Naz Kocabay

I graduated from the Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics at Bahcesehir University, Turkey. After completing my undergraduate studies, I obtained my master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Middle East Technical University, Turkey. In my thesis study, I analyzed the transcriptomic profiles of bacilysin biosynthetic operon silenced mutant of Bacillus subtilis and its parental strain. After my first encounter with immunology during my master’s, it was clear to me that I wanted to continue my academic career in tumor immunology as I developed a strong interest in potential ways to improve current methods of treatment while also discovering the underlying mechanisms of cancer.

I joined Dr. Leila Akkari’s research group in October 2022 to investigate the interplay between glioblastoma cells and tumor microenvironment in response to therapy, particularly in the context of tumor-associated macrophages.