Begüm Bali takes the position of a PhD student in the WELCOME2 team. She will work with Prof. Carsten Carlberg’s Nutrigenomics group as part of the National Science Centre (NCN) OPUS project entitled “Research on epigenetic memory mechanisms based on the example of the response of human immune cells to vitamin D”. Begüm’s role focuses on supporting the analysis of samples, using essential techniques, incl. human cell isolation, library preparation and analysis and integration of next-generation sequencing data.
What is the focus of your research?
My research centers on the impact of vitamin D supplementation on immune competence. Specifically, the epigenetic memory mechanisms involved in the response of immune cells to vitamin D, which is the subject of the OPUS NCN project, under which I am joining the WELCOME2 team. My role focuses on supporting the analysis of samples that arrive to our laboratory, using basic techniques such as human cell isolation, library preparation and analysis and integration of next-generation sequencing data. I will also be responsible for interpreting the overall results and contributing to a better understanding of how vitamin D influences immune function on a molecular level.
What organizations/institutions have you studied or worked in?
I studied microbiology at the University of Istanbul (Turkiye). During my Master’s degree, I had the opportunity to work on cave bacteria and their characteristics. After graduation, I started working as a medical consultant/copywriter and had a chance to bring scientific data together with healthcare professionals and the public through healthcare brands. During this time, I had the chance to research healthcare products and the health benefits of many components. I gained experience in medical marketing through the processes I was involved in as a medical writer and creative. Recently, I worked at a healthcare cosmetics company where my role was to present health products to customers and provide them with appropriate advice.
During this period, I had the opportunity to develop my pitching skills both in front of the camera and on stage.
What do you consider the greatest achievement in your career so far?
In my opinion, combining creative thinking with scientific data is highly valuable. I have had satisfying successes in this regard, but perhaps my most valuable achievement is the feedback we received from a project I engaged in as a consultant. A young physician who participated in our training shared with us that she was able to detect skin cancer in her father thanks to the project. It is so gratifying to be involved in the work that truly benefits lives and to receive positive feedback from it.
What was your motivation to join WELCOME2 team?
The work being done here is truly admirable. Working directly on healthy living and applying and interpreting advanced analyses is a great pleasure for a biologist. Learning new information about epigenetics and healthy aging and having the opportunity to shed light on new information is quite exciting. On the other hand, I can say that learning many valuable things from Prof. Carsten Carlberg is also an important source of motivation for me. I believe that I will gain valuable experience here. All of these have been the foundation of my motivation to be a part of this team.
What are your research goals to pursue in the near future?
I plan to gain much deeper knowledge about the relationship between epigenetic memory mechanisms and the aging process. I will continue my laboratory studies and research with my primary focus on being effective in the projects we will carry out here. Then, I hope to continue my research career and become more productive in science, research, and knowledge-sharing.
What are your outside of work interests?
When I have the chance, I love being a narrator for audiobooks. I have a wellness-themed blog that everyone can read and sometimes write articles for the blog platform. I like taking photos of animals and plants in the nature and the city. Apart from that, walking has an important place in my life. I also enjoy yoga, pilates, fitness, painting with watercolors, and playing console games.
