Gözde Işık is a PhD student at the University of Hertfordshire. She graduated as an honour student with Bachelor of Science degree from Bilkent University at the department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. She developed expertise in cell culture and toxicology during her Master Thesis at the Hacettepe University.

What are you working on within the Hub?

My PhD focuses on investigating aerosol collection techniques to collect airborne environmental DNA. My research involves conducting experiments to collect bioaerosol samples with usage of molecular biology techniques. I am combining two disciplines which are engineering and molecular biology to collect eDNA with aerosol collection techniques.

What is the impact of your research so far?

Beyond testing the devices to collect eDNA in the hub, I am searching and investigating methods to enhance the efficiency of collection devices by using molecular biology techniques. This might lead towards various applications ranging from advanced healthcare to understanding biodiversity

What has been the highlight of your research career to date?

The highlight of my research career is that being part of this group and this multidisciplinary project. This project may help to detect microorganisms which increase the speed of detection of infectious diseases and find to existence species and I am proud of the be part of this project and team who are consist of supportive and helpful people

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy doing sports such as archery and squash, listening to pop music, baking and try recipes from different cuisines.  I also like to read sci-fiction and fantastic books and visit different places around the world.