Burcu Kasapoglu

EDUCATION

College / University

Middle East Technical University

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics
Minor Program in Psychology

Major Subjects

Molecular and cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, neurochemistry, sensory physiology, experimental psychology, cognitive processes, physiological psychology

Country

Turkey

Lab Experience

Protein isolation, purification, characterisation techniques, Mendelian molecular genetics, cell biology, stereotaxic surgery procedures, mammalian and bacterial cell culture, spectrophotometric analysis, fluorescence microscopy-based visualization, preparation of polymer films.

Projects / Research

Responsive tissue engineering carriers, poly (NIPAM) as a thermoresponsive cell carrier. Middle East Technical University
Molecular analysis in neurodegenerative diseases, like SCA and ALS. Summer practice, Bogazici University
Cloning of the thermostable DNA polymerase gene from a thermophilic bacterium found in a hot spring water in Turkey. Summer research, Bilkent University

Scholarships / Awards

2005 – 2006:

Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

I am curious about ways to find a treatment for both psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. The question how a chemical abnormality or an impairment in a common mechanism can affect someone's emotional life or selectively damage one type of cells waits its answer. I wish to study the de/regeneration and regrowth processes of the nerve cells and the action of the signal transduction mechanisms in these processes. Additionally, I wish to deal with the stem cells in order to construct models to be able to implant nerve tissues to replace the damaged tissue.