I began my journey in the field of chemistry with a BSc degree, completed in 2010, which laid the groundwork for my research and academic pursuits. My passion for understanding and managing chemical interactions at the molecular level drove me to pursue a PhD in 2018, a period during which I immersed myself in the synthesis and characterization of surface-active water-soluble and zwitterionic block copolymers. Using advanced polymerization techniques, such as Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) and Group Transfer Polymerization (GTP), I explored the potential of these polymers to stabilize various nanoparticles, including gold (Au), silver (Ag), and platinum (Pt) in both monometallic and bimetallic forms.

Throughout my PhD, I became interested in the dynamic field of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, specifically investigating pH, temperature, and ionic strength-sensitive nanogels. I employed these nanostructures as nanocapsules for Au nanoparticles, ultimately studying their antibacterial and catalytic properties. Another pivotal area of my research involved synthesising and characterising PEGylated liposomes and nanogel composites coated with magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. These composites were explored as platforms for targeted cancer drug delivery, specifically for 5-fluorouracil, to improve therapeutic delivery to breast cancer cells in both in vitro and in vivo models. My contributions in this field were acknowledged through a prestigious award from the TUBITAK under the Scholarship Program in Priority Fields in Science Technology in Turkey.

In a defining moment during my PhD, I was honoured to receive a TUBITAK scholarship to collaborate as a visiting researcher under the mentorship of Prof. Vladimir Torchilin at Northeastern University, Boston. This opportunity allowed me to expand my knowledge, particularly in the realm of targeted cancer therapy, where I investigated the application of transferrin ligand modification to guide microgel and liposome systems toward MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

After completing my PhD, I accepted a lecturer position at Near East University’s Faculty of Pharmacy, where I served from 2018 to 2021. I took on the Head of Basic Science role, during which time I gained invaluable teaching and leadership experience. I also had the privilege of guiding fifth-year students through their graduation projects and supervising a master’s thesis, in addition to serving as an academic advisor for bachelor’s students.

In 2021, I was again fortunate to receive support from TUBITAK, this time for a one-year project at The University of Sheffield under Prof. Steven Armes’s guidance. During this period, I worked on synthesizing and evaluating block copolymer worm cells via PISA formulation using RAFT polymerization. I focused on creating a stable environment to store human mesenchymal stem cells at 37°C.

My recent research has focused on innovative treatments for diffuse midline glioma, mainly through applying molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). These synthetic antibodies were engineered to target specific extracellular receptors on glioma cells, potentially paving the way for targeted and highly specific cancer therapies. I continue to hold teaching and research associate positions at Near East University and the University of Sheffield, respectively, where my primary research area remains in the field of molecularly imprinted polymers. Beyond the laboratory, I am deeply engaged in reading and writing about the history of science, a pursuit that enriches my perspective on today’s scientific discoveries and advancements.

Through these experiences, I have continuously expanded my expertise in polymer science, nanotechnology, and targeted drug delivery while fostering an appreciation for the history and future of science.

I taught the following courses:
1. General Chemistry: for first-year undergraduate students.
2. Nanoscience and Biotechnological Applications: for third and fourth-year students
3. Polymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Characterizations: for third and fourth-year students
4. Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory: Guided third-year students through practical laboratory exercises that connect theoretical principles to real-world pharmaceutical applications.
5. Laboratory Safety: for second-year students through the key aspects of laboratory safety, fostering a culture of responsibility and awareness in scientific experimentation.
6. Reading Scientific Literature: for second and third year students develop essential skills for evaluating research articles and formulating research questions.
7. Graduation Project: for fifth-year Mpharmacy students on their graduation projects, guiding them through experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Main duties;
• I have led the development, design, and delivery of STEM subjects-focused courses for undergraduate and postgraduate
students, aiming to enhance their skills for careers in academia and industry.
• Supervised Mchem and Mpharmacy students during their graduation projects.
• Since 2018, I have been an academic advisor to up to 150 students on their educational progression.
• I have served as the head of the Graduation Project Committee, where we assist students in identifying suitable research
areas, coordinate poster presentation days, manage the graduation submission process, and ensure alignment with
faculty requirements.
• I organized workshops for thesis writing guidance and poster presentation sessions.