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

Defne Ecem Gür


I received my B.S. degree from Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at METU in 2021.For my capstone project, I worked on ‘Antibacterial and Antiviral Surface Coating’ supervised by Prof. Arcan Dericioğlu, Prof. Abdullah Öztürk, Prof. Caner Durucan and Assist. Prof. Simge Çınar Aygün. I joined Ercan Research Group as fourth grade student. Currently, I am focusing on synthesis of Hollow Hydroxyapatite for antibacterial agent delivery and production of different calcium carbonate phases which are vaterite (unstable), aragonite (metastable) and calcite (stable). Here is my e-mail address: defne.gur@metu.edu.tr. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

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

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. 

Yiğithan Tufan

I am a PhD student in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department at Middle East Technical University. I received my B.S. degree (had the privilege to graduate as Summa Cum Laude, GPA: 3.73) in 2017 and my M.S. degree (Thesis Title: Development of Electrically Conductive Porous Silk Fibroin/Carbon Nanofiber Scaffolds) in 2020 from the same department. Today, as a PhD student, I am dedicated to learn more about biomaterials, where I can improve my knowledge on material-tissue interactions and contribute to the developments in this interdisciplinary field. Undoubtedly, it is fulfilling to learn more about biomaterials and know that your research will someday contribute to human wellbeing. Aside from research, literature (especially novels and poetry) means a lot to me as it provides better understanding and experience of life. Also, I enjoy playing transverse flute in my spare time. My contact address is yigithan@metu.edu.tr.

Ezgi Yücel

I received my B.S. degree from the Department of Biomedical Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology in 2021. For my senior design project, I worked on the design of a robotic hand with some specific abilities. Currently, I am a M.S. student in the same department at METU. I decided to specialize in the field of biomaterials in line with my interests. Then, I joined Ercan Research Group at the same time that I started my master's degree program in 2021. Nowadays, I focused on anodization and selenium coating of titanium for the use in orthopedic implants. Aside from research, I enjoy playing tennis, ice skating, making money and stamp collections. If you have any questions, you can contact me at yucel.ezgi@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.