BMDL MEMBERS

Levent Beker

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Koç University

  • Postdoc, Stanford University
  • PhD, University of California, Berkeley
  • BSc, MSc, Middle East Technical University

Postdoctoral fellows

Ritu Das

  • PhD, Biological Sciences, DRDO - Bharathiar University
  • MSc, Biotechnology, Jiwagi University
  • BSc, Life Sciences, H.N.B. Garhwal University

She is interested in developing wearable sensors for continuous monitoring of biomarkers. Additionally, she is interested in developing a 3D microenvironment for monitoring cancer biomarkers and drug delivery. Her PhD was focused on developing nanosensors for chemical and biological warfare agents.

Ezgi Kivrak

  • PhD, Biological Sciences, DRDO - Bharathiar University, India
  • MSc, Biotechnology, Jiwagi University, India
  • BSc, Life Sciences, H.N.B. Garhwal University

She is interested in developing wearable sensors for continuous monitoring of biomarkers. Additionally, she is interested in developing a 3D microenvironment for monitoring cancer biomarkers and drug delivery. Her PhD was focused on developing nanosensors for chemical and biological warfare agents.

PhD students

Fariborz Mirlou

  • MSc, Photonics Engineering, University of Tabriz
  • BSc, Electronics Engineering, Urmia Azad University

Fariborz is a PhD student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at the Koç University. Currently, he is working on wearable flexible/stretchable sensors and devices for biomedical applications which are of great importance in health monitoring and novel diagnostic methods. Also, he got his master’s degree from the University of Tabriz, Iran. During this period, he worked on Hybrid Plasmonic-Silicon Optical Modulators for optical telecommunication systems.

Alp Timucin Toymus

  • MSc, Mechanical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  • BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

After graduating from Robert College in Istanbul, Alp received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany. During his studies, he focused on medical technology and microsystems. In 2020, he joined the Spin & Photon Applications Laboratory at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology for his master thesis. Under the guidance of Dr. Vlad Badilita, he developed a novel micro detector for solid-state NMR spectroscopy. In 2021, he moved to Bio-Integrated Microdevices Lab at Koç University as a PhD candidate. His research interests cover the broad area of wearable and implantable medical devices with a focus on miniaturized ultrasonic transducers.

Taher Abbasiasl

  • MSc, Mechanical Engineering, Sabanci University
  • BSc, Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology

Taher received the B.Sc. degree in chemical engineering in 2011 and joined the mechatronics engineering department of Sabanci University in 2018 with a focus on hydrodynamic cavitation and dropwise condensation. He finished his master’s in 2020 and joined the Bio-integrated Microdevices lab in 2021. He is currently working on the integration of microfluidics into wearable systems.

Rumeysa Cebecioglu

  • MSc, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Uskudar University
  • BSc, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Uskudar University

Rümeysa is a Ph.D student at the Department of BioMedical Sciences and Engineering, Koc University. She is currently working on wearable/implantable sensors and biomedical devices, and she joined BMDL in September 2021.She received her MSc degree in Bioengineering at Uskudar University, 2020 where she focused on Microbial Biosensors and Biotechnology.

Emine Bardakci

  • MSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koç University
  • BSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Kadir Has University

Emine received her BSc degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Turkey, in July 2020. She is currently a research assistant at the Bio-Integrated Microdevices Lab at Koç University. Her research areas are wearable device design and biomedical signal processing for wearable/implantable devices.

Pelin Kubra Isgor

  • MSc, Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, UNAM
  • BSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koç University

Pelin is a Ph.D. student at Biomedical Sciences and Engineering department. After graduating from Koc University Electrical & Electronics Engineering department, she took her master’s degree from Bilkent University, National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Materials Science and Engineering department. Her master thesis is about integrated microfluidic systems for droplet detection and dielectrophoretic sorting. After her graduation, she worked as a researcher at IFW-Dresden, Germany and University of Twente, the Netherlands for two years. Her research interests are wearable medical devices, microneedles, lab-on-chip systems, and point-of-care-diagnostic devices.

Deniz Aktaş

  • BSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, TOBB University

Deniz graduated from the engineering faculty as a high-honor student from TOBB ETU in 2020. During her undergrad, she worked in various research institutions: Hacettepe University PEDI-STEM, Neurosignal Analysis Laboratory at Boğaziçi University, and OML at Koç University. Following her graduation, she started her PhD in Electronics Engineering at Koç University and joined BMDL. Here at BMDL, her research is based on bioresorbable semiconductor electronics and their applications in sensor design.

Maide Miray Albay

  • MSc, Nano Science and Nano Engineering, Istanbul Technical University
  • BSc, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Marmara  University

Miray is a PhD student in Bio-Medical Sciences and Engineering at Koç University. Following her graduation from Marmara University, she gained experience as an R&D engineer in a startup located in  Teknopark Istanbul. After that, she continued her studies at  TUBİTAK MAM, focusing on gas sensors. Currently, her research  centers on biodegradable polymers and piezo materials.

MSc students

Abdulkadir Yasin Atik

  • BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Boğaziçi University

Yasin is an MSc student in the Mechanical Engineering department of Koç University. In addition to his 2 years long industrial experience as a CAE engineer, he contributed fatigue life estimation of endodontic files research for a year after his graduation from Boğaziçi University in 2021. Currently, he is working on integrated wearable devices for biomedical applications.

Süleyman Yasin Peker

  • BSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University

Yasin is an MSc student in the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering department at Koç University, having earned a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Middle East Technical University. Specializing in ultrasound imaging, wearable electronics, and machine learning algorithms, his expertise encompasses biomedical applications, focusing on signal processing, computer vision, and wearable ultrasonic sensors.
Beyond academia, Yasin contributes industry insights gained from experience in the automotive, defense, space, and energy sectors. This diverse background sharpens his ability to navigate complex challenges and innovate across domains.

Hikmet Batuhan Yalki

  • BSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University

Yasin is an MSc student in the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering department at Koç University, having earned a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Middle East Technical University. Specializing in ultrasound imaging, wearable electronics, and machine learning algorithms, his expertise encompasses biomedical applications, focusing on signal processing, computer vision, and wearable ultrasonic sensors.
Beyond academia, Yasin contributes industry insights gained from experience in the automotive, defense, space, and energy sectors. This diverse background sharpens his ability to navigate complex challenges and innovate across domains.

Gurdeniz Neser

  • BSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University

Yasin is an MSc student in the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering department at Koç University, having earned a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Middle East Technical University. Specializing in ultrasound imaging, wearable electronics, and machine learning algorithms, his expertise encompasses biomedical applications, focusing on signal processing, computer vision, and wearable ultrasonic sensors.
Beyond academia, Yasin contributes industry insights gained from experience in the automotive, defense, space, and energy sectors. This diverse background sharpens his ability to navigate complex challenges and innovate across domains.

Alumni

Umut Can Yener

  • MSc, Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Jan 2022 - Jul 2024.
  • Now, PhD student at University of California, Berkeley.

Muhammad Awais

  • MSc, Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Koç University, Sep 2021 - Jan 2024
  • Now, PhD student at Koç University.

Mohsin Ali

  • MSc, Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Koç University, Sep 2021 - Aug 2023
  • Now, PhD student at University of Ottawa.

Ozgur Deniz Temel

  • MSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koç University, Sep 2021 – Aug 2023
  • Now, Analog design engineer, SRSemi.

Emin Istif

  • Postdoc, Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, May 2020 – Aug 2022
  • Now, Assistant Professor at Kadir Has University

Berkay Kullukcu

  • MSc, Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Jan 2022 - Jul 2024
  • Now, PhD student at TU Dresden

Muhammad Junaid Akhtar

  • MSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koç University, Sep 2020 – Sep 2022

postdoctoral researchers

Ritu Das

  • PhD, Biological Sciences, DRDO - Bharathiar University
  • MSc, Biotechnology, Jiwagi University
  • BSc, Life Sciences, H.N.B. Garhwal University

She is interested in developing wearable sensors for continuous monitoring of biomarkers. Additionally, she is interested in developing a 3D microenvironment for monitoring cancer biomarkers and drug delivery. Her PhD was focused on developing nanosensors for chemical and biological warfare agents.

email: rdas@ku.edu.tr

Ezgi Kivrak

  • PhD, Advanced Biomedical Technologies, Ege University
  • MSc, Biomedical Technologies, Ege University
  • BSc, Biology, Hacettepe University

In her graduate studies, she focused on electrochemical biosensors for cancer diagnosis, employing a multidisciplinary approach that encompassed nano-technology, aptamers, and point-of-care devices. She has also gained expertise on CRISPR, cell culture, electrospinning and bioanalytical methods. Currently, she is working on wearable and implantable (bio)sensors aiming to develop biologically absorbed medical devices.

email: ekivrak@ku.edu.tr

Evren Arkan

  • PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • MSc, Mechanical Engineering, Koc University
  • BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University

Dr. Arkan focuses on the design, modeling, and characterization of capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUTs). He received his PhD degree in 2020, and he continued his research in Degertekin Group as a postdoctoral researcher until 2023. In 2024 he joined the Bio-Integrated Microdevice Lab at Koç University as a postdoctoral researcher focusing on implantable biomedical ultrasonic MEMS device development.

email: earkan@ku.edu.tr

Ipek Atay

  • PhD, Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Koç University
  • MSc, Biomedical Engineering, Linköping University
  • BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Yıldız Technical University

Her research interests include the design and development of bioactive tissue engineered materials, natural and synthetic polymer-based 3D scaffolds, bioinks for 3D bioprinting and materials for biomedical instrumentation applications. She is currently partaking in the design and development of novel materials for wearable diagnostics and biosensor applications.

email: iatay@ku.edu.tr

doctoral students

Fariborz Mirlou

  • MSc, Photonics Engineering, University of Tabriz
  • BSc, Electronics Engineering, Urmia Azad University

Fariborz is a PhD student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at the Koç University. Currently, he is working on wearable flexible/stretchable sensors and devices for biomedical applications which are of great importance in health monitoring and novel diagnostic methods. Also, he got his master’s degree from the University of Tabriz, Iran. During this period, he worked on Hybrid Plasmonic-Silicon Optical Modulators for optical telecommunication systems.

email: fmirlou20@ku.edu.tr

Alp Timucin Toymus

  • MSc, Mechanical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  • BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

After graduating from Robert College in Istanbul, Alp received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany. During his studies, he focused on medical technology and microsystems. In 2020, he joined the Spin & Photon Applications Laboratory at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology for his master thesis. Under the guidance of Dr. Vlad Badilita, he developed a novel micro detector for solid-state NMR spectroscopy. In 2021, he moved to Bio-Integrated Microdevices Lab at Koç University as a PhD candidate. His research interests cover the broad area of wearable and implantable medical devices with a focus on miniaturized ultrasonic transducers.

email: atoymus21@ku.edu.tr

Taher Abbasiasl

  • MSc, Mechanical Engineering, Sabanci University
  • BSc, Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology

Taher received the B.Sc. degree in chemical engineering in 2011 and joined the mechatronics engineering department of Sabanci University in 2018 with a focus on hydrodynamic cavitation and dropwise condensation. He finished his master’s in 2020 and joined the Bio-integrated Microdevices lab in 2021. He is currently working on the integration of microfluidics into wearable systems.

email: tabbasiasl21@ku.edu.tr

Rumeysa Cebecioglu

  • MSc, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Uskudar University
  • BSc, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Uskudar University

Rümeysa is a Ph.D student at the Department of BioMedical Sciences and Engineering, Koc University. She is currently working on wearable/implantable sensors and biomedical devices, and she joined BMDL in September 2021.She received her MSc degree in Bioengineering at Uskudar University, 2020 where she focused on Microbial Biosensors and Biotechnology.

email: rcebecioglu21@ku.edu.tr

Emine Bardakci

  • MSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koç University
  • BSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Kadir Has University

Emine received her BSc degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Turkey, in July 2020. She is currently a research assistant at the Bio-Integrated Microdevices Lab at Koç University. Her research areas are wearable device design and biomedical signal processing for wearable/implantable devices.

email: ebardakci20@ku.edu.tr

Pelin Kubra Isgor

  • MSc, Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, UNAM
  • BSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koç University

Pelin is a Ph.D. student at Biomedical Sciences and Engineering department. Her master thesis was about integrated microfluidic systems for droplet detection and dielectrophoretic sorting. After her graduation, she worked as a researcher at IFW-Dresden, Germany and University of Twente, the Netherlands for two years. Her research interests are wearable medical devices, microneedles, lab-on-chip systems, and point-of-care-diagnostic devices.

email: pisgor21@ku.edu.tr

Deniz Aktaş

  • BSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, TOBB University

Deniz graduated from the engineering faculty as a high-honor student from TOBB ETU in 2020. During her undergrad, she worked in various research institutions: Hacettepe University PEDI-STEM, Neurosignal Analysis Laboratory at Boğaziçi University, and OML at Koç University. Following her graduation, she started her PhD in Electronics Engineering at Koç University and joined BMDL. Here at BMDL, her research is based on bioresorbable semiconductor electronics and their applications in sensor design.

email: denizaktas20@ku.edu.tr

Maide Miray Albay

  • MSc, Nano Science and Nano Engineering, Istanbul Technical University
  • BSc, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Marmara  University

Miray is a PhD student in Bio-Medical Sciences and Engineering at Koç University. Following her graduation from Marmara University, she gained experience as an R&D engineer in a startup located in  Teknopark Istanbul. After that, she continued her studies at  TUBİTAK MAM, focusing on gas sensors. Currently, her research  centers on biodegradable polymers and piezo materials.

email: malbay23@ku.edu.tr

masters students

Abdulkadir Yasin Atik

  • BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Boğaziçi University

Yasin is an MSc student in the Mechanical Engineering department of Koç University. In addition to his 2 years long industrial experience as a CAE engineer, he contributed fatigue life estimation of endodontic files research for a year after his graduation from Boğaziçi University in 2021. Currently, he is working on integrated wearable devices for biomedical applications.

email: abdulkadiratik22@ku.edu.tr

Süleyman Yasin Peker

  • BSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University

Yasin is an MSc student in the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering department at Koç University, having earned a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Middle East Technical University. Specializing in ultrasound imaging, wearable electronics, and machine learning algorithms, his expertise encompasses biomedical applications, focusing on signal processing, computer vision, and wearable ultrasonic sensors. Beyond academia, Yasin contributes industry insights gained from experience in the automotive, defense, space, and energy sectors. This diverse background sharpens his ability to navigate complex challenges and innovate across domains.

email: speker23@ku.edu.tr

Hikmet Batuhan Yalki

  • BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Koç University

Batuhan is a MSc student in Mechanical Engineering at Koç University. He graduated from Koç University with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering in 2024. During his undergraduate education, he had experiences in HVAC and Machine component design fields. He is currently doing his research on chemical sensors and how the electrical measurements behave according to the chemical reactions.

email: hbalki20@ku.edu.tr

Gurdeniz Neser

  • BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Koç University

Gürdeniz is an MScstudent in the Mechanical Engineering program at Koç University. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Koç University and joined BMDL in July 2024. During his undergraduate studies, he worked in KUTTAM designing biomedical equipment for in-vivo applications. His current research topic focuses on integrated wearable devices for biomedical applications and biosensors.

email: gneser18@ku.edu.tr

alumni

Umut Can Yener

  • MSc, Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Jan 2022 - Jul 2024.
  • Now, PhD student at University of California, Berkeley.

Muhammad Awais

  • MSc, Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Koç University, Sep 2021 - Jan 2024
  • Now, PhD student at Université du Québec.

Mohsin Ali

  • MSc, Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Koç University, Sep 2021 - Aug 2023
  • Now, PhD student at University of Ottawa.

Ozgur Deniz Temel

  • MSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koç University, Sep 2021 – Aug 2023
  • Now, Analog design engineer, SRSemi.

Emin Istif

  • Postdoc, Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, May 2020 – Aug 2022
  • Now, Assistant Professor at Kadir Has University

Berkay Kullukcu

  • MSc, Mechanical Engineering, Koç University, Sep 2020 - Sep 2022
  • Now, PhD student at TU Dresden

Muhammad Junaid Akhtar

  • MSc, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koç University, Sep 2020 – Sep 2022

Undergraduate and high school interns

Our sponsors are:
2ND-CHANCE and BladderWatch projects have received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe ERC and ERC PoC Grants (Grant Agreement no. 101043119 and 101189448, 2022-2027).
BMDL acknowledges TUBITAK BIDEB 2232 funding (Grant Agreement no.  118C295, 2020-2023).
BrainWatch project have received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Marie Curie Actions Program (Grant Agreement no. 840786, 2020-2022).