Since my sophomore year, I have actively pursued diverse research opportunities across several laboratories, gaining hands-on experience in biochemistry, biophysics, computational biology, and molecular immunology. This journey has not only fostered my independence as a researcher and broadened my intellectual horizons, but also helped me discover what I’m truly passionate about and want to focus on during my doctoral studies. 

Below, you’ll find the timeline of my research journey—filled with turning points and snapshots that made these experiences unforgettable.

At the University of Vienna, I contributed to elucidating the structure of the bromodomain protein BRD4-BD1/2 using biological NMR spectroscopy. 

I gained hands-on experience in fundamental molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, including PCR, bacterial transformation, protein expression and purification, and gel electrophoresis. 

Building on these fundamentals, I applied cutting-edge methods such as biological NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry to analyze protein structures and protein-ligand interactions. 

Beyond technical skills, I developed a strong foundation in structural biology, NMR-based drug design, and the thermodynamics of protein–protein and protein–ligand interactions. I also deepened my understanding of the principles behind two-dimensional NMR techniques and their interpretation.

During my time in Vienna, I was deeply inspired by a fellow researcher—a computational biologist in our lab—which sparked my interest and showed me the benefits of integrating computational methods into research. Upon returning to Istanbul, I was accepted into one of Türkiye’s top institutions, Bogazici University, where I joined the Polymer Research Center. 

Over the next two years, I worked with a group focused on protein dynamics, computational structural biology, and protein–protein interactions. I worked on G-protein-coupled receptors, molecular docking, and pharmacogenomics, and later led my own project on the structural dynamics and conformational alterations of SARS-CoV-2 main protease upon ligand binding. Along the way, I developed a solid foundation in Elastic Network Models. 

Moving forward, I’m excited to integrate computational strategies into my future research.

Throughout my research experiences and pharmacy education, my interests gradually shifted toward immunology. I’ve always been fascinated by the transformative potential of cellular immunotherapies. To gain hands-on experience in the field, I joined the Immune Recognition Group at the Medical University of Vienna. 

My project focused on understanding the sensitivity and binding kinetics of multi-pronged T-cell receptors toward their respective tumor-associated antigens using high-resolution single-cell microscopy. These uniquely multi-pronged T-cell receptors were identified in 2023 from a patient who fully recovered from late-stage melanoma following successful TIL therapy.

During this time, I had the opportunity to conduct a wide range of advanced experiments, including CRISPR/Cas9-based orthotopic TCR replacement, tetramer staining and tetramer-based cell sorting, biophysical assays such as differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) and fluorescence anisotropy, T cell and mammalian cell culture, PBMC isolation, and high-resolution microscopy. 

This experience not only sharpened my technical skills but also deepened my passion for immunotherapies and the molecular mechanisms behind immune–cancer cell interactions. It marked a turning point in my academic path—clarifying and solidifying my long-term research goals.