Tugba Ertan-Bolelli

Dr. Tugba Ertan-Bolelli serves as Assistant Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Science at Mercer University's College of Professional Advancement. A former Associate Professor at Ankara University with over 15 years of teaching and research experience, she completed postdoctoral training at Mercer University College of Pharmacy.

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ankara University, 2012
• MS, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ankara University, 2005
• BS, Pharmacy, Ankara University, 2002

Dr. Ertan-Bolelli's research integrates medicinal chemistry and computational modeling to develop therapeutics for cancer, infectious diseases, and age-related disorders. She specializes in synthesizing benzoxazole, benzimidazole, and sulfonamide derivatives, evaluating their enzyme inhibition mechanisms (e.g., topoisomerases, glutathione transferases), and optimizing drug properties through molecular docking and QSAR. Her work bridges theoretical chemistry with practical pharmaceutical applications, emphasizing student engagement through real-world drug examples.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2020-2024) reveals a strong trajectory in computational drug design, with 60% focusing on cancer therapeutics, 25% on infectious disease applications (including COVID-19 repurposing studies), and 15% on aging/neurodegeneration. Key methodologies include molecular docking (87% of studies), in vitro validation (73%), and quantum mechanical analysis (20%), demonstrating interdisciplinary innovation.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Experimental Hematology Award, National Hematology Congress (2015)
• Travel Award, EACR-Sponsored Anticancer Agent Development Congress (2015)
• Best Poster Award, International Conference on New Trends in Chemometrics (2013)

As an educator, Dr. Ertan-Bolelli mentors students in General and Organic Chemistry laboratories while guiding research on heterocyclic compound synthesis. Her advising philosophy prioritizes curiosity-driven learning and practical applications, preparing future pharmacists and industrial scientists. Professional memberships in the American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences and European Association for Cancer Research support collaborative grant opportunities.

Though no dedicated lab name is specified, her research group operates within Mercer's Department of Science, utilizing computational resources for drug discovery projects targeting enzyme inhibition pathways, with recent focus on kynurenine monooxygenase and SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors.