Hikmet Geckil
Professor of Molecular Genetics
Department of Biology, Inonu University
Page 17 44280 Malatya, Turkey
T: [+90]422-***-****/3749 F: [+90]422-***-**** E-mail: abpkgg@r.postjobfree.com URL: www.inonu.edu.tr/hgeckil
EDUCATION
DEGREE/INSTITUTION SCHOLARSHIP
BS (1980-1984): Department of Biology
Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
The Scientific and
Technical Research
Council of Turkey
MS (1986-1988): Molecular Biology
(TUBITAK)
Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
The Turkish Ministry
of Education
Intensive Language (English) Education (1988-1989, 5 months)
Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
The Turkish Ministry
of Education
Intensive Language (English) Education (1989-1990, 7 months)
American Language Academy, Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio
The Turkish Ministry
of Education
Ph.D. (1991-1995, 1 year): Molecular Biology-Biotechnology
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois
The Council for
Higher Education of
Postdoc (1999-2000, 6 months)
Israel
Postdoctoral Fellow of CHE Israel, Department of Life Sciences
Ben Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
FULBRIGHT
(US Department of
State)
Fulbright Fellow (2009-2010)
Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard University, Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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TEACHING and RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
1985-1988: Research Assistant at Inonu University, Biology Department, Malatya, Turkey
1992-1993: Instructor for Women in Science and Engineering" summer program at Illinois Institute of
Technology
1992-1994: Teaching Assistant, Methods in Microbial Genetics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory (BIOL
523), at Illinois Institute of Technology (practical aspects of recombinant DNA technology;
growth, handling and maintenance of cultures; quantitative techniques; use of mutagens;
isolation and genetic analysis of mutants in yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae; cloning,
transformation of Escherichia coli and restriction mapping of DNA; use of Southern blotting
and amplification of DNA using PCR technology).
1993-1995: Teaching Assistant, Biochemistry Laboratory (BIOL 519) at Illinois Institute of Technology
(analytical methods for macromolecules, enzyme reactions, spectrophotometry, purifica tion
of proteins, centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, pH and ion specific electrode,
radioisotope tracer methodology).
1994-1995: Teaching Assistant, Cell Biology (BIOL 414) at Illinois Institute of Technology.
1996-1999: Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
1999-2000: Postdoctoral Fellow of the Council for Higher Education of Israel at Ben Gurion University
(Israel).
20019-2010: Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Associate at Har vard-MIT Health Sciences and
Technology and Harvard University Medical School
Presently: Associate Professor of Molecular Genetics, Department of Biology, Inonu University.
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EDITORSHIP
Editor (since 2006)
Biotechnology Journal
(Wiley-VCH Publications, Weinheim, Germany)
Technical Editor (2004-2006)
American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Associate Editor (since 2006)
American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Science Publications, New York, US
Member of Editorial Board (since 2008)
Journal of Applied Biological Sciences
Nobel Publishing and Nobel Science Research Center
Ankara, Turkey
Member of Editorial Board (since 2008)
FIRAT N VERS TES Fen Bilimleri Dergisi
The Institute of Science
Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
Member of Editorial Board (since 2008)
Turkish Journal of Science and Technology
The Institute of Science
Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
Member of Editorial Board (since 2007)
Journal of Medical Sciences
T rkiye Klinikleri T p Bilimleri DergisiAnkara, Turkey
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PUBLICATIONS
1. Geckil H, Stark BC, and Webster DA.
Cell growth and oxygen uptake of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are differently
affected by the genetically engineered Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene.
Journal of Biotechnology, (2001); 85(1): 57-66.
2. Munzuroglu O and Geckil H.
Effects of metals on seed germination, root elongation, coleoptile and hypocotyl growth in Triticum
aestivum and Cucumis sativus.
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, (2002);43(2): 203-213.
3. Munzuroglu O, Karatas F, and Geckil H.
The vitamin and selenium contents of apricot fruit of different varieties cultivated in different
geographical regions.
Food Chemistry,(2003);83 (2): 205-212.
4. Geckil H, Gencer S, Kahraman H, and Erenler SO.
Genetic engineering of Enterobacter aerogenes with Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene: cell growth,
survival, and antioxidant enzyme status under oxidative stress.
Research in Microbiology,(2003);154 (6): 425-431.
5. Munzuroglu O, Obek E, and Geckil H.
Effects of simulated acid rain on the pollen germination and pollen tube growth of apple (Malus
sylvestris Miller cv. Golden).
Acta Biologica Hungarica,(2003);54 (1): 95-103.
6. Yurekli F, Geckil H, and Topcuoglu F.
The synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid by the industrially important white-rot fungus Lentinus sajor-
caju under different culture conditions.
Mycological Research,(2003);107 (3): 305-309.
7. Geckil H, Arman A, Gencer G, Ates B, and Yilmaz HR.
Vitreoscilla hemoglobin renders Enterobacter aerogenes highly susceptible to heavy metals.
Biometals,(2004); 17 (6): 715-723.
8. Geckil H, Barak Z, Chipman DM, Erenler SO, Webster DA, and Stark BC.
Enhanced production of acetoin and butanediol in recombinant Enterobacter aerogenes carrying
Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene.
Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering,(2004); 26 (5): 325-330.
9. Geckil H and Gencer S.
Production of L-asparaginase in Enterobacter aerogenes expressing Vitreoscilla hemoglobin for
efficient oxygen uptake.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology,(2004);63(6):691-697.
10. Geckil H, Gencer S, and Uckun M.
Vitreoscilla hemoglobin expressing Enterobacter aerogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respond
differently to carbon catabolite and oxygen repression for production of L -asparaginase, an enzyme
used in cancer therapy.
Enzyme and Microbial Technology,(2004);35 (2-3): 182-189.
11. Ates B, Yilmaz I, Geckil H, Iraz M, Birincioglu M, and Fiskin K.
Protective role of melatonin given either before ischemia or prior to reperfusion on intestinal
ischemia-reperfusion damage.
Journal of Pineal Research,(2004);37: 149-152.
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12. Erenler SO, Gencer S, Geckil H, Stark BC, and Webster DA.
Cloning and expression of the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene in Enterobacter aerogenes: effect on cell
growth an oxygen uptake.
Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology,(2004);40(3):241-248.
13. Geckil H, Ates B, Gencer S, Uckun M, and Yilmaz I.
Membrane permeabilization of Gram-negative bacteria with a potassium phosphate/hexane aqueous
phase system for the release of L-asparaginase: an enzyme used in cancer therapy.
Process Biochemistry,(2005); 40 (2): 573-579.
14. Geckil H, Ates B, Durmaz G, Erdogan S, and Yilmaz I.
Antioxidant, free radical scavenging and metal chelating characteristics of propolis.
American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, (2005); 1(1): 27-31.
15. Kahraman H and Geckil H.
Degradation of benzene, toluene and xylene by Pseudomonas aeruginosa engineered with the
Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene.
Engineering in Life Sciences,(2005); 5(4): 363-368.
16. Aydin S, Ozercan HI, Aydin S, Ozkan Y, Dagli F, Oguzoncul F, and Geckil H.
Biological rhythm of saliva ghrelin in humans.
Biological Rhythm Research,(2006); 37(2): 169-177.
17. Aydin S, Geckil H, Zengin F, Ozercan HI, Karatas F, Aydin S, Balik DT, Ozkan Y, Dagli F, and Celik V.
Ghrelin in plants: What is the function of an appetite hormone in plants?
Peptides,(2006); 27(7): 1597-1602.
18. Geckil H, Gencer S, Ates B, Ozer U, Uckun M, and Yilmaz I.
Effect of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin on production of a chemotherapeutic enzyme, L -asparaginase, by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Biotechnology Journal,(2006); 1(2): 203-208.
19. Aydin S, Geckil H, Karatas F, Donder E, Kumru S, Kavak EC, Colak R, Ozkan Y, and Sahin I.
Milk and blood ghrelin level in diabetics.
Nutrition,(2007); 23(11-12): 807-811.
20. Aydin S, Geckil H, Karaoglu A, and Elkiran EM.
Ghrelin: A novel peptide with therapeutic effect in certain cancers?
Medical Hypotheses,(2007); 69(5): 1157-1158.
21. Aydin S, Ozercan IH, Geckil H, Dagli F, Aydin S, Kumru S, Kili N, Sahin I, and Ozercan MR.
Ghrelin is present in teeth.
Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2007); 40(2): 368-372.
22. Aydin S, Karatas F, and Geckil H.
Simultaneous Quantification of Acylated and Desacylated Ghrelin in Biological Fluids.
Biomedical Chromatography, 2008; 22(12): 1354-1359.
23. Aydin S, Geckil H, Kilic N, Erman F, Kilic SS, and Yesilada O.
Is Ghrelin a Natural Anti-Microbial Agent?
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, 2008; 38(2): 187-187.
24. Kurt AG, Aytan E, Ozer U, Ates B, and Geckil H
Production of L-DOPA and dopamine in bacteria bearing Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene.
Biotechnology Journal, 2009; 4(7): 1077-1088.
25. Geckil H, Xu F, Xiaohui Z, Moon S-J, and Demirci U.
Engineering hydrogels as extracellular matrix mimics.
Nanomedicine, 2010; 5(3): 469-484.
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26. Gurkan UA, Moon S, Geckil H, Xu F, Wang S, Lu TJ, and Demirci U.
Miniaturized lensless imaging systems for cell and microorganism visualization in point-of-care testing.
Biotechnology Journal, 2011; 6(2): 138-149.
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
1. Ates B, Gencer S, Erenler SO, Uckun M, Ozer U, Yilmaz I, and Geckil.
Production of L-asparaginase, a chemotherapeutic enzyme, in bacteria expressing Vitreoscilla
haemoglobin.
FEBS Journal,(2006); 273: 139-139.
2. Kahraman H, Gencer S, and Geckil H.
Effect of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin on L-lysine alpha-oxidase, a chemotherapeutic enzyme, from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
FEBS Journal,(2006); 273: 139-140.
3. Icen I, Celik V, Pelle R, Aytan E, Munzuroglu O, and Geckil H.
Isolation, cloning and sequence analysis of gene encoding the lactate dehydrogenase e nzyme
from Theileria parva.
FEBS JOURNAL, 2011, 278, 329.
4. Celik V, Icen I, Pelle R, Kurt AG, Munzuroglu O, and Geckil H.
A new candidate for antitheilerial target: isolation, cloning and sequence analysis of gene
encoding the enolase enzyme from Theileria parva.
FEBS JOURNAL, 2011, 278, 329.
5. Erenler S and Geckil H.
Cloning, isolation and expression of l-asparaginase gene (ansB) in different gram-negative
bacteria expressing Vitreoscilla hemoglobin
Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 2011, 22, 118.
6. Celik V, Icen I, Pele P, Munzuroglu O, and Geckil H.
Expression of gene encoding Theileria parva enolase in Escherichia coli JM103 strain
Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 2011, 22, 89-90.
ARTICLES IN TURKISH JOURNALS
A-01: Aydin S, Geckil H, Caylak E, and Kilic N (2004). Mikroorganizmalarin kanser tedavisinde kullanimi.
Firat Medical Journal, 9(2): 30-34.
A-02: Kahraman H and Geckil H (2005). Benzoik Asitin Vitreoscilla hemoglobin geni aktar lm
Pseudomonas aeruginosa taraf ndany k m . Fen ve Muhendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, Firat Universitesi, 17(2);
342-348.
A-03: Geckil H (2005). ki Emekli Bilim Adaminin Hikayesi: Genetige Karsi Biyokimya. Universite ve
Toplum (University and Society),5(3): 1-2.
A-04: Geckil H (2006). Molekuler Yasam Bilimlerinde Ph.D. Derecesi Icin Standartlar" (translated from
"Standards for the Ph.D. Degree In the Molecular Biosciences ", by the International Union of Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology, UBMB). This copyright free study has been published or public ized in:
Inonu Universitesi Tip Fakultesi Dergisi (Journal of Inonu University Medical Faculty), 13(3): 203-219
Inonu University, Faculty of Art and Sciences
Turkish Academy of Sciences
Turkish Biochemical Society
International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, IUBMB
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OTHER ARTICLES (Articles translated from Science in School, The EU Sci. Journal for High School Students)
Geckil H. Genomlarla E lence: Miko i ner DNA Bulmacas . Science in School, 2007: 1(5); 28-31.
Geckil H. G zler Ufukta, ayaklar yerde: Tim Hunt'la s yle i. Science in School, 2007: 1(6); 9-13.
Geckil H. Romal lara ait yollar, tren istasyonlar ve kontrol rler: RNA ara t rmalar nda son bulu lar.
Science in School, 2007: 1(6);20-24.
Geckil H. Uygunsuz Ger ek. Science in School, 2008: 1 (9); 75
Aytan E and Geckil H. Folik asit: okul rencileri neden bu konuyu bilmeli. Science in School, 2009:
Issue 13, 59-64.
Kurt AG and Geckil H. Proteini kristallere b y tme. Science in School, 2009: Issue 11, 30-36.
T rko lu Z and Geckil H. Okulda nanoteknoloji. Science in School, 2008: 10; 70-75. A translation of the
original article "Nanotechnology in school"
TECHNICAL REPORTS
Geckil H, Gencer S, Ates B, and Uckun M.
Permeabilization of gram-negative bacteria with KPi/hexane for the release of L-asparaginase,
ProtocolOnline: Molecular Biology-Recombinant Proteins.
BOOKS CITING OUR WORKS
Melatonin: Present and Future
Pedro Montilla L pez, Pedro Montilla, Isaac T nez.2006, 371 pp, ISBN 1-60021-374-XNova Publishers
Functional Food Ingredients and Nutraceuticals: Processing and Technologies
John Shi, Jerry W. King. 2006, 427 pp, ISBN 084*******, Taylor & Francis
Environmental Microbiology: Methods and Protocols
John F. T. Spencer, Alicia L. Ragout de Spencer. 2004, 448 pp, ISBN 978-1-58829-116-5, Springer
Dictionary of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods
Neason Akivah, Michael Eskin, Tamir Snait, Snait Tamir. 2006, 507 pp,ISBN 084*******, CRC Press
Aging and Age-related Diseases
Michal Karasek, 2006, 537 pp, Nova Science Publishers
Globins and other nitric oxide-reactive proteins
Robert K. Poole (Academic Press, 2008)
Biosystems: Webster's Facts and Phrases
Editor: Philip M. Parker, Icon Group International, Inc. 2008
Mycorrhiza: State of the Art, Genetics and Molecula r Biology, Eco-Function
Editor: Ajit Varma, Springer-Verlag, 2008
The Know-How of Face Transplantation (Editor: Maria Z. Siemionow, Springer, 2011)
Fruit and Cereal Bioactives: Sources, Chemistry, and Applications (Ozlem Tokusoglu and Clifford
Hall III, CRC Press, 2011)
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BOOKS and BOOK CHAPTERS
B YOK MYA
Hikmet Geckil
(~500 pages yearly updated lecture notes given only to students enrolled for the
BIOL 301/BIOL 302, Biochemistry, in our Department). Now only in Turkish,
these bound notes can be purchased C.O.D . (Price: 20 YTL).
BROCK M KROORGAN ZMALARIN B YOLOJ S
Translation Editor: Cumhur Cokmus
2010, Palme Yay nc l k, Ankara, ISBN: 978-***-****-62-9, 992 + L sayfa
Chapters translated:
o Chapter 9- Essentials of Virology
o Chapter 11- Eukaryotic Cell Biology and Eukaryotic Microorganisms
(Original book: Brock s Biology of Microorganisms, by Madigan, Martinkoand
Parker, 11th Edition (2002), Prentice-Hall, Inc.)
B YOK MYA
Translation Editors: Hikmet Geckil, Yusuf Tutar and Prof. Mehmet Karatas
2010, Nobel Publishing, Ankara, ISBN: 978-605-395-288-6, XVI + 438 sayfa
Chapter translated:
Chapter K: Lipid Metabolism
o
(Original book: Instant Notes in Biochemistry, by David Hames and Nigel Hooper,
2007, 3rd Edition, Taylor & Francis)
MOLEK LER H CRE B YOLOJ S
Translation Editors: Hikmet Ge kil, Murat zmen ve zfer Ye ilada
2011, Palme Yay nc l k, Ankara, ISBN: 978-***-****-94-9, 1264 sayfa
Chapters translated:
o Chapter 1- Life Begins with Cells
o Chapter 2- Chemical Foundations
(Original book: Molecular Cell Biology by Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A.
Kaiser, Monty Krieger, Matthew P. Scott, Anthony Bretscher, Hide Ploegh and Paul
Matsudiara, 2008, 6th edition, W.H. Freeman & Company, New York)
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THE JOURNALS I REFEREE FOR
Biotechnology Journal (A publication of Wiley-VCH,Weinheim, Germany)
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (A Springer-Verlag Publication, Heidelberg, Germany)
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Quarterly (The Official Journal of Croatian Society of
Chemical Engineers and Austrian Association of Bioprocess Technology)
Microbial Ecology (A Springer Publication, New York)
Journal of Biotechnology (A publication of Elsevier Science, New York)
Microbiology (A publication of The Society of GeneralMicrobiology, SGM, UK)
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (A Springer-Verlag Publication, M nster, Germany)
Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry (A Portland Press publication on behalf of International
Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (A publication of Springer, New York)
Biotechnology Progress (A joint publication of The American Chemical Society and The American
Institute of Chemical Engineers)
Process Biochemistry (A publication of Elsevier Science, Oxford)
Peptides (A publication of Elsevier Science, New York)
Chemosphere (A publication of Elsevier Science, Oxford)
Journal of Applied Microbiology (The Official Journal of the Society for Applied Microbiology,
Blackwell Publishing)
Letters in Applied Microbiology (The Official Journal of the Society for Applied Microbiology,
Blackwell Publishing)
Enzyme and Microbial Technology (A publication of Elsevier Science, Oxford)
World Journal of Gastroenterology (A joint publication of Elsevier Science and The WJG Press)
Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering (A publication of King Fahd University of Petroleum
and Minerals)
Fen ve M hendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, A publication of Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology,Invited Guest Editor for a theme issue (2003) (A
Publication of Bentham Press)
Journal of Basic Microbiology, (A publication of Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, Germany)
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, (A publication of The American Chemical Society)
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RESEARCH IN OUR LABORATORY
Genetic Engineering of Vitreoscilla Hemoglobin Gene
Cloning, expression and effect of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene in industrially important
microorganisms
Oxidative stress and antioxidant properties of bacteria genetically engineered with Vitreoscilla
hemoglobin gene
Potential use of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin in bioremediation
Production of industrially important fermantative solvents through the use of Vitreoscilla
hemoglobin
Use of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin for the enhancement of production of L-asparaginase: an enzyme
used in cancer therapy
Metabolic engineering: secondary metabolite flux distribution in Erwinia herbicola expressing
Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene
Natural and Synthetic (artificial) Antioxidants and Oxidants
Effect of melatonin in bacteria and higher animals
Antioxidative and metal chelating characteristics of propolis and CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl
ester)
Ghrelin
Bioprocess Engineering
Development of methods for bioprocessing of products with high therapeutic value
Bacterial synthesis of L-DOPA and DOPAMINE [(Cloning, isolation, expression of the genes
(Tyrosine phenol lyase and dopaminedecarboxylase) for L-DOPA and DOPAMINE production in
bacteria)].
THE COURSES I TEACH
Undergraduate Level
BIOL 301/BIOL 302 Biochemistry I and II
BIOL 351/BIOL 352 Biochemistry Lab I and II
Graduate Level
BIOL 581 Analytical Methods in Biological Sciences
BIOL 582 Applications in Genetic Engineering
BIOL 668 Genetic Engineering
BIOL 695 Practical Applications in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Elective Courses (Undergraduates)
BIOL 412 English Language for Biology Profession
BIOL 469 Biochemical Techniques
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RESEARCH GRANTS (as the Principal Investigator )
2012: Hikmet Geckil, n n ocuk niversitesi projesi: Ola an st bir renme kapasitesi ve
biricik yetenekleri ile her ocuk ke fedilmeyi beklemektedir. Proje y neticisi, T B TAK projesi
(Proje no:111B229), Proje b t esi: 120,000 YTL.
October 1 2007-October 1 2009: Hikmet Geckil, Burhan Ates, Sule Bulut, Asl Giray Kurt.
Production of L-DOPA and dopamine in bacteria expressing Vitreoscilla hemoglobin, A project
supported by The Scientific andTechnical Research Council of Turkey, TUBITAK (No: 107T478),
Project budget: 100,000 USD plus 1000 USD/month Ph.D. scholarship for two years.
2006-2008: Birol Mutlu, Hikmet Geckil and Sukru Karakus. Some taxonomical studies on genus
Erysimum in Turkey. A project supported by The Scientific and Technical Research Council
ofTurkey (TBAG 105T126), Project budget: 100,000 USD
2005-2006: Hikmet Geckil, Burhan Ates, Sebnem O Erenler, Salih Gencer, Suleyman Aydin.
Cloning, isolation and expression of L-asparaginase, an antileukemic enzyme, gene (ansB) gene in
various Gram-negative bacteria, The State Planning Organization of Turkish Prime Ministry, DPT
2003/K120610, Project budget: 50,000 USD
2004-2005: The production, chemical characterization and clinical aspects of L -asparaginase of
bacterial origin. A graduate research project with a 6,000 USD budget supported by the Research
Fund Unit of Inonu University, APYB 2004/93.
2005-2006: Cloning, expression and isolation of L-asparaginase, an enzyme used in cancer
therapy, gene (ansB) in various gram-negative bacteria. A graduate research project with a 6,000
USD budget supported by the Research Fund Unit of Inonu University, APYB 2005/25.
2003-2004: The use of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin in Enterobacter aerogenes : some industrial
applications. A project supported by The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey,
TUBITAK (TBAG2267(102T197)), Project budget: 40,000 USD
2003-2004: The degradation/removal of textile dyes from industrial effluents through the use of
biotechnological methods. A collectiveproject supported by The State Planning Organization of
Turkish Prime Ministry, (DPT:2003K120610), Project budget: 175,000 USD
2002-2003: The industrial use of Pseudomonas aeruginosa engineered with the Vitreoscilla
hemoglobin gene. A project supported by the Research Fund Unit of Inonu University, APYB
2002/05, Project budget: 12,000 USD
2001: Effect of organic solvents on metabolic and physiological activities of Enterobacter
aerogenes engineered with Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene. A project supported by the Research
Fund Unit of Inonu University, APYB 2001/16, Project budget: 5000 USD
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AWARDS, HONORS, FELLOWSHIPS, and DEGREES
1986-1987: Scholarship for master study (Molecular Biology) from " The Scientific and Technical
Research Council of Turkey, (TUBITAK)"
1987-1988: Honor member (A Graduate Student Recognition), TUBITAK
1988: Secondplace in National Exam in Biological Sciences carried out by the " Turkish Ministry
of Education" for postgraduate studies abroad.
1988: Scholarship award from " Turkish Ministry ofEducation" for graduate (Ph.D.)
study(Biotechnology/Genetic Engineering) in the United States of America.
1995: Ph.D.degree from Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago), USA (GPA: 3.625/4.0).
1999-2000 (1 year): Post-doctoral fellow of "The Council for Higher Education of Israel" (Ben-
Gurion University, Israel)
1996(November): Foreign Language Proficiency Examination for State Employees (KPDS) -
(Level A, 90/100)-a gradual montly compansetion for those who score 70+ is paid for a 5 year
period
2006(November): Foreign Language Proficiency Examination for State Employees (KPDS) -
(Level A, 94/100)
2005- present: Serving regularly on proposal review panels for TUBITAK
2008- present: Instructor for Biology Olympiads, organized by TUBITAK, to pr epare secondary
school students for tackling biological problems,inventiveness, and creativity in an international
competition held yearlyin selected centers around the world (The International Biology Olympiad
(IBO), http://www.ibo-info.org).
2008-present: Refereeing in "Technology and Inovation Funding Programs- TEYDEB" of
TUBITAK. TEYDEB encourages research and development activities of private companies settled
in Turkey.
2009: Chairing and organizing the Biology Section of Secondary Education Science Project
Competitions Program sponsored by TUBITAK. The activity involved students from selected high
schools from 11 major cities in the region (Esatern Anatolia) and around (South Eastern Anatolia)
2009-2010 (6 months): Fulbright Fellow, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of
Health Sciences and Technology of Harvard University Medical School and Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (Financial support: US Department of State)
RECOGNITIONS
Listed in the 7th edition of "Who's Who in Science and Engineering", 2002
Listed in the "2000 Outstanding Scientists of the 21st Century" publishedby the International
Biographical Centere (IBC), 2004.
Listed in the Laureate of the "Living Science Award" given by theInternational Biographical
Centere (IBC), 2004.
Listed in the 9th edition of "Who's Who in Science and Engineering", 2007.
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PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB)
Turkish Biochemical Society (A branch of "Federationof European Biochemical Societies", FEBS)
The Science Advisory Board
TEMA Foundation (The Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the
Protection of Natural Habitats)
World Association of Medical Editors (WAME)
GRADUATE STUDENTS SUPERVISED
M.S., Sebnem O. Erenler. Effect of the bacterial hemoglobin gene on physiological and metabolic
activities of Enterobacter aerogenes . Department of Biology, Inonu University, 1999-2002.
Ph.D., Huseyin Kahraman. Potential use of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bioremediation using a
genetically engineered Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene. Department of Biology, Inonu University,
1999-2004.
M.S., Nafia C. Ates. Production of fermentative products and solvent tolerance by Enterobacter
aerogenes carrying the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene. Department of Biology, Inonu University,
2001-2003.
M.S., Salih Gencer. Use of the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin for bacterial production of L-asparaginase:
en enzyme used in cancer therapy. Department of Biology, Inonu University, 2003 -2004.
Ph.D., Burhan Ates. (Co-advisor) Production, chemical characterization and some clinical
applications of anticancerogenic L-asparaginase from various Gram-negative bacteria.
Department of Chemistry, Inonu University, (09-03-2007).
M.S., Mirac Uckun. Screening of random mutagenised Gram-negative bacterial strains for high
level L-asparaginase production. Department of Biology, Inonu University, (20-07-2006).
Ph.D., Sebnem O. Erenler. Cloning, isolation and expression of L-asparaginase gen (ansB) in
Gram-negative bacteria. Department of Biology, Inonu University, 2006.
M.S., Ufuk Ozer. Synthesis of dopamine in bacteria. Department of Biology, Inonu University,
(10-07-2006).
Ph.D., Veyis Selen (2008 -); (Co-advisor, Simultaneous biosynthesis of L-DOPA and DOPAM N in
recombinant mikroorganisms. Department of Chemical Engineering, Firat University.
Ph.D., Asl Giray Kurt (2010 -); Effect of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin on secondary metabolite flux
distribution in Erwinia herbicola. Department of Biology, Inonu University.
Ph.D., Emel Aytan; Ph.D. subject not assigned yet. Department of Biology, Inonu University.
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ALUMNI
Sebnem Ozalp Erenler, Assist. Prof. at Inonu University, Department of Biology
Burhan Ates, Assoc. Prof. at Inonu University, Department of Chemistry
Huseyin Kahraman, Assist. Prof. at Inonu University, Department of Biology
Salih Gencer, Senior Research Associate at Fatih University, Department of Bioengineering
(presently on a 1 year sabbatical leave at Medical School of South Carolina, Department of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
Ufuk Ozer, Ph.D. Student at Universty of South Carolina, Department of Biology
SOME CONFERENCES GIVEN
Human Genome: arewe all clones? (04/2003), Inonu University-Faculty of Science and Letters
Human Genome Project: are we haunted by our genes? (11/2003), Inonu University-Faculty
of Science and Letters
RNAi: new functions and horizons for RNA (03/2005), Inonu University-Faculty of Science and
Letters
Pharmocogenomics in the post-genomic era (05/2005), Inonu University-Faculty of Pharmacy
The importance of microbial biotechnology (05/2009), 1st National Student Biotechnology
Congress, Fatih University, Istanbul
SEMINARS SUPERVISED
L-asparaginase: a bacterial enzyme used in cancer therapy, by Mr. Salih Gencer (Jan28 2004)
Metabolic engineering and its applications, by Mrs. Sebnem O Erenler (June 25 2003)
Bacterial hemoglobins and their application s, by Mrs. Nafia C Ates (June 19 2003)
Hemoglobins: from bacteria to man, by Mrs. Sebnem O Erenler (June 11 2003)
A method for production of enzymes with high industrial importance: random mutagenesis and
screening, by Mirac Uckun (Feb 2 2005)
Bacterial biosynthesis of L-DOPA and dopamine: two important neurotransmitters, by Mr. Ufuk Ozer
(Jan 27 2006)
A technology for gene silencing : RNA inteference, by Mr. Salih Gencer (Jan 25 2006)
Individulas with identical genes but highly different characters: the hidden power of epigenetics, by
Mr. Salih Gencer (July 12, 2006)
Bacterial pigmentation. Emel Aytan (Feb 3 2009)
Phage typing as an cloning vehicle, Asli Giray Kurt (Feb 3 2009)
Metagenomics: study and applications of unculturable organisms, Emel Aytan (June 18 2010)
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SOCIAL SERVICE
Translating the first articles for the Science in School into Turkish Language. As result of these
translations, the Editors of the magazine displayed the Turkish flag in the web site where translated
articles are now publicized. Originally supported by European Commission under an FP6 grant,
Science in School is now published and funded by EIROforum (a collaboration between seven
European inter-governmental scientific research organisations). The journal is a non-profit activity
and is based at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany.
Organizing summer and winter camps for the primary school students around this region (Malatya).
Some of our camps have been financially supported by outside organizations (The Scientific and
Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), Embassy of the United States, Research Fund Unit
of Inonu University)
Giving seminars primary and secondary school teachers at selected schools in Malatya. The seminar
topics included What should be the current educational practices in 21st century?, Education of
Gifted and Talented Students, Formation and Objectives of Children s Universities .
OTHERS
1993-1994: President of Turkish Student Association (96 members) at Illinois Institute of
Technology, Chicago.
2003-2007: Institutional Coordinator, Socrates/Erasmus Programs.
2005- 2007: Faculty of Arts and Sciences
2005-2008: Institutional Coordinator, European Sixth Framework Program; Life sciences,
genomics and biotechnology for health
2004-2010: Vice Chairman, Department of Biology
Since 2010: Vice Director, Institute for Sciences
Since 2010: Director, Center for Gifted and Talented Children at Inonu University
Since 2010: Coordinator, Inonu Children s University
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Issue Editor (with Pinar Calik, METU)
Biotechnology Journal: Biotech in Turkey
16/18
Page 33
Issue Editor (with Utkan Demirci, Harvard University)
Biotechnology Journal: Micro- and Nanofluidics- Applications in Biotechnology
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Page 34
Keywords
Vitreoscilla hemoglobin
Bacterial hemoglobin
L-asparaginase
Chemotherapeutic enzymes
Ghrelin
Acetoin,
Butanediol
L-DOPA production
Dopamine production
Melatonin
Scaffolds
H cre d matriks m hendisli i (Extracellular matrix engineering)
Metabolik m hendislik
Erwinia herbicola
18/18
nion of Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology, UBMB). This copyright free study has been published or public ized in: