- Geomicrobiology
- Astrobiology
- Sedimentology
- +۲ مورد دیگر
Prof. Dr. Nurgül Çelik Balcı is Professor of Geological Engineering at Istanbul Technical University, specializing in geomicrobiology, astrobiology, and environmental geochemistry. Research focuses on microbial-mineral interactions in extreme environments including Antarctic ecosystems and hypersaline lakes as Mars analogs. Education includes a Ph.D. in Geological Engineering from Istanbul Technical University and postdoctoral research at NASA Exobiology (Columbia University). Current investigations examine biosignature formation in Lake Salda (Turkey's Jezero Crater analog), acid rock drainage in Antarctica, and microbial weathering processes. Publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining isotope geochemistry, molecular microbiology, and sedimentology. Recent work analyzes hydromagnesite microbialite formation, Antarctic lake biogeochemistry, and extremophile adaptation mechanisms. Research supported by TÜBİTAK and international collaborations with NASA Mars 2020 science teams. Honored with the Golden Hammer Award (2017) for scientific contributions. Teaching responsibilities include geomicrobiology, polar biogeochemistry, and geological engineering courses. Fieldwork spans Antarctica, Turkish hypersaline lakes, and mining environments.



