Esin KIRAY

Dr. Esin KIRAY is an Associate Professor at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University's Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Medical Laboratory Techniques. She has served as Department Chair since 2023 and has held academic positions continuously since 2011, progressing from Research Assistant to her current Doctor Academician role.

Her educational background includes a PhD in Biology from Ahi Evran University (2013-2017), an MSc in Medical Microbiology from Çukurova University (2006-2009), and a BA in Biology from Gazi University (2002-2006).

Dr. KIRAY's research spans Bacteriology, Biotechnology, and Microbiology with particular focus on probiotics, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing inhibition. Her work explores vaginal microbiome interactions, plant-derived antimicrobial compounds, and nanomaterial applications against drug-resistant pathogens. She has investigated Lactobacillus strains from various sources including vaginal microflora, breast milk, and traditional fermented foods.

Analysis of her recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on alternative antimicrobial strategies targeting multidrug-resistant pathogens through probiotic applications, plant essential oils, and nanomaterials. Her research increasingly integrates quorum sensing inhibition as a therapeutic approach to combat biofilm-associated infections without inducing traditional antibiotic resistance.

Dr. KIRAY has successfully secured multiple research grants as principal investigator, including projects on antimicrobial properties of palladium-based compounds (2025-2027), insect gut microbiome in alfalfa fields (2024-2026), and anti-biofilm activities of HL ligands (2023-2024).

She has supervised four master's theses as primary advisor on topics including infant gut microbiome, vaginal Lactobacillus strains, and Staphylococcus aureus characterization. Her teaching portfolio includes Microbiology, Virology, Clinical Microbiology, and Laboratory Techniques courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels.