معرفی
Candan Eker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering at Istanbul Bilgi University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Santral Istanbul Campus. She previously served as a Visitor Assistant Professor at İstinye University and has held significant R&D roles in biotechnology firms including Argenit Technology and Medimiks Medical Biotechnology.
Education:
- PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul University, Institute of Graduate Studies in Sciences (2018)
- MSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul University, Institute of Graduate Studies in Sciences (2011)
- BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul University, Faculty of Science (2007)
- BSc in Biology, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Netherlands (2006, Erasmus Program)
Her research focuses on the molecular analysis of genetic diseases, utilizing advanced techniques such as Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), microarray CGH (aCGH), and next-generation DNA sequencing. She integrates bioinformatics into her work to interpret complex genetic data. Her expertise spans medical genetics, cancer biology, and genetic engineering, with a strong emphasis on translational research and biotechnological applications.
Dr. Eker has received multiple academic and research recognitions, including graduating summa cum laude, and has led industry-funded R&D projects supported by TÜBİTAK and the Turkish Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology. She has also founded a biotech company, canDNA Life Sciences and Technologies R&D, under a national techno-entrepreneurship grant program.
Scientific Awards and Achievements:
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Science: 1st degree award (summa cum laude), 2007
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Science: 3rd degree plaque award (cum laude), 2007
- Techno-entrepreneurship Grant Support Program, Project acceptance (Project no: 1164.TGSD.2012), 2012
- Intellectual Property Rights, Argenit Technology, 2021
- TÜBİTAK TEYDEB-1501 Project No: 31905
She has been actively involved in research grants and biotech innovation, demonstrating a strong bridge between academic science and industrial application. Her teaching includes courses such as Genetic Engineering I & II, Medical Genetics, Cancer Biology and Genetics, and Advanced Molecular Biology at the graduate level.
Dr. Eker has led R&D teams in private-sector laboratories and currently contributes to academic training and research in bioengineering. She is a key figure in advancing molecular diagnostics and genetic technologies in Turkey.
