Portrait of Arafa Yoncalik

Hi, I'm Arafa Yoncalik. A researcher, AI engineer, and immersive technology developer.

I am a researcher and engineer based in Antwerp, Belgium, with a background in Electronics and ICT. My work spans software engineering, artificial intelligence, XR, and interactive 3D systems. I enjoy building intelligent applications that connect research, creativity, and real-world technology.

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About memy profile

Who I Am

My journey in technology started at the age of 13, when I received my first laptop and began learning programming through old Visual Basic books and experimentation. Since then, I have developed a broad technical background across software engineering, cloud technologies, DevOps, automation, AI, and immersive systems.

Over the years, I have worked on projects involving full-stack development, XR applications, procedural generation, interactive 3D environments, and AI-driven systems. I am especially interested in building tools and experiences that combine intelligent systems with practical, real-world engineering.

Below is an overview of the technologies I have worked with and my level of experience with them.

Let's Connect

30+

Projects
Completed

5+

Years of
Experience

9000+

Power
Level

10+

Frameworks &
Languages

My Skills

Web Development
HTML SCSS JavaScript TypeScript Angular React Node.js
Programming Languages
Java Python C++ C# C PHP Assembler
Backend & Databases
Spring Boot .NET Core PostgreSQL MongoDB SQL Firebase
3D & Immersive Tech
Unity Unreal Engine VR / XR Development 3D Modeling
DevOps & Cloud
Azure Google Cloud Ansible Jenkins Linux (Debian) Docker Windows Server
IDEs & Tools
Visual Studio Code Visual Studio IntelliJ PyCharm Microchip Studio Vivado
Embedded Systems & IoT
Arduino Raspberry Pi FPGA / VHDL Cisco Packet Tracer MATLAB
Other Tools
Git GitLab Jira UML Android Studio

My Timeline

OCT 2024 - Present

Researcher - AP University (Immersive Lab)

Currently serving as a researcher at AP University's Immersive Lab, focusing on innovative research projects in AI, XR, and interactive systems. Contributing to projects including General World Models, HEART, PAIC, and Storyliving in Extended Reality.

OCT 2023 - SEPT 2024

IT Consultant - Ferranti Computer Systems

Worked as an IT consultant for a company specialized in the utility market, delivering ERP and CRM software solutions for a variety of clients. My work included both development and analysis tasks.

JUL 2023 - 2 months

Software Engineer - University of Antwerp

Contributed to a research-oriented software project focused on statistical analysis of road-noise data generated by cars across different road surfaces.

SEPT 2022 - Present

AI Engineer - MindThriven

Working as an AI engineer for a startup focused on burnout prevention and mental wellbeing.

SEPT 2021

University of Antwerp - University

Started a Master's degree in Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology within the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

JUN 2021

AP University of Applied Sciences - University

Graduated in Electronics and ICT and received a Professional Bachelor's degree.

FEB 2021 - Present

Research Assistant - AP University (Immersive Lab)

Supported research activities in virtual reality, tested new VR equipment, and helped guide students during summer schools focused on VR application development with Unity.

FEB 2021 - 4 months

Internship - Suivo NV

Worked as a full-stack web development intern, building an application using Angular for the frontend and Spring Boot with Java for the backend.

AUG 2018 - Present

Retail Worker - Carrefour

Worked part-time with responsibility for the fruits and vegetables section.

JUN 2018

KA Schoten - High School

Graduated from secondary education in Industrial ICT.

JAN 2017 - Present

Waiter - Quinto

Worked as a waiter for a food service company providing staff for banquet halls and events.

APR 2017 - 2 months

Warehouse Worker - VOS Logistics

Worked as a student employee in warehouse operations, packing boxes of cookware.

FEB 2017 - 2 months

Sous Chef - Roji

Assisted in food preparation and kitchen support within a restaurant environment.

FEB 2017 - 2 weeks

Internship - Innosec

Developed three basic WordPress websites during an early internship experience that helped shape my interest in web design and development.

JAN 2016 - 1 month

Baker - Bakkerij Goolaerts

Helped with baking bread, preparing dough, and decorating cakes.

My Portfoliomy work

A selection of projects developed during my academic journey, showcasing my work in software engineering, AI, XR, embedded systems, and interactive 3D development.

Security Tool project

Security Tool

WAR-CPR in VR project

WAR-CPR in VR

MoneyTracker project

MoneyTracker

Chess AI project

Chess AI

sEMG Signal Processing project

sEMG Signal Processing

2D Platformer project

2D Platformer

Raspberry Pi multiplayer pong project

RPI Multiplayer Pong

Bookstore project

Bookstore

3D Platformer project

3D Platformer

IBM Challenge project

IBM Challenge

Python games project

Python Games

Cloud API Books API project

CloudApi-BooksApi

Research & Focuscurrent work

General World Models

2025 - 2027

This project provides companies with inspiration, tools, and strategic knowledge to integrate General World Models responsibly and efficiently into their workflows. We explore how generative AI models can be leveraged for practical enterprise applications.

HEART: Game Development Toolkit

2025 - 2027

A Unity-based toolkit that integrates game analytics and psychophysiological data for real-time UX insights. This research focuses on monitoring Human Experience Analytics in Real-Time during interactive experiences and gaming.

Promptable AI-Camera (PAIC)

2024 - 2026

An innovative AI-driven camera system that enables real-time adaptation of livestreams through natural language prompts. This research explores the intersection of AI, computer vision, and live media production.

Storyliving in Extended Reality

2024 - 2026

Research into storytelling techniques and parameters to enhance immersion and sense of presence in Extended Reality (VR/AR/MR). This project investigates how narrative design can maximize user engagement in immersive environments.

Smart Contract Local Energy Community

2022 - 2025

This project explores blockchain technology for the virtual exchange of energy within local energy communities. We develop smart contract solutions to enable transparent and decentralized peer-to-peer energy trading.

Contact Mecontact

Get in touch

Feel free to reach out for collaborations, research opportunities, project discussions, or any other questions. I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Location

Antwerp, Belgium

Email

arafayon@gmail.com

Education

Electronics & ICT, University of Antwerp

Languages

Dutch, English, Turkish

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