PEOPLE
Principle Investigator:
Ayşe Koca Çaydaşı, PhD: I graduated from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Middle East Technical University in 2004. I received my master’s degree in 2006 from the Department of Biology at Middle East Technical University. In 2007, I was awarded the “International Graduate School for Cancer Research Fellowship” by the German Cancer Research Centre and I moved to Germany for my doctoral studies. In 2010, I earned my Ph.D. at the University of Heidelberg, after having completed my dissertation at the German Cancer Research Centre. Thereafter, I continued my research at the same institute as a postdoctoral researcher. In September 2016, I moved to Turkey as an Assistant Professor at Gebze Technical University. Then in July 2017, I joined Koç University at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. My research interests lie in spatial and temporal coordination of cell cycle events. I use Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) to study asymmetric cell division. My previous work has contributed to the understanding of how cells assure separation of their genetic material in the correct direction during asymmetric cell division. This processes is a key determinant of the cell fate. My current research will further unravel novel cell cycle regulatory mechanisms that prevent aneuploidy and genomic instability, the hallmarks of cancer.
Şeyma Nur Bektas: After I graduated from Middle East Technical University in 2017, I joined Koc University as an integrated PhD student. I am so pleased to be a member of the Cell Cycle and Genome Stability lab. Becoming a good scientist has been my big ambition after I realized the elegancy of cell division at the age of 13. During my undergraduate education I felt extremely excited about checkpoint mechanisms of cell cycle and its relation with the cancer. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate cell division may change our whole knowledge about cancer. My main motivation is to improve myself; not only answering a question in this area but also raising proper questions.
Mariam Huda: After I graduated from my university, Zewail City of Science and Technology in Egypt, in 2020, I joined the integrated Ph.D. program at Koc University. I have always wanted a career in research and academia,and joining the cell cycle and genome stability lab provided me with the needed opportunity. As an international student away from my home for the first time, I found solace in my work. My lab mates became my second family here in Istanbul, and they helped me settle in. Exploring new fields of research and cultural aspects in Istanbul has been fun. Not only am I enjoying my work, but I am also enjoying the beauty of Istanbul. I am proud to say that this opportunity has made me grow both as a researcher and as a person.
Ahmed Alsaftawi: I earned my bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and genetics from Baskent University in 2023 and joined the integrated PhD program at Koc University. There, I have worked on various projects in fields such as cancer research, biotechnology, bioinformatics, antibody engineering, protein production and purification. These projects have sparked my interest in finding answers to the fundamental questions of life, which I believe is the most meaningful and important goal for me. I am passionate about making a positive impact in the world and advancing our collective knowledge of life’s essential truths. I am amazed by the puzzle of life and its complexity. Every day, I enjoy discovering new questions and answers that reveal the secrets of life. I want to pursue an academic career in this field because I am always curious and eager to learn more and improve. I am glad to be a part of the Cell Cycle and Genome Stability lab, where I can achieve a better understanding of life. My main focus is on uncovering and understanding the factors and mechanisms that regulate gene stability and cell cycle components. I always challenge myself to learn, improve, and enrich our collective understanding of how life can be fascinating with its complexity.
Beril Aybike Ilhan:
Gana Sherif Hassan: I earned my bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics and Genetics in 2022. A year and a half later, in 2024, I completed my master’s degree in Material Science and Nanotechnology, both at Kadir Has University. Recently, I began pursuing my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Koc University right after my masters. My aim in research has always been to explore interdisciplinary fields of science. This passion has led me through various domains, including polymer science, genetics, microorganisms, and protein interactions. During my studies, I focused on investigating potential drug carriers’ hydrogels to enhance drug delivery for breast cancer treatment. Additionally, I undertook several projects in computational biology and drug design to repurpose well-known drugs for combating COVID-19 during the global pandemic. Now, as I transition into the Cell Cycle and Genome Stability lab, I am thrilled to study mechanisms governing genetics and cellular dynamics in depth, utilizing microorganisms and cell biology experiments to make some cool discoveries along the way with this amazing team!
Alumni:
Dilara Kocakaplan did both undergrad and graduate (MSc) studies in our lab. She got her MSc degree in Jun 2020 at Koç University and moved to Edinburg/UK to start her PhD studies at University of Edinburg, at the lab of Adele Marston.
Gülden Budak performed postdoctoral studies in our lab (2019-2020). She is currently a faculty member at İstanbul Health and Technology University.
Betül Sarı graduated from the department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Üsküdar University and did her MSc Studies in our lab and graduated in January 2021. Currently, she is performing her PhD studies in the lab of Prof. Dr. Ludger Hengst Lab at University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Barış Bekdaş studied Molecular Biology and Genetics in Istanbul Technical University. He did his MSc thesis in our lab and graduated in August 2021. Barış is currently doing his PhD Studies at Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Austria.
Hüseyin Karabürk graduated from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Middle East Technical University with high honor degree in June 2018. He did his MSc studies in our lab. He graduated in August 2021. Currently he is enrolled in the PhD programme of University of Michigan in the USA.
Cansu Dilege got her BSc degree from Yeditepe University. She did his MSc studies in our lab. Cansu graduated in 2022. Currently she is doing her PhD studies in Austria.
İdil Kırdök got her BSc degree from Middle East Technical University and her MSc degree from Koç University in 2022 with her MSc thesis studies performed in our lab. İdil is currently a PhD student at Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands.
Sevilay Münire Girgin studied Molecular Biology and Genetics at Bogaziçi university. She got her MSc degree at Koç University in September 2023 with her thesis studies performed in our Lab.
Mukadder Koyuncu graduated from Molecular Biology and Genetics department at Koç University and did his MSc studies in our lab. Mukadder got his MSc degree in September 2023.
Samia Kadri: