Merve Işık

Molecular Biologist

University of Oxford, Oxford United Kingdom
Master of Science in Clinical Embryology

Koc University, Istanbul Turkey
Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Minor in Business Administration

Predicted graduation degree: Magna Cum Laude
Received Vehbi Koc Scholar Award for 4 consecutive semesters, which is the highest recognition given for academic success

American Collegiate Institute, Izmir Turkey
Science-Math specialization, graduated with high honors
Part of the “Academic Honors Roll”, comprised of students who receive High Honors every semester for a minimum of three consecutive years

Koc University Undergraduate Researcher, Istanbul Turkey
Observed and learned the applications of CRISPR-dCas9 gene-editing technique on mice embryos in order to regulate implantation capacity at Dr. Sercin Karahuseyinoglu’s laboratory at Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine. Also, learned to perform zygote collection and uterine horn dissection from mice.

Genetiks Genetic Diagnosis Center, Istanbul Turkey
Worked as an intern at the Molecular Genetics and Molecular Cytogenetics laboratories of the Genetiks Genetic Diagnosis Center for 3 weeks. Learned the procedures of PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), oncology, and pharmacogenetic tests. Performed Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, and Gel Electrophoresis.

SU Hospital IVF Center, Izmir Turkey
Worked as an intern at the Embryology and Andrology Laboratories of SU Hospital IVF Center for 7 months. At the andrology laboratory, performed swim-up method and density gradient centrifugation technique for sperm preparation. Conducted sperm morphological analysis according to Kruger’s strict criteria. Used Makler Chamber for sperm count and motility analysis. Learned about sperm freezing techniques. At the embryology laboratory, learned about the preparation and equilibration of embryo culture media, observed oocyte pick-up, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, assessment of embryo morphology, assisted hatching, embryo biopsy for PGT, embryo transfer, embryo/oocyte freezing, and thawing. Became familiar with laboratory equipment such as micromanipulator and embryoscope.

Medical Park Hospital IVF Center, Izmir Turkey
Observational training at the embryology and andrology laboratory for 1 month. Observed the regular workflow of the IVF Center and became familiar with the procedures. Learned and utilized specific aseptic techniques to clean the laboratory properly. Became familiar with the laboratory equipment. Learned about the preparation of patient information forms.

Istinye University Stem Cell Laboratory, Istanbul Turkey
Participated in a training program at Dr. Erdal Karaoz’s Stem Cell Laboratory at Istinye University for a week. It was a 40 hours of applied training course about stem cell culture and analysis techniques, isolation of stem cells from Wharton’s Jelly of the umbilical cord and adipose tissue, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, Real-Time PCR, Western Blot, 3D tissue engineering, and 3D Bioprinting. Received 3D Tissue Engineering in Stem Cells and Gene Transfer Certificate.

Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul Turkey
A 75 hours long animal research certificate program specifically designed for research on mice and rats.

Computer skills: Took C++ Computer Programming Language course, Microsoft Excel Certificate, working knowledge of Epi Info

Language skills: Proficiently trilingual in written and spoken English, French, and Turkish. Working knowledge of German

Laboratory Skills: Ability to assess sperm morphology and motility, sperm count by using Makler Counting Chamber, assess embryo morphology at different developmental stages, preparation of various dishes used in different procedures in the IVF laboratory, sperm preparation, PCR, Western Blot, gel electrophoresis, and DNA/RNA isolation

Interest: Member of the Clinical Embryology special interest group of the Turkish Society of Reproductive Medicine