My research in clinical chemistry is rooted in a dedication to integrating biochemical innovation with clinical practice to enhance patient outcomes, especially within the realms of lipid metabolism and its relationship with cancer treatment. My journey began in medical school, where my passion for research was ignited, leading me to pursue a specialization in lipid metabolism and its implications for atherosclerosis—a critical area of study given the global burden of cardiovascular disease. Under the mentorship of Professor Hans-Ulrich Kloer at Giessen University, I delved deeply into understanding the roles of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins in cardiovascular health, exploring how lifestyle factors like diet, smoking, and physical activity modulate lipid profiles.
My contributions have notably expanded the field’s comprehension of lipid metabolism and its association with cardiovascular risks, particularly among Turkish and Turkish-German populations.
My research evolved significantly during my tenure at the University of California, Davis, where I pivoted toward the promising application of lipid-targeted therapies in cancer treatment. Here, I developed nanoparticle-based delivery systems to improve the specificity and efficacy of cancer therapeutics. By encapsulating lipid metabolism inhibitors such as avasimibe, orlistat, and soraphen A within nanocarriers, I worked to overcome the limitations of conventional cancer treatments, particularly issues related to solubility and therapeutic index. This nanomedicine approach demonstrated remarkable potential for enhancing drug delivery, with findings published in the *Journal of Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials* indicating that nano-encapsulation increased drug efficacy, minimized off-target toxicity, and provided greater specificity in targeting cancer cells.
My research approach is characterized by a commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, combining biochemistry, molecular biology, and advanced nanotechnology to develop therapeutic solutions. By fostering collaborations across disciplines, I aim to address complex clinical challenges, ensuring that my research has both scientific rigor and clinical relevance. This ethos extends to my work with students, where I emphasize hands-on learning and critical thinking, encouraging the next generation of scientists to engage with research that bridges theory and practice.