Senior Scientist

• Sep 2022 - Present

Lead Scientist

• Sep 2020 - Aug 2022

In Vivo model development and immune cell profiling for metabolic disorders and fibrotic diseases. Employing and optimizing in house screening platform for lead compound. In Vivo model development and immune cell profiling for metabolic disorders and fibrotic diseases. Employing and optimizing in house screening platform for lead compound.

Research Assistant Professor

• Nov 2018 - Sep 2020

Plan and execute the investigation of the combinatorial effect of drugs in GBM regulatory pathways, utilizing in silico and in vitro tools, cell-based, solution-based biochemical assays and immunohistochemistry assays to validate new targets for tumor initiation, development and resistance. Key Projects: ✰ Optimize the hydrogel microwell platform for 3D tumors, ensuring the project is completed on time and above expectations. ✰ Manage the pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions, carry out target validation and mechanism of action studies on the GBM tumor development project in accordance with all regulations and safety protocols. ✰ Characterize the mechanism of action of the small molecule, NF-κB inhibitor, in combination with TMZ and the role for NF-κB in the expression of anti-inflammatory genes and tumor resistance. ✰ Improve the polymeric microfluidics platform and test various drug combinations and their pharmacodynamics for personalized cancer treatment to control 3D GBM tumor development and the combinatorial effect of drugs on tumor development. Increased the effectiveness of the multiple-simultaneous drug administration by 45%. ✰ Spearhead the investigation of the influence of perinatal substance abuse on genetic profiles of the Dopamine (DA) neurons in the brain during neurodevelopment for addiction/neurodegenerative diseases using in vivo rodent models. Drug exposure via minipumps. ✰ Evaluate the complexity of the DA neurons in the brain using microarrays, using R to profile the differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs in DA neurons. ✰ Contribute to publication writing, grant writing, scientific editing, and lab management to ensure success. ✰ Provide comprehensive training to two graduate students and supervision of two postdoctoral fellows in various techniques to enhance their skills and performance.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

• Feb 2018 - Nov 2018

Discovered the clinical importance of harmine as a Twist1 protein-specific drug in GBM using cell-based assays. Key Projects: ✰ Employed in vivo tumor models and primary GBM cells to identify the effect of Twist1 S68 phosphorylation on protein-protein interactions in GBM stem cells. ✰ Managed complex projects and obtained a solid understanding of cancer signaling pathways and epithelial-mesenchymal transition state associated with invasion and promotion of stem-cell phenotype in GBM. ✰ Designed and conducted innovative research projects on diverse subjects while also collaborating with principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students on several additional projects.

Postdoctoral Fellow

• Oct 2015 - Feb 2018

Utilized in vitro tools and in vivo tumor models to understand signaling pathways that regulate brain development and cancer with consistent on-time project delivery. Key Projects: ✰ Characterized a novel adhesion and signaling pathway comprised of the integrin αvβ8 and its intracellular binding partner, Spinophilin, showing Spinophilin interacts directly with the β8 integrin and ECM in GBM cells. ✰ Used transformed mouse astroglial cells, primary tumor cells, primary endothelial cells. ✰ Used in vivo tumor models to uncover the structural/functional role of Doppel protein in tumor cells and endothelial cells and revealed that Doppel induces tumor initiation and angiogenesis in the central nervous system. ✰ Developed high-proficiency in utilizing core molecular biology, cell-based assays, cell culture and in vivo techniques for critical project functions.

Graduate Student Intern

• Nov 2013 - Jan 2014

Investigated the cytotoxic effect of oncolytic adenovirus Delta-24-RGD on anti-glioma immunity in a timely and accurate manner. Key Projects: ✰ Characterized Delta-24-RGD-mediated autophagy and assessed the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines with ELISA. ✰ Supported the publication of one high-profile manuscript. Investigated the cytotoxic effect of oncolytic adenovirus Delta-24-RGD on anti-glioma immunity in a timely and accurate manner. Key Projects: ✰ Characterized Delta-24-RGD-mediated autophagy and assessed the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines with ELISA. ✰ Supported the publication of one high-profile manuscript.

Intern

• Jul 2007 - Aug 2007

In vitro Fertilization Laboratories - Dr. M. Engin Enginsu ✰ Supported operations of busy in vitro fertilization laboratories, leading to a significant increase in efficiency. ✰ Analyzed complex data and accurately documented/presented project results in group meetings. In vitro Fertilization Laboratories - Dr. M. Engin Enginsu ✰ Supported operations of busy in vitro fertilization laboratories, leading to a significant increase in efficiency. ✰ Analyzed complex data and accurately documented/presented project results in group meetings.

Intern

• Feb 2007 - Jun 2007

Industrial Microbiology Laboratories - Prof. Dilek KAZAN ✰ Conducted enzyme purification and enzyme activity assays for industrial microbiology laboratories in adherence to all applicable safety protocols. ✰ Delivered full assistance with publication writing. Industrial Microbiology Laboratories - Prof. Dilek KAZAN ✰ Conducted enzyme purification and enzyme activity assays for industrial microbiology laboratories in adherence to all applicable safety protocols. ✰ Delivered full assistance with publication writing.

Intern

• Jul 2006 - Aug 2006

Genetic Laboratories - Prof. Nihan Erginel Ünaltuna ✰ Assisted with research projects within a genetic laboratory environment. ✰ Assisted all aspects of experiment design, reaction optimization and characterization, root-cause analysis, scientific writing and oral presentation. ✰ Conducted research on the lipoprotein lipase gene associated with metabolic syndrome and lipid levels guaranteeing on-time project delivery. Genetic Laboratories - Prof. Nihan Erginel Ünaltuna ✰ Assisted with research projects within a genetic laboratory environment. ✰ Assisted all aspects of experiment design, reaction optimization and characterization, root-cause analysis, scientific writing and oral presentation. ✰ Conducted research on the lipoprotein lipase gene associated with metabolic syndrome and lipid levels guaranteeing on-time project delivery.

Intern

• Jun 2005 - Jul 2005

Immunogenetics Laboratories - Dr.Berrin ERDAĞ ✰ Contributed to key research studies for the production and characterization of neutralizing single-chain antibodies against human VEGFR. ✰ Complied with all safety policies, practices and procedures within the lab. ✰ Maintained detailed records of results including collecting, extracting and entering data and preparing graphs. Immunogenetics Laboratories - Dr.Berrin ERDAĞ ✰ Contributed to key research studies for the production and characterization of neutralizing single-chain antibodies against human VEGFR. ✰ Complied with all safety policies, practices and procedures within the lab. ✰ Maintained detailed records of results including collecting, extracting and entering data and preparing graphs.

Intern

• Jan 2005 - Feb 2005

Child Genetic Laboratories ✰ Aided with a wide array of research activities for the diagnosis of genetic and rare diseases within a child genetic laboratory. ✰ Maintained and calibrated all lab equipment. Child Genetic Laboratories ✰ Aided with a wide array of research activities for the diagnosis of genetic and rare diseases within a child genetic laboratory. ✰ Maintained and calibrated all lab equipment.