Beliz Acik

Performed transfection, immunocytochemistry (ICC), flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy (LSM 980) in mouse cell culture models. Conducted RNA/protein isolation and molecular cloning workflows including plasmid miniprep, LR reactions, and bacterial transformation.

Studentische Mitarbeiterin & Master's Student at Medical University of Vienna, Universitätsklinik für Neurologie (AKH Wien) (2026-02 – 2026-09)

• Performed transfection, immunocytochemistry (ICC), flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy (LSM 980) in mouse cell culture models.
• Conducted RNA/protein isolation and molecular cloning workflows including plasmid miniprep, LR reactions, and bacterial transformation.

Research Intern at Medical University of Vienna, Universitätsklinik für Neurologie (AKH Wien) (2025-09 – 2026-02)

Research Intern at Istinye University, Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center (İSÜKÖK) (2021-11 – 2024-06)

Contributed to multiple research projects focused on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), investigating neural differentiation, anti-aging cellular pathways, and lysosomal activity.

• Maintained routine and advanced 2D/3D cell and organoid cultures, including cell passage, thawing, cryopreservation, and differentiation protocols.
• Developed and characterized 3D culture scaffolds from decellularized brain tissue via lyophilization and bio-ink preparation to evaluate neural differentiation potential.
• Investigated the anti-aging effects of bioactive compounds (Resveratrol and Curcumin) on young and aged MSC models, analyzing lysosomal behavior and morphology.
• Monitored gene expression profiles of longevity-related factors (Sirtuin genes) using RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and RT-qPCR, alongside primer design via NCBI-BLAST.
• Executed high-resolution cellular imaging using fluorescent, inverted, and upright microscopy with DAPI, LysoTracker, and Beta-Galactosidase staining.
• Performed molecular and cellular assays including DNA/RNA extraction, MTT cell viability assays, and histological staining protocols.

Erasmus+ Research Intern at Medical University of Graz, Gottfried Schatz Research Center (2023-07 – 2023-09)

Contributed to a research project investigating the biology of DNA damage repair and p53-related signaling pathways using advanced metabolomics.

• Investigated metabolic alterations in RPE-1 cancer cell lines by establishing experimental groups with/without DNA damaging agent treatments and +/- p53 protein knock-outs.
• Managed the entire NMR-based metabolomics pipeline, including specialized sample preparation, data acquisition, and multi-step data analysis.
• Performed L-Arginine Methylation Assays and prepared customized cell culture media for targeted cellular treatments.
• Conducted univariate and multivariate statistical analysis to interpret metabolic pathways and cellular responses to DNA damage.
• Responsible for the comprehensive preparation of internal research reports documenting experimental outcomes and metabolic profiles.

Erasmus+ Research Intern at University of Vienna, Department of Neurosciences and Development Biology (2022-09 – 2022-11)

Contributed to a developmental biology project focused on the generation and genotyping of F0 CRISPR Frizzled and Strabismus mutants in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis.

• Analyzed the phenotypic and developmental impacts of knockdowns across 4 different Frizzled receptors and Strabismus in Nematostella embryos.
• Mastered microinjection techniques into zygotes and managed daily Nematostella husbandry and embryo rearing protocols.
• Performed molecular validation assays including qPCR, gel extraction, and DNA gel electrophoresis for mutant genotyping.
• Executed advanced imaging and histological workflows, including In situ hybridization (via DIG-labeled RNA probes), immunohistochemistry, and confocal/immunofluorescence microscopy.

Master of Science in Molecular Biology – University of Vienna (2025-03)

Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics – Istinye University (2019-10 – 2024-06)