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.
