across pre-university, undergraduate and postgraduate levels and is passionate about supporting students' personal and academic development. Her multidisciplinary experience includes mentoring graduates, developing patents in the automotive sector, leading research for Fortune 500 companies, and writing for The Next Web, The Atlantic, and The Radio Times.

  • Damla Gundogdu

    Damla Gundogdu

    Law

    • LLM QMUL
    • PhD Law, Essex
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    Damla Gündoğdu earned her PhD in Law from the University of Essex, specialising in the voluntary repatriation and protection of refugees and displaced persons. She holds an LLM in Public International Law from Queen Mary University of London and an LLB from Dokuz Eylul University. Damla combines academic depth with practical insight, drawing from her previous experience as a research assistant in international law department of Isparta Suleyman Demirel University and as a qualified lawyer in Turkey. Her research interests include international migration and refugee law, human rights, humanitarian law, and international criminal law that giving her a strong foundation to guide students through complex legal topics. Since moving to the UK in 2018, she has collaborated with international students about legal research, academic writing, and adapting to the UK education system with confidence and independence as an international student. At ECHOS Education, Damla is pleased to mentoring students not only in academic excellence, but also in building the self-reliance and -resilience needed to succeed in a new academic and cultural environment.

  • Julia Stone

    Julia Stone

    English & Drama

    • Drama Studio London
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    With 15 years of teaching experience, Julia fosters a supportive and encouraging learning environment for all her students. Her aim is to nourish the unique strength of each pupil, developing their academic confidence and self expression. Julia graduated from the Drama Studio London, where she gained extensive experience in drama and acting. Her teaching background includes working as a Teaching Assistant in schools, providing private music and drama lessons, as well as guiding students through their academic assignments and music practice. In her free time Julia also volunteers with Bookmark Reading Charity, supporting children with their reading at various schools. At Echos Julia provides comprehensive mentoring in Drama and English studies, preparing students for their examinations and enhancing their reading and comprehension levels.

  • Ilham Demir

    Ilham Demir

    Interior Design

    • Pera Design Studio
    • Istanbul Kültür
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    Ilham Demir earned her bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture and Environmental Design from Istanbul Kültür University, followed by a pedagogical formation program at Uludağ University. After graduation, she contributed to numerous international projects as part of interior design teams, leaving her distinctive mark on each project. In 2019, she established her own company in London, Pera Design Studio, where she continues to work as both the founder and lead interior designer. Alongside her expertise in art and design, she has also completed training in model-making and 3D visualization, further expanding her skill set in the field. My decision to pursue a PhD stems from my desire to make a lasting and impactful contribution to the international scientific community.

  • Berkay Yildirim

    Berkay Yildirim

    Computer Science & Career

    • MSc AI
    • AWS Certified
    • Alan Turing Inst.
    Read biography

    Berkay is a Software Engineer at a US-headquartered global BioTech firm, an AWS Certified Solutions Architect, the Founder of TensorSphere based in London, and a Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET). Specializing in Trustworthy Digital Infrastructure, he combines deep expertise in Cloud Architecture with advanced AI development, including Multi-Agent Systems (MAS), RAG pipelines, and Agentic AI. With an MSc in Artificial Intelligence, Berkay's work is recognized at high levels; his research on Data Sovereignty and AI architecture was presented at the Alan Turing Institute, and he has actively contributed to the UK Government's (DSIT) regulation reviews on digital security. Beyond his technical roles, Berkay serves as an IET Career Mentor, dedicated to guiding the next generation of engineers. His mentoring approach bridges the gap between theoretical research and real-world application, helping aspiring technologists navigate the complexities of Cloud Architecture, MLOps, and scalable software systems. By combining the discipline of a researcher with the strategic mindset of a founder, Berkay empowers his mentees to build secure, compliant, and intelligent digital assets.

  • Nazif Mikail Ahmed

    Nazif Mikail Ahmed

    Maths, Economics & Accounting

    • SOAS BA
    • Imperial MSc
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    Mikail is a Mathematics, Economics and Accounting mentor at Echos Education. Having completed the IB Diploma at St Edward's School, Oxford, he understands the uncertainty and constant need for adaptation that come with being a younger international student. During his bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance at SOAS, University of London, he worked as a Peer Mentor, supporting two undergraduate students through their transition to life and study in the UK. Now a master's student at Imperial College London, he is excited to join Echos and continue shaping his global perspective while guiding students towards resilience and independence.

  • Baran Yazgili

    Baran Yazgili

    Economics & Political Science

    • BSc Pol/Econ, LSE
    Read biography

    Baran is a multilingual professional with experience across audit, investor relations, and business advisory. He holds a BSc in Politics & Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a dual MA in Social Sciences from Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) and the Humboldt University of Berlin. He also has an interest in public sector and international affairs, impact-led projects and startup environments. With international experience and a global perspective, Baran is passionate about building professional networks and sharing his knowledge to help others succeed both academically and professionally.

  • Fikrat Guluzade

    Fikrat Guluzade

    Business, Economics & Finance

    • MPA, UCL
    • DEFRA Policy Intern
    Read biography

    Fikrat is a Policy and Research Analyst with a multifaceted background. He holds an MPA in Public Management and Leadership from University College London (UCL), building upon a BA in International Relations from the University of Westminster and a BSc in Finance from the Azerbaijan State University of Economics. Fikrat draws on practical experience from his time as a Trade Policy Intern at the The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as well as his roles as a research assistant and financial analyst. Having conducted primary field research in Vietnam and Egypt and participated in an international exchange at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Fikrat brings a truly global perspective to his work in education and governance.As an Echos mentor, Fikrat specializes in Finance, Economics, and Business Management. He is highly proficient in technical tools such as Stata, R, and Excel, which he uses to help students master data collection, econometric modelling, and policy analysis. Fikrat is multilingual, being fluent in English, Turkish, and Azerbaijani.

  • Aysel Capinoglu

    Aysel Capinoglu

    English Language

    • MA Film Studies, King’s
    • PGCE, UCL
    Read biography

    Aysel holds BA in English Literature from the University of Greenwich and an MA in Film Studies from King’s College London. She is currently completing a PGCE (Further Education) at UCL, to develope her teaching practice. With over three years of experience as a private tutor, she specialises in English Literature and Language across a range of exam boards, including AQA, Eduqas, OCR, and IGCSE. Aysel has supported students in achieving strong academic outcomes, combining subject expertise with a tailored, student-centred approach. Alongside tutoring, Aysel works as an educational content creator, designing engaging resources that make complex ideas accessible and relevant.

  • Elif Hologlu

    Architecture

    • Dual MA ODTÜ/Humboldt

Different expertise, one plan

Matching matters.

Subject knowledge is essential, but an effective working relationship depends on more. When matching a student with a mentor or specialist, we consider the subject, academic level, language, communication style, confidence and the purpose of support.

The aim is not simply to assign an available expert. It is to create a relationship in which the student can ask questions, respond to challenge and become more independent over time.

  • Academic subject and level of study
  • Communication style and language
  • Student confidence and current gaps
  • Purpose of support — whether short or long-term
  • Compatibility for an ongoing working relationship

Start with where the student is today.

Tell us where the student is now, what they may be considering and what remains uncertain. We will help make sense of the options and decide what should happen next.

Speak With Echos