Yağmur Ece Kanık

EDUCATION

College / University

Bilkent University

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Molecular Biology and Genetics, Psychology

Turkey

Lab Experience

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, Cell Culture, Western Blot, Co-Immunoprecipitation, qPCR, DNA & RNA Isolation, Molecular Cloning, Transfection and Transformation, Genetic Crosses with Drosophila melanogaster, CRISPR, Brain dissection in Drosophila melanogaster, Immunostaining, Confocal Microscopy, Flow Cytometry, Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (tRNS), Electroencephalogram (EEG), Basic programming in Python

Projects / Research

2024-2025: Undergraduate Researcher at Bilkent University - Senior Project: "Astrocytic Processes and Mitochondrial Dynamics in Relation to Migraines" - Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Turgay Dalkara
2024: Summer Research Intern at Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, University of Münster - Investigated the function of axotactin in glial cells of Drosophila melanogaster - Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Christian Klämbt
2023: Undergraduate Research Assistant at National Magnetic Resonance Research Center- Assisted in cognitive neuroscience research on visual perception - Cortical Dynamics and Perception Lab, Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Hulusi Kafalıgönül
2022: Summer Intern at Cancer Institute, Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Medical School - Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Güneş Esendağlı

Scholarships / Awards

2025 – 2026:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2024:	Erasmus+ Grant for summer internship at Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, University of Münster
2024:	Erasmus+ Grant for exchange semester at Maastricht University

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

My true passion lies in molecular and cellular neurobiology, driven by the complexity of the brain and its essential role in our cognitive abilities as well as in defining who we really are. I am especially fascinated by how intricate mechanisms create and control brain function, and by what happens when these systems collapse, leading to neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. My goal is to build a career in neurosciences, focusing on understanding these processes at the cellular level and contributing to the development of potential treatments. I have always believed that understanding the brain not only helps in treating disorders but also brings us closer to understanding the essence of who we truly are. This belief continues to fuel my curiosity and shape the path of my academic journey.