Bodrum Research Center Team

Tuba Ekmekçi Littlefield, M.A.

Director, Bodrum Research Center

An Izmir native, Tuba has worked with INA since 1991. She studied archaeology at Ege University and during her first year began contacting Cemal Pulak and George Bass about joining their team. As director of the BRC, she oversees a full-time staff of 23 and a constantly rotating population of interns, students, and guests. She is also ultimately responsible for INA’s fleet of research vessels, the conservation labs, the grounds, and the dormitories.

Özlem Doğan

Financial Manager

Özlem grew up in Germany but her family has been living in Bodrum for many generations. She studied Business Administration and Hotel Management at Çukurova University in Adana. As Financial Manager since 2008, Özlem handles a wide range of responsibilities including accounts payable and receivable, taxes, and payroll. Among the numerous professional skills that Özlem brings to the BRC is the fine Turkish art of pazarlık (bargaining).

Orkan Köyağasıoğlu, Ph.D.

Fleet Supervisor

Orkan is a born sailor who comes from a distinguished family of wooden boat builders. Born in Istanbul, Orkan moved to Bodrum as a young boy. After earning his Master’s degree in Classical Archaeology from Anadolu University, Orkan joined the staff of INA’s Bodrum Research Center in 2001. Since then, he has piloted Carolyn and participated in numerous INA surveys and excavations in Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Albania. He helped design INA’s archaeological research vessel Virazon II and serves as Fleet Supervisor. Orkan recently completed his doctoral degree at Anadolu University.