Nurgul CELIK BALCI

Geomicrobiology/Biogeochemistry at Istanbul Technical University (Biogeochemistry LAB.)

I am looking for PhD / MSc. students to work in research projects funded by TUBITAK....

I’m a geochemist interested in the interactions between microbes and rocks and minerals at terrestrial environments and how these processes influence biogeochemical processes, especially sulfur. I am specifically interested in applying light (O, S) and heavy (Fe) stable isotopes to biogeochemical processes (e.g. metal sulfide oxidation, Fe oxidation/reduction).

My research addresses the evolution of sulfur and oxygen cycling, microbe-mineral interactions in extreme environments (hyper saline/alkaline, acid mine environments) , and extends to extraterrestrial research.

Biogeochemical sulfur cycling in extreme environments and its impacts on the oxygen isotope composition of sulfur species

Biogeochemistry of Fe oxidation/reduction and its impacts on Fe isotope composition of Fe-oxides

Relationship between sulfur and other geochemical cycles, i.e. metals

Biomineralization in hyper saline/alkaline lakes

Research Projects:

1-Assesment of biogeochemical factors controlling Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) formation

2-Biogeochemistry of Lake ITU Maslak

3-Microbial community structure and biogeochemical characteristics of Extreme lakes (Lake Acıgol (saline), Lake Salda (hyper alkaline) )and their influences on biomineralization.