Graduate Students

İlkim Tuana Gümüşkaya

I received my B.S. degree from Department of Biomedical Engineering at TOBB University of Economics and Technology in 2022. For my senior design project, I worked on ‘Resting- State Functional EEG Connectivity Analysis of Schizophrenia, mTBI, and Depression to Develop a Decision Support System’. Currently, I am an M.S. student in Biomedical Engineering Department at METU. My research area is mainly focusing on surface modification of pure iron via anodization technique for cardiovascular stent applications. Biomaterials have always been an interesting subject for me, I decided to improve myself more in biomaterials and take part in project that will contribute to humanity. Aside from research, I enjoy playing ukulele, traveling, and hiking. Feel free to contact me at ilkim.gumuskaya@metu.edu.tr

Gizem Karaaslan

I received my B.S. degree from the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at METU in 2022. In my cap-stone design project, I worked on "Synthesis of folic acid conjugated curcumin loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles to fight against cancer". I became a member of Ercan Research Group in my sophomore year as an undergraduate researcher. I worked on silk fibroin-based scaffold production for tissue engineering applications which I will continue for my graduate studies. I am interested in developing new materials and techniques which will enhance the quality of human life. Other than academia, I am interested in learning new languages, baking, and latin american dancing. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at gizem.karaaslan@metu.edu.tr

Doğa Memioğlu

I am an M.Sc. student in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department at Middle East Technical University. I received my B.Sc. degree in 2025 from Middle East Technical University. During my undergraduate studies, I worked on a project called “Decoding the Processing Strategies of Ceramics: Using Artificial Intelligence to Predict Perfect Properties for Body Armors”. I always wanted to contribute to the quality of human life. My growing interest in biomaterials led me to pursue further research in this field, so I joined Ercan Research Group in 2024. Currently, I am focusing on the synthesis of microwave-assisted biomaterials. Beyond my academic work, I enjoy visiting museums, coin collecting, and writing. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at doga.memioglu@metu.edu.tr.

Zeynep Cemre Örsel

I am an M.Sc. student in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department at METU. I received my B.Sc. degree from the same department in 2022. Driven by my fascination with cell biology and biomaterials, I joined the Ercan Research Group in 2018. During my undergraduate studies, I worked on the antibacterial coating applications of selenium and copper. My current research interests center around bioceramics and their uses for drug delivery and antibacterial treatments. Besides biomaterials research, I’m also interested in social and cognitive psychology, contemporary literature, and digital photography. Feel free to contact me at orsel.cemre@metu.edu.tr.

Olgu Çağan Özonuk

I am an M.Sc student in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department at METU. I received my B.Sc from the same department. For my cap-stone design project, I worked on the design of color converting nanocomposites. Also, during my senior year, I became interested in biomaterials science and engineering because of its potential benefits for human life. To improve my knowledge and academic experience in the field, I joined Ercan Research Group in 2023. Currently, I am focusing on metallic biomaterials and their surface modification via anodization to increase osseointegration. Besides biomaterials research, I am interested in science history and sociology. Here is my e-mail address: cagan.ozonuk@metu.edu.tr . If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Aysıma Parlak

I am an M.Sc. student in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department at METU, where I completed my B.Sc. degree in 2024. For my graduation project, I worked on the Design of Next Generation Neural Guidance Channels, developing polymer-based biomaterials using silk fibroin to address the challenges of peripheral nerve system regeneration. My growing interest in biomaterials science and engineering led me to join the Biomaterials and Nanomedicine lab, where I am currently focused on producing silk fibroin-based scaffolds and hydrogels for tissue engineering applications. Beyond my research, I enjoy traveling and exploring new cities. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at parlak.aysima@metu.edu.tr.

Nanobiomaterials Lab is continuosly looking for highly-motivated graduate students interested in receiving a multidisciplinary academic training at the intersection of materials science and biology wih a strong focus on developing nanophase biomaterials for orthopedic, dental, vascular and skin-tissue engineering applications, along with non-fouling surfaces. If you are interested in joining our research group, please contact Dr. Batur Ercan directly.