Group Leader
Assistant Prof. Dr.
In 2021, Dr. Yusuf Küçükbağıraçık completed his Ph.D. at the Department of Biophysics, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine. He continued his career at the Department of Biophysics, Yozgat Bozok University Faculty of Medicine. Currently, he serves as a faculty member in the Department of Biophysics at Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences. His research interests include cell culture, stem cells, electrophysiology, and electromagnetic fields. Dr. Küçükbağıraçık has taken part in numerous scientific research projects as a principal investigator and researcher. He is currently working as a researcher on a TUBITAK-1001 project titled "Derivation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Transferring miRNAs Involved in Pluripotency via Exosomes into Human Fetal Fibroblast Cells
Assistant Prof. Dr.
Hümeyra YILMAZ completed her undergraduate and master's education in France and joined the DASTOURI LAB during her doctoral studies as part of various projects. She is currently continuing to work with our team as a Postdoctoral researcher. Participated Projects: TUBİTAK 1001: The effects of Some Inhibitors, Activator and Cytokines to Obtain Bovine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (2020-2023) TUBİTAK 1002: Investigation of the Anti-Cancer Effect of KIR2DL4 Stimulated NK-92 on DU145 Prostate Cancer Cell Line (2023) TUBİTAK 1001: Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Transfer of miRNAs that Play a Role in Pluripotency via Exosomes to Human Fetal Fibroblast Cells (2023-2026) BAP: Anti-Cancer Effect of Cannabigerol, a Cannabis Compound, on DU145 and PC3 Human Prostate Cancer Cell Lines (2022-2024)
Ph.D. Candidate
In 2014, Mehtap graduated from the Department of Biology at Ankara University. She then successfully completed her master's degree with a focus on molecular biology-based research at the Hepatology Institute, part of the Institute of Health Sciences at the same university, earning the title of specialist. Since 2019, she has been pursuing a Ph.D. in the Basic Biotechnology program at Ankara University Biotechnology Institute. Her doctoral research is conducted at Dastouri Lab, part of Ankara Medipol University, with a primary focus on cancer and immunology. In addition to her academic pursuits, Mehtap works as a clinical research specialist at a private company. She is also an amateur theater enthusiast.
Ph.D. Candidate
Between 2016 and 2020, during her Biochemistry studies at Kütahya Dumlupınar University, Fatma worked on biomaterials, metal nanoparticles, and quantum dots, particularly their synthesis and antibacterial properties. She led a TÜBİTAK 2209-B project on graphene oxide-based composites. In 2020, she began her master's at Ankara University Biotechnology Institute, focusing on mitochondrial isolation from mesenchymal stem cells, while also engaging in interdisciplinary research on anticancer and antibacterial agents. In 2021, she was awarded TÜBİTAK 1512 Techno-Entrepreneurship Support for a project on water-purifying composite materials, which became a finalist at the 2022 İKMİB R&D Project Market. Since 2023, she has been pursuing a Ph.D. at Eskişehir Technical University, studying mitochondrial dysfunction in post-COVID syndrome. She has contributed to over 10 scientific publications, with research interests in nanotechnology, biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and drug development.
MSC Candidate
Rabia Özdemir graduated from Necmettin Erbakan University’s Department of Biotechnology in 2022. In 2023, she began her master's studies in Biotechnology at the same university, where she continues her academic pursuits. She is currently part of the Dastouri Lab at Ankara Medipol University, contributing to the TÜBİTAK 1001-funded project titled "Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Transferring miRNAs Involved in Pluripotency via Exosomes into Human Fetal Fibroblast Cells." Additionally, as part of her master’s thesis, she is conducting research on "The Effect of miR-30c-Stimulated NK-92 Cells on PC3 Prostate Cancer Cells." She aims to specialize in biotechnology and stem cell research, aspiring to make meaningful scientific contributions in these fields.
BMed
Buse is a student at Ankara Medipol University, Faculty of Medicine (English Program). Through participation in projects under the TÜBİTAK Intern Researcher (STAR) Program, she plays an active role in scientific research processes. She has a particular interest in regenerative medicine, focusing on studies related to cellular and tissue regeneration. Her goal is to enhance his theoretical knowledge, develop research skills, and contribute to his future academic and professional aspirations by engaging in scientific projects.
BMed
Furkan is a medical student at Ankara Medipol University, Faculty of Medicine. He actively participates in scientific research through the TÜBİTAK Intern Researcher (STAR) Program. His academic interests lie in regenerative medicine, immunology, epigenetics, and biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on translational approaches that bridge clinical practice and laboratory science. Furkan aims to deepen his theoretical knowledge and gain practical laboratory experience by contributing to research projects and enhancing his understanding of the scientific process.
BMed
Yaprak Ekşi is a medical student at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University (English Program). She actively participates in projects under the TÜBİTAK STAR Program, contributing to various scientific research processes. With a particular interest in cancer and immunology, she aims to expand her knowledge, strengthen her research skills, and develop her vision as both a clinician and a researcher by engaging in scientific projects that will shape her future academic and professional career
BMed
Selen Yıldırım is a medical student at Ankara Medipol University with a strong interest in cancer biology and molecular research. She is currently conducting a TÜBİTAK 2209-A project under the supervision of Dr. Dastouri, focusing on the anticancer effects of a plant-derived bioactive compound on ovarian cancer cells. Through this work, she is gaining hands-on experience in compound extraction and laboratory assays. Her academic interests include oncology, molecular biology, and translational medicine, and she aims to integrate clinical knowledge with experimental research to contribute to innovative therapeutic approaches.
BMed
Ayşe Melis is a medical student at Ankara Medipol University School of Medicine. She takes an active role in a research project supported by the TÜBİTAK 2209-A Undergraduate Research Program under the supervision of Dr. Dastouri. She has a strong interest in cancer biology and phytotherapy, and aims to contribute to studies that bridge these two fields. Throughout her academic journey, she strives to strengthen her theoretical knowledge through hands-on research, gain experience in laboratory practices, and advance her development both as a future clinician and a researcher.
BMed
Furkan is a medical student at Ankara Medipol University with a strong interest in cancer biology and molecular oncology. He is currently conducting a TÜBİTAK 2209-A research project under the supervision of Dr. Dastouri. His academic focus includes molecular mechanisms of cancer progression, epigenetic regulation, biotechnology-based targeted therapies, and the use of natural compounds in anti-cancer strategies. Furkan aims to expand his theoretical knowledge and gain advanced laboratory experience through active participation in research projects.
BMed
Helin Lara is a medical student at Ankara Medipol University School of Medicine. She is taking part in studies conducted within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 2209-A research program under the supervision of Dr. Dastouri. She has a keen interest in preclinical and clinical studies on cancer treatment and is committed to deepening her theoretical knowledge and applying it to practice. As a future clinician and researcher, she will always be open to research and learning.
BMed
Dilber Şen is a medical student at Ankara Medipol University with a strong and growing interest in molecular oncology and experimental biomedical research. She is currently conducting a TÜBİTAK 2209-A research project under the supervision of Dr. Dastouri, investigating the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of natural plant extracts on prostate cancer cell lines. This experience has further strengthened her passion for laboratory-based research and cancer biology. She aims to integrate clinical training with research-driven approaches, develop advanced laboratory and analytical skills, and actively contribute to innovative therapeutic strategies in cancer biology. In the long term, she aspires to pursue a career that combines clinical practice with scientific investigation.
BMed
Mustafa is a medical student at Ankara Medipol University, Faculty of Medicine. He is currently conducting a TÜBİTAK 2209-A research project under the supervision of Dr. Dastouri. His academic interests include regenerative medicine, immunology, epigenetics, and organ bioprinting, with a strong focus on translational research that integrates laboratory science with clinical practice. Through his involvement in ongoing research projects, Mustafa aims to expand his theoretical foundation, develop hands-on laboratory skills, and deepen his understanding of the scientific research process. He is highly motivated to contribute to innovative studies that bridge basic science and clinical applications.
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Melek Naz Elbaşı is a medical student at Ankara Medipol University, focusing on molecular oncology and the therapeutic potential of herbal compounds. Sheis currently conducting a TÜBİTAK 2209-A research project under the supervision of Dr. Dastouri..Her work focuses on understanding the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of plant-derived extracts on cancer cell lines. She aims to strengthen her scientific foundation, develop advanced lab skills, and contribute to studies exploring innovative, nature-based treatment strategies. In the future, she hopes to integrate clinical practice with research to support evidence-based oncology care.