Doctoral researcher in the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhotoCaM Doctoral Network at the University of Patras, working on computational structural biology and molecular dynamics of diatom light-harvesting complexes.
I use molecular dynamics simulations to study the conformational dynamics of diatom light-harvesting complexes — the fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins (FCPs) and the photoprotective protein LHCX1 — to understand how diatoms switch between harvesting light and protecting themselves from it.
My background is interdisciplinary, spanning biotechnology, microbiology, bioengineering and bioinformatics. Computationally I model protein structures with AlphaFold2, build membrane-protein systems with CHARMM-GUI, and run all-atom simulations and trajectory analysis in GROMACS, including machine-learning-based approaches such as Markov state modelling. I also have hands-on wet-lab experience in cell culture, HPLC, PCR and microbial fermentation, and I have carried out research placements in Türkiye and India.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network PhotoCaM, fully funded doctoral fellowship. Research on the conformational dynamics of diatom light-harvesting complexes (FCP / LHCX1), supervised by Prof. Vangelis Daskalakis.
Thesis: "In silico modelling and molecular dynamics simulations of a cpGFP-derived fluorescent oxytocin receptor biosensor," supervised by Prof. Alper Devrim Özkan.
Thesis: "Optimization of α-amylase production by Streptomyces sp. using date waste," supervised by Dr. Mouna Imène Oussadi and co-supervised by Dr. Mohammed Berkani.
Studies the conformational dynamics of diatom light-harvesting complexes — the fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins (FCPs) and how they interact with the photoprotective protein LHCX1 — to understand how diatoms switch between light harvesting and photoprotection. Predicts and models FCP monomers and FCP–LHCX1 complexes using machine learning and homology modelling, and applies machine-learning-based MD analysis tools, such as Markov state modelling, to identify the main conformational states.
Designed and modelled a cpGFP-derived fluorescent oxytocin receptor biosensor and assembled the sequences of the fluorescent reporter constructs. Predicted protein structures with AlphaFold2, built membrane-embedded simulation systems with CHARMM-GUI, ran and analysed all-atom MD simulations in GROMACS, performed protein–protein docking, and used Python and machine learning for data analysis.
Contributed to research projects and academic publications alongside a team of PhD and master's students. Wet-lab work in biochemistry, cell culture, HPLC and peptide synthesis; computational work in SeeSAR docking, MD simulation and drug design. Supervised by Prof. Loganathan Rangasamy.
Project: "Catalysing Sustainable Investments and Trade in Food Systems in Southern Africa," supervised by Prof. Adam Saffer.
Led the practical tutorial sessions (travaux dirigés) of the cytology course.
Led the team that developed the winning prototype: sustainable food packaging made from bacterial-cellulose biofilm and orange-peel waste. The project was presented at Interpack 2023 in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Received for volunteer work in the home-hospitalisation service for COVID-19 patients in Batna.