With an educational background in pharmacy and a keen interest in stem cell biology and differentiation driving mechanisms, I am now drifting towards a scientific career within the field of endocrinology and molecular biology. Originally, I am from Iraq, born in Turkey and raised in Denmark. I completed my Master’s in Pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen in 2019 and then worked in a local pharmacy for half a year. Shortly hereafter, I went to Oxford University, UK to study the impact of DNA-methylation in earlier phases of embryogenesis in Parrhyale hawaiensis. With my project lasting only 3 months due to the Covid-19 epidemic, I returned and was offered a PhD in the newly formed group of Alexander Rauch at KMEB.
In the course of my PhD, I will investigate humane Bone-Marrow derived Mesenchymal Stromal (stem) Cell (BM-MSC) heterogeneity and its importance for bone regeneration. I will apply single cell transcriptomics to define subpopulations in primary BM-MSC cultures 1) to correlate the abundancies of subpopulations with the donor specific differentiation potential and 2) to identify a molecular signature allowing isolation and characterization of developmentally defined cells for regenerative therapies. The project is expected to provide hitherto unsurpassed insight into the role of BM-MSC heterogeneity in regenerative therapies and bone homeostasis.
I enjoy various kinds of physical activities, hanging out with friends, travelling and experiencing new stuff.One of my favorite quotes: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”.
