New students of TRGENMER Laboratory donned their white coats

A white coat ceremony was held for students who began participating in research activities within the Üsküdar University Transgenic Cell Technologies Application and Research Center (TRGENMER). As students took the first step in their scientific journey and donned their white coats at the ceremony, TRGENMER Director Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan emphasized that science is a process requiring patience, curiosity, and teamwork.

The ceremony took place at the Aziz Sancar Conference Hall at Üsküdar University Main Campus.

TRGENMER Director Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan, TRGENMER R&D Officer Beyza Aydın, and students attended the ceremony. 

Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan: “From the moment you enter the laboratory, become woven into its fabric”

Delivering the opening speech of the ceremony, TRGENMER Director Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan congratulated the students on embarking on their scientific journey and drew attention to the importance of laboratory culture. Taştan emphasized that science begins with curiosity, desire, and excitement before acquiring technical knowledge, stating that every moment spent in the laboratory would contribute to the students' development.

Taştan stated that it is of great importance for students not only to conduct experiments but also to embrace teamwork and feel a sense of belonging to the laboratory. He gave examples from his own student years, saying that the white coat is not just an attire but a symbol of the effort put in and the knowledge produced. Taştan said; “First of all, friends, I congratulate you for embarking on such a journey with us. This is a beautiful journey, full of curiosity, where we make new discoveries and work with DNA in all its forms. The priority for this is not to learn techniques or methods; it is to desire, to be curious, and to feel excited. As long as you maintain your excitement, every minute you spend in the laboratory will be very valuable. We want you to become woven into the fabric of this place from the moment you enter the laboratory. It is very precious to us that when you leave here and take your coat with you, you can say, 'I worked here, I produced here, and I developed here.'”

“Science is not an easy path”

Stating that scientific research requires patience and determination, Taştan said that experiments do not always yield the expected results, but this is precisely the process that develops a scientist. Taştan stated that success is possible by not giving up on trying; “Advancing on the path of science is not easy, friends. The vast majority of experiments you conduct may not yield the desired results. Sometimes you may wait for the outcome of a study you have worked on for months, even years. Science is actually believing in the unseen. Here, we not only produce results; we also teach questioning, learning, and development. In science, there are falls, rises, tears, but also laughter and success. Most importantly, there is walking without ever giving up.” he said.

Beyza Aydın: “The path is not important; who you walk the path with is very important”

TRGENMER R&D Officer Beyza Aydın also expressed her excitement about embarking on a new scientific journey with the students in her speech, emphasizing the importance of trust, solidarity, and collaborative production in the laboratory environment.

Aydın stated that uncertainties always exist in scientific studies, but this process can be successfully managed with a strong team; “The path was not important; who you walked the path with was very important. When I enter the laboratory, I never know for certain how the results will turn out. I may not be able to predict what will happen when starting a project either. But I am sure about you. I know you came here with genuine excitement and a desire to learn. Together, we will do more science, we will develop each other, we will face difficulties at times, but every challenge will push us a little further. I hope that when you leave here, you will not only have taken part in projects, but you will also be researchers with the knowledge, experience, and self-confidence to cope with the problems you will encounter.” she said.

Students donned their white coats

Following the speeches, the white coats were presented to the students who began developing projects in the TRGENMER laboratory by TRGENMER Director Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan. Within the scope of the ceremony, students were also presented with various gifts in addition to their coats.

The students expressed their satisfaction by thanking Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan and TRGENMER R&D Officer Beyza Aydın for the training, guidance, and support they provided.

In this context, the following individuals were among those conducting research activities within TRGENMER.

•    Nurdan Türk- Biotechnology Master's student, TÜSEB- In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of AAV-Based Gene Therapy Approach for GRIN1 Mutations Associated with Epilepsy, Intellectual Disability, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, TÜBİTAK UZAY MESSAGE Science Mission

•    Zeynep Berfin Uzun- Neuroscience Master's Student, TÜSEB- In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of AAV-Based Gene Therapy Approach for GRIN1 Mutations Associated with Epilepsy, Intellectual Disability, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, TÜBİTAK UZAY MESSAGE Science Mission

•    Naz Ceren Ünal- Biotechnology Master's Student, University-Industry Collaboration Project- Development of Genetically Engineered Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum) Plant with CRISPR CAS system to Increase Fiber Strength and Length

•    Sena Sevim- Molecular Biology and Genetics Undergraduate Department, TÜSEB- In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of AAV-Based Gene Therapy Approach for GRIN1 Mutations Associated with Epilepsy, Intellectual Disability, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, TÜBİTAK UZAY MESSAGE Science Mission

•    Elif Sude Yöntem, Molecular Biology and Genetics Undergraduate Department, TÜSEB- In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of AAV-Based Gene Therapy Approach for GRIN1 Mutations Associated with Epilepsy, Intellectual Disability, and Autism Spectrum Disorder

•    Pelin Çelebi, Molecular Biology and Genetics Undergraduate Department, University-Industry Collaboration Project- Development of Genetically Engineered Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum) Plant with CRISPR CAS system to Increase Fiber Strength and Length

•    Naz Aydın, Molecular Biology and Genetics Undergraduate Department, University-Industry Collaboration Project- Development of Genetically Engineered Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum) Plant with CRISPR CAS system to Increase Fiber Strength and Length

The ceremony ended after a group photo was taken with the students who had donned their white coats.