People

Team

The researchers and students behind the work.

Principal Investigator

Asst. Prof. Onur Çizmecioğlu
Principal Investigator

Asst. Prof. Onur Çizmecioğlu

Dr. Çizmecioğlu has carried out research at institutions including Heidelberg University, the German Cancer Research Center and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

His interests include military history, chess and philosophy.

Post-Doctoral Researchers

Dr. Özlem Aybüke Işık Bozbay
Post-Doctoral Researcher

Dr. Özlem Aybüke Işık Bozbay

Investigating PI3K signalling and phosphorylation-dependent regulation of PI3K targets in breast cancer, and how signalling dynamics influence tumour behaviour.

Likes culturing mini-biologists, including herself.

PhD Students

Melike Ergüven
PhD Student

Melike Ergüven

Characterisation of novel biotin-conjugated anticancer agents and mapping of the context-dependent PI3K interactome.

Enjoys LEGO building and embroidery.

Mehmet Burak Taşkaya
PhD Candidate

Mehmet Burak Taşkaya

Localisation, interactions and stability of the ciliary protein TBC1D31. Molecular mechanisms of PI3K signalling in cancer, combining wet-lab experiments with bioinformatics.

Polyglot-in-progress with a curiosity for languages and the arts, and a passion for archery and cycling.

Melda Özge Oğuz
PhD Student

Melda Özge Oğuz

Bypass mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance in advanced-stage ER+ breast cancer.

Enjoys long walks in nature.

Özün Özcan
PhD Student

Özün Özcan

Exploring the role of PI3K signalling in breast cancer, with a focus on how molecular interactions and pathway regulation influence cancer cell growth, survival, and adaptation.

Loves organizing absolutely everything, both inside and outside the lab.

MSc Students

Mehmet Gürçay
MSc Student

Mehmet Gürçay

Characterisation and targeting of downregulated pathways to overcome therapy resistance in breast cancer cell lines.

Interested in strength sports and training.

Aleyna Nur Akatay
MSc Student

Aleyna Nur Akatay

Co-targeting and characterisation of proliferative signalling pathways in invasive cancer cell lines.

Enjoys reading books and playing tennis.

Duygu Deniz Karnak
MSc Student

Duygu Deniz Karnak

Co-targeting and characterisation of proliferative signalling pathways in invasive cancer cell lines.

Interested in hand-crafts and performative arts.

Selin Sevin
MSc Student

Selin Sevin

Bypass mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance in advanced-stage ER+ breast cancer.

Interested in dance, and known in the lab for always wearing protective goggles.

Elif Büşra Karaziyan
MSc Student

Elif Büşra Karaziyan

Ferroptotic potential of advanced-stage ER+ breast cancer cell lines.

Loves every craft involving yarn and reading.

Alumni

NamePosition and graduationCurrent destination
  • Şevval Yılmaz ÜrgenMSc Student (2025)PhD Student at DKFZ
  • Esra Selin EmirmustafaoğluMSc Student (2024)PhD Student at METU
  • Beril DaloğluMSc Student (2023)Doctoral Researcher at Max Planck Institute
  • Yağmur Öykü Carus ŞahinMSc Student (2023)PhD Student at DKFZ
  • Mahnoor SulaimanMSc Student (2023)PhD Researcher at Erasmus MC
  • Irmak KaysuduMSc Student (2023)PhD Student at EPFL
  • Taha Buğra GüngülMSc Student (2022)PhD Candidate at University of Virginia
  • Hazal Beril Çatalak YılmazMSc Student (2020)PhD Candidate at METU
  • Melike DemirMSc Student (2020)PhD Researcher at HZDR
  • Sena AtıcıMSc Student (2020)PhD Student at University of Würzburg