Selay Kaya

EDUCATION

College / University

Middle East Technical University

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Molecular Biology and Genetics

Country

Turkey

Lab Experience

SDS-PAGE, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, qPCR, Site-Directed Mutagenesis, Western Blotting, Nucleic Acid Isolation (plasmid/chromosomal DNA, total RNA, mRNA), cDNA Synthesis, His/SUMO-tag Protein Purification, Chromatography (affinity, gel filtration, paper, thin layer), Bacterial/Yeast Culture Preparation, Homogenization and Differential Centrifugation, Bacterial Transformation, LiAc Yeast Transformation, Gene Knockout in Yeast, Assays for quantitative protein concentration ( Biuret, Lowry, Bradford), Fluorescence Microscopy, Spectrophotometry, Co-IP.

Projects / Research

02/2018 – 06/2018: "Identification of transcription factors that interact with Arid4b protein in embryonic stem cells", Nihal Terzi Çizmecioğlu, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, METU.
06/2017 – 09/2017: "Protein Homeostasis and Stress Response in Model Organism Bacillus subtilis", Group of K. Turgay, Institut für Mikrobiologie, Leibniz Universität Hannover

Scholarships / Awards

2018 – 2019:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2017:	Erasmus+ Traineeship Grant
2013 – 2018:	Higher Education Scholarship by The Republic of Turkey General Directorate of Higher Education Credit and Hostels Institution

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

Molecular basis of biological activity lies in the interactions between intracellular and intercellular macromolecules. As the field of epigenetic has emerged relatively recently, it has been proven that starting from the gene expression these interactions are highly dynamic and gentle. Therefore, it is a complex, yet substantial, task to fully comprehend how cells respond to signals, what downstream events occur and how those responses are regulated. In this aspect, these interactions are also the starting point of translational research, which I consider as the most important step in development of applications to human diseases. Even the idea that I can contribute deeper understanding of the field in any way fascinates me.