SUNUM, Sabanci University | Turkey
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Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Guldem Utkan's journey in academia began with her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey, in 1989. She further pursued her education in the United States, obtaining two Master’s degrees. The first, in Materials Science and Engineering, was from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, U.S.A., in 1992, where her thesis focused on the "Chemical Etching Technique for Porous and Fine Grain YBa2Cu3O7-x Superconductors with or without Silver Addition." She continued her studies at Lehigh University, earning another M.Sc. in Polymer Science and Engineering in 1997, with a thesis on "Shear Band Propagations in Different Crosslinked Epoxies." Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey, in 2006, with a dissertation on the synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles and their nucleic acid applications.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Utkan has had an illustrious career spanning several prestigious institutions. She began as a Research Assistant at Lehigh University from 1996 to 1998 and later at Hacettepe University from 1998 to 2007. She then served as Chief Researcher at the TUBITAK Marmara Research Center’s Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute from 2008 to 2018. She continued her academic career as an Associate Professor at Marmara University, Faculty of Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department, from 2018 to 2022. Currently, she is a part-time researcher at SUNUM, Sabancı University, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Utkan's research has significantly impacted various fields, particularly in the synthesis and application of nanoparticles and nanotechnology in chemical engineering. Her projects include the TUBITAK 1004 "LignoNANO" project, focusing on sustainable circular economy and advanced nanotechnological materials. She has also led and participated in numerous other projects, such as investigating the effect of biologically produced reduced graphene oxide on wound dressing materials and the development of DNA purification kits based on magnetically loaded polymeric nanoparticles.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Utkan's contributions to science have been recognized through several awards and honors. Notably, she received the Turkish Ministry of National Education Scholarship for her graduate studies in the U.S.A. and a High Honor Student award during her undergraduate years at M.E.T.U. Her membership in various prestigious societies, including the World Controlled Release Society and the Turkish Biochemistry Society, further attests to her esteemed position in the scientific community.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Utkan's work has had a profound influence on both academic research and practical applications. Her research on magnetic nanoparticles and their use in biotechnology has paved the way for advancements in DNA purification and medical applications. Her contributions as a reviewer and editorial board member for several high-impact journals, including the Journal of Nanomedicine and the Journal of Biomedical Engineering, underscore her influence in shaping contemporary research in her fields of expertise.
Legacy and Future Contributions
As Dr. Utkan continues her work at SUNUM, Sabancı University, she remains committed to advancing her research and contributing to the scientific community. Her future endeavors are likely to build on her extensive background in nanotechnology and chemical engineering, driving innovations that could lead to significant breakthroughs in medical and industrial applications.
Notable Publications
The comparison of contribution of GO and rGO produced by green synthesis to the properties of CMC-based wound dressing material 2024
Production of Reduced Graphene Oxide by Using Three Different Microorganisms and Investigation of Their Cell Interactions 2023 (4)
A novel PLED architecture containing biologically synthesized gold nanoparticles and ultra thin silver layer 2015 (11)
Role of biomaterials in prevention of in-stent restenosis 2014 (4)