What is your academic background and your current research field?
My academic background is related to Nanomedicine and Biomedical Engineering. I received my BSc and MSc from the Biology Department of the Abant Izzet Baysal University in Turkey. Immediately after, I obtained my Ph.D. from Marmara University, Department of Bioengineering in Istanbul. I have published many research articles related to biopolymer production from extremophilic microorganisms and their biomedical applications. These were related to natural biopolymer production, formulating biopolymeric solid-lipid nanoparticles, biopolymeric films, and nano-coatings. I am an Assistant Professor in Beykent University, Department of Biomedical Engineering in Istanbul and I have been the leader of scientific research projects based on exosomes in extracellular vesicles for developing not only their potential therapeutic formulations but also their use as diagnostic tools in rare diseases. I have been working as an experienced researcher in Biomaterial Science and Engineering for the last ten years.
My current research includes the development of antimicrobial nanocoatings based on antimicrobial peptides within a polymer formulation. I am very much interested in the design of novel antimicrobial peptides. The project is an EU funded research project (Acronym:STOP) led by Prof Stamboulis in the School of Metallurgy and Materials. I would also like to continue working with exosomes and other biomaterials with specific interest in 3D bioprinting and electrospinning all available in Prof Stamboulis’ lab and in collaboration with the Medical School Prof Zubair Ahmed.
What is your role as a ECDN Rep and how can postdocs in your school contact you?
I am the ECDN representative of Metallurgy and Materials. My role as the ECDN representative is to develop biomaterials research communication among young post-doctoral researchers. The purpose is to help young biomaterials scientists in the School of Metallurgy and Materials by inviting them and directing them, and welcoming them within the frame of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
What do you feel are the benefits of the ECDN programme for postdocs and what do you feel have been the benefits to you from being a postdoc rep?
The ECDN program will be beneficial for post-doctoral researchers to gain information about post-doctoral project funds and opportunities as well as make new research links and collaborators. Postdoctoral researchers can organise either their own workshops or may attend ECDN workshops to see other what other departments/schools are doing in their individual research areas. I am very happy to be a postdoc representative. Young post-doc researchers can reach me either face-to-face in my office in Metallurgy and Materials, by email, or TEAMS. ECDN will significantly help me to create a bridge between Metallurgy and Materials and other post-doctoral researchers in other Schools/Colleges at UoB. As the ECDN representative, I will improve my skills in communication, creatie new collaborations and expand my horizons by the numerous available opportunities for personal and professional development offered by the University. ECDN will help me to be up to date with any new funding possibilities and developments within the University. In return I will be able to also help young scientists and create opportunities for myself and others for career development.