Molecular Biology (MSc/PhD)

Esat Beray Özerdem

EDUCATION

College / University

Middle East Technical University

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Epigenetics, Single-molecule Biophysics
Özerdem_1

Country

Turkey

Lab Experience

Mammalian and Bacterial Cell Culture, ChIP, Co-IP, Protein Expression and Purification, Plasmid Isolation, Cloning, SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, DNA/RNA Isolation, PCR/qRT-PCR, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, RNA-seq Analysis and Variant Analysis (via Galaxy), Protein Structure Analysis (via PyMOL and ChimeraX), Molecular Docking (via Maestro and AutoDock Vina)

Projects / Research

  • 2023 – 2024: Elucidating the roles of SET-domain protein methyltransferases in mESC differentiation (Special Project Student, EpiStem Lab, Middle East Technical University)
  • 2023: Repurposing proximity labeling enzymes for in vitro single-molecule protein fingerprinting (Erasmus+ Summer Intern, Joo Lab, Delft University of Technology)
  • 2023: Finding drug candidates against KRAS G12D mutation through virtual screening and molecular docking (Research Intern, Acar Lab, Middle East Technical University)
  • 2022: Preclinical testing of the derivatives of drug molecule CLK8 for circadian rhythm disorders (Summer Internship Program, Kavaklı Lab, Koç University)

Scholarships / Awards

2024 – 2025: Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2024: Graduated as the top-ranked student in the Molecular Biology and Genetics Program at Middle East Technical University
2023: Recipient of the Erasmus+ Grant for the Summer Internship at the Delft University of Technology
2020 – 2024: Recipient of the 2205 Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

I am particularly fascinated by the determination and characterization of protein structures, captivated by their complex yet visually elegant shapes. Additionally, I am intrigued by post-translational modifications, especially those found in histones, as new modifications are continually being discovered with their roles still largely open to exploration. I am also eager to delve into genomic architecture and its compact packaging. My goal is to deepen my expertise in these areas while remaining attentive to the broader, captivating world of biology.