Education Uskudar University
M.Sc. September 2019-June
2022 Istanbul
Turkey Cumulative GPA:3.78 High Honor Student Master Science in Neuroscience Department of Neuroscience Sciences Thesis: Investigation of TopoII ß Gene Expression in LPS-Induced HMC3 Microglia Cell Line Pamukkale University
B.Sc. September2015-June 2019 Denizli
Turkey Cumulative GPA: 3.0 Honour Student Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Universitat de Barcelona September2018- June 2019 Barcelona
Spain International Student ERASMUS Study Abroad Program Skills & Qualifications • Ability to work independently and efficiently. • Strong organizational and task prioritization skills. • Excellent communication skills and proficiency in performing administrative and clerical tasks. • Proficient in general laboratory procedures
techniques
and documentation. • Willingness to learn and adapt to new techniques and technologies. • Fluent in English
Spanish
French
and Catalan. • Proficient in statistical analysis and software such as SPSS
MATLAB
and Python. • Proficient in using various software programs
including Microsoft Office Suite (Word
Excel
PowerPoint). • Advanced knowledge and experience in 3D cell culture techniques. • Skilled in protein isolation
Western Blot
PCR
rt-qPCR
toxicity testing
IHC
Northern Blot
and ELISA. • Proficient in anatomical dissection studies for medical and veterinary purposes. • Experienced in static analysis of behavioral data and microarray data. • Familiarity with electrophysiology
imaging
protein purification
and optical and electron microscopy techniques. • Advanced level proficiency in conducting animal experiments
behavioral experiments
anatomical dissection
and molecular analysis. Stem Cells We derive motor neurons from stem cells to study activity patterns in culture conditions (for example
when cultured with different types of cells)
as well as to use for transplantation experiments to reinnervate muscle fibres. Spino-muscular circuits The spinal cord contains motor neurons - the nerve cells that connect with muscles controlling their contraction. We study how the nervous system ensures that the electrical signals in these motor neurons are controlled in order to produce the required amount of muscle contraction. In addition
motor neurons die in motoneuron diseases (MNDs) such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We study impairments in motor neuron circuits in models of MNDs Spinal cord circuits We focus on two core organisational circuits in the spinal cord: those producing locomotor activity
and those important for regulating hand grasp. We are particularly interested in how these circuits discriminate unexpected sensory input from the sensory input that the movement is expected to produce. Circuitopathies Many neurological diseases lead to impairment of movement. We use a number of models in the lab to study the circuits involved in this movement dysregulation. For example
one circuitopathy that we are studying leads to dystonia.Brain stem - spinal cord circuits The ponto-medullary reticular formation is home to reticulospinal neurons. We have focussed on a region called the gigantocellular reticular nucleus (GRN) to identify how circuits in this region are wired and how activity of identified GRN neurons is related to locomotion.Research Projects Our work in the lab focuses on brain stem
spinal cord
and spino-muscular circuits. We use a number of approaches spanning ion channel physiology to behavioural assays to define these circuits. Return to homepage Our goal In many neurological diseases
quality of life is impaired due to disruptions to normal movement. We investigate how normal movement is produced by neural circuits
and how disruption to these circuits in disease impairs movement. Our goal is to lay foundations for new strategies aimed at improving movement in people with neurological diseases. Neural Circuits for Movement To understand circuits
we loosely think of forebrain circuits as those responsible for movement selection. These circuits inform brain stem circuits which produce the “commands” needed to accomplish the movement. Brain stem circuits in turn project to spinal cord organisation circuits: the spinal cord determines the sequence and timing of muscle contraction needed for the movement at hand. And finally
spino-muscular circuits between the spinal cord and muscles ensure that the amount of muscle contraction is appropriate for the task. The communications between the circuits is bi-directional: spino-muscular circuits inform spinal cord circuits which inform the brain stem
and the brain stem informs the forebrain. In addition
the cerebellum processes information from these motor circuits and then modifies them - for example
to assist with smooth movements. Not all of these circuits are necessary for all movements: there are instances
for example
where the forebrain informs spinal cord circuits directly. The Neural Circuits for Movement Laboratory While treatments of neurological diseases have progressed remarkably well in the relative absence of detailed knowledge of either the mechanisms of diseases or the mechanisms of action of treatments
knowledge of both of these inter-dependent mechanisms will lead to new treatments with improved safety and the effectiveness. We aim to understand how the brain and spinal cord work together to ensure that the intended movement accomplishes the task at hand. Furthermore
we study how these motor circuits are affected by neurological conditions
with the aim of developing strategies so that the function of these circuits can be restored so as to improve quality of life. We combine electrophysiological and imaging techniques with mouse genetics to understand motor circuits
with a goal of developing new strategies to improve movement in neurological disease or following injury