Research Assistant at Gebze Technical University, Turkey
Ayşe Yazıcı is a dedicated Research Assistant at the Gebze Technical University in Türkiye, with a profound focus on molecular biology, genetics, and neurodegenerative diseases. Since embarking on her research career, she has contributed significantly to the understanding of autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and neuro-inflammation in the hypothalamus, particularly in relation to obesity etiology. Her work combines technical expertise in molecular biology with a deep curiosity about how cellular processes interact to influence disease progression. Yazıcı has developed a solid academic foundation and a growing professional reputation, balancing both teaching responsibilities and active research in cutting-edge scientific fields.
Profile
ORCID
Education
Yazıcı’s academic journey began at Gebze Technical University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics in 2017, graduating as the valedictorian with a GPA of 3.76. She continued her studies at the same institution, completing a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics in 2021, with a GPA of 3.80. Her thesis work focused on investigating the role of Salt-Inducible Kinase 2 (SIK2) in hypothalamic neurons. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD at Gebze Technical University, with a research emphasis on metabolic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases, specifically exploring molecular pathways related to obesity.
Experience
Yazıcı has been employed as a Research Assistant at Gebze Technical University since 2017. In this role, she teaches undergraduate courses in cell biology and genetics while conducting her research on neuroinflammatory processes and ER stress. From 2018 to 2021, she worked as a researcher on a TUBITAK-supported 1001 Project, investigating molecular mechanisms within the hypothalamus. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she has collaborated with the Metabolic, Inflammatory, and Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND) Lab at Gebze Technical University. Her professional background also includes internships, such as a three-month stint with the Advanced Genome and Bioinformatics Research Group at TÜBİTAK-BILGEM, where she worked on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and biosensors.
Research Interest
Yazıcı’s research centers on the intersections of molecular biology, neuroscience, and endocrinology. She is particularly interested in the role of autophagy, ER stress, and neuroinflammation in the hypothalamus in the context of obesity. Her focus is on identifying novel molecular targets that contribute to the etiology of metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Through her work, Yazıcı aims to unravel how disturbances in cellular processes such as autophagy and protein homeostasis influence metabolic regulation and contribute to disease states. Additionally, she has a strong interest in utilizing advanced molecular techniques, including real-time PCR, co-immunoprecipitation, and confocal imaging, to further her understanding of these processes.
Awards
Yazıcı’s academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious scholarships and awards. During her undergraduate studies, she was a recipient of the TEV Outstanding Achievement Scholarship from 2016 to 2018. This scholarship supported her through her Bachelor’s program and recognized her outstanding academic achievements. Additionally, she has been an integral part of numerous research grants, including her participation in the TUBITAK 1001 project, where she made significant contributions to understanding metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.
Publications
Ayşe Yazıcı has co-authored several peer-reviewed articles in well-regarded scientific journals. Her most recent publication, “SIK2 Controls the Homeostatic Character of the POMC Secretome Acutely in Response to Pharmacological ER Stress Induction” was published in Cells in 2024. This work explores the dynamic role of SIK2 in hypothalamic neurons under ER stress. Read the full article here.
Her Master’s thesis, completed in 2021, titled “Investigating the Role of SIK2 in Hypothalamic POMC-like Neurons”, reflects her extensive research on neuronal signaling pathways involved in obesity.
Conclusion:
Ayşe Yazıcı’s research journey thus far positions her as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to understanding critical processes such as ER stress and neuro-inflammation in obesity are both timely and impact. Yazıcı’s mastery of advanced molecular techniques, paired with her robust project management experience, make her a formidable researcher in the field of molecular biology. By continuing to expand her publication record and engaging with interdisciplinary research, she is well-positioned to make even more significant contributions to the medical sciences in the future.