Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics, 2020-2024
Graduated with honors (GPA: 3.34/4), completed a thesis on investigating stress responses in Schizochytrium sp. S31 and Rhodotorula glutinis.
Double Major in Chemistry, 2021-2025
Focused on gaining a deeper understanding of chemical principles and their applications in biological systems (GPA: 3.19/4).
For my chemistry graduation project, I have been exploring the molecular docking and quantum mechanical principles underlying anti-cancer drugs and BRAS cancer protein interactions.
02.08.2024-13.10.2024
During my second Erasmus+ internship under the supervision of Dr. Luisa F. Pallares, I focused on evolutionary genomics research, particularly examining complex traits in Drosophila melanogaster. My work involved studying wing morphology to uncover the genetic basis of phenotypic variation, utilizing behavioral assays like Negative Geotaxis to explore age-related locomotor decline as a model for neurodegeneration, and conducting phenotyping on CG5246 knock-out strains. Data analysis and visualization in RStudio were key components of my role, enabling robust interpretation of complex datasets. This experience deepened my expertise in genomics, phenotyping, and statistical analysis while enhancing my skills in independent research and data-driven problem-solving.
16.06.2023-19.09.2023
As an Erasmus+ student at the Max Planck Institute Friedrich Miescher Laboratory, my three-month internship on “Evolutionary Genomics of Complex Traits” encompassed valuable hands-on experience in Drosophila research, providing population genetics, molecular biology, phenotyping, and statistical analysis.
I also gained proficiency in computer science, particularly in RStudio. This immersive experience broadened my skill set significantly for future endeavors.
02.08.2024-13.10.2024
During my Erasmus+ internship under the guidance of Research Scientist Sebastien Colin, I specialized in advanced imaging techniques, focusing on Expansion Microscopy (ExM) to study cellular structures at the nanoscale. My work involved preparing and imaging ciliate cells to visualize intricate morphological details with high spatial resolution. Utilizing confocal microscopy and advanced image analysis tools, I extracted quantitative data to investigate cellular architecture. This hands-on experience honed my technical skills in microscopy and image processing while providing a deeper understanding of nanoscale cellular dynamics and innovative visualization methodologies.
01.02.2024-01.08.2024
As a STAR intern at the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) in the Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences, I contributed to the project titled "Anatolian Sister Taxa: Comparative Population Genomic Analysis of Secondary Contacts of Sister Bat Taxa in Anatolia" for six months. During this internship, I learned both pre- and post-genomic analysis procedures using the National Center for High Performance Computing.
Additionally, I gained familiarity with Unix and Bash scripting.
In my graduation project, we focused on investigating stress responses in Schizochytrium sp. S31 and Rhodotorula glutinis. We examined the effects of high salt, consortia formation, and microplastics (PET) on cell density, biomass, and fatty acid composition, culminating in the completion of my thesis.
Additionally, I mastered the steps of writing a project proposal to secure funding by authoring a TÜBİTAK 1002 project. Currently, we are working on the manuscript for this project.
In my Current Topics in Ecology course with Prof. Dr. Emrah Çoraman, I focused on the Aedes aegypti species, known for being a primary vector for diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Utilizing ecological niche modeling in R, I explored both the current and potential future habitats of this species under various climate scenarios.
This research is crucial for understanding how environmental changes could impact the distribution of Aedes aegypti, thereby informing public health strategies and vector control measures.
I served as a Co-founder and the General Editor of Istanbul Technical University's only biology journal Beeology for three years, during which I successfully launched the first issue.
I served as a Board Member of the ITU Molecular Biology and Genetics Student Club for two years, where I was involved in organizing the 15th and 16th International ITU MBG Student Club Congresses.
I served as a writer for Arı24, ITU's student social media and communication network, for two years.
I am a member of the Turkish Society of Biologists and have actively participated in the society's events.
I am a member of TEMA Foundation, a prominent Turkish organization dedicated to environmental conservation and combating desertification. I am committed to conservation efforts and actively support the foundation's initiatives.
I participated in the "Ver Bi' Pati" campaign organized by the ITU Volunteering Club for one academic term, where I helped in providing food and care for campus animals.
American Museum of Natural History
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Feel free to get in touch with me through the following contact information:
Email: karae19@itu.edu.tr
LinkedIn: Emre Kara