Berfin Bağatarhan

As a project student at the Laboratory of Psychophysics (LPSY), I contributed to an interdisciplinary neuroscience study focusing on visual perception and decision-making. Working under the supervision of Prof. Michael Herzog, I supported psychophysics experiments that explored how humans process temporal patterns in vision. During this research internship, I was actively involved in: • Designing and running behavioral experiments using MATLAB-based tools (e.g., Psychtoolbox), • Conducting data analysis with MATLAB and Python, • Recruiting participants and ensuring ethical research practices, • Presenting preliminary findings in lab meetings and receiving feedback from experts in cognitive neuroscience. This experience strengthened my skills in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication—while also deepening my understanding of the intersection between neuroscience and psychology. https://people.epfl.ch/berfin.bagatarhan/?lang=en

I am proud to be listed as a co-author of a study presented at the 1st International Conference on Novel Photorefineries for Resource Recovery (PhotoRefineries2024), held in Valladolid, Spain, in September 2024. Our work focused on the use of functionalized microfiber flock surfaces for bacterial immobilization, contributing to the fields of biohydrogen production and sustainable energy. This study was part of a TÜBİTAK 1001-funded project titled: “Biohydrogen and Poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid production by functionalized thin plate microfiber flock surface biofilm photobioreactor.” Under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Emrah Sağır, our work investigated immobilization of Rhodobacter capsulatus on polyamide microfiber surfaces obtained via electrostatic flocking, aiming for efficient photofermentative hydrogen production — a promising renewable energy alternative. I was actively involved in: - Surface preparation and bacterial immobilization, - Biofilm formation analysis using crystal violet assay and SEM imaging, - Spectroscopic evaluation of light transmittance and bacterial growth. This project not only contributed to scientific innovation in sustainable biotechnology, but also aligned with national clean energy initiatives.

During my internship, I took part in a research project on the “Stroop Effect” under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Nart Bedin Atalay from the Cognitive Science Department. The project aimed to investigate how conflicting cognitive stimuli affect reaction time and attention. My responsibilities included: • Running Stroop task experiments with participants • Collecting and organizing behavioral data • Assisting in data analysis and interpreting the results • Reviewing literature on cognitive interference and attentional control This experience provided me with valuable insights into experimental psychology and enhanced my understanding of cognitive control mechanisms.

During my internship at the Türkan Saylan Medical Center Biochemistry Laboratory, I gained practical experience in clinical biochemistry, with a focus on blood and urine analysis. My responsibilities included: • Assisting in routine biochemical tests performed on blood and urine samples • Learning to operate automated analyzers used for clinical diagnostics • Preparing samples and reagents in accordance with standard laboratory procedures • Observing test workflows related to liver, kidney, and metabolic function markers This internship provided me with valuable insights into the daily operations of a medical diagnostic laboratory and improved my understanding of applied clinical biochemistry.

At the METU Hydrogen Research Laboratory, I worked on the development of a novel photobioreactor system for biohydrogen production using Rhodobacter capsulatus, as part of a multidisciplinary team bridging biology and chemical engineering. My work was carried out under the TÜBİTAK 1001-funded project titled: “Biohydrogen and Poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid production by functionalized thin plate microfiber flock surface biofilm photobioreactor.” Supervised by Assoc. Prof. Emrah Sağır, I was responsible for: - Cultivating Rhodobacter capsulatus under photoheterotrophic conditions, - Preparing polyamide microfiber flock surfaces and supporting biofilm growth, - Performing crystal violet staining and SEM analysis for biofilm assessment, - Measuring light transmittance and bacterial density using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, - Monitoring pH and optical density (OD600) under different experimental conditions. This experience provided me with hands-on skills in microbial biotechnology, microscopy, and spectroscopic analysis, while enhancing my ability to work in interdisciplinary research environments aimed at clean energy solutions.

As an undergraduate researcher at the METU Ornithology Laboratory, I contributed to ecological and behavioral research on bird species native to Türkiye. My work focused on field observation, data collection, and biodiversity monitoring in forest-steppe habitats. Supervised by İbrahim Kaan Özgencil and his team, I was actively involved in: - Fieldwork involving bird banding and mist-netting, - Species identification and behavioral documentation, - Data entry and analysis using Excel and R, - Supporting long-term monitoring projects on migration and habitat use, - Assisting with public outreach and conservation education efforts. This experience enhanced my understanding of avian ecology, conservation biology, and field research methodology—strengthening my passion for environmental science and species protection.

I was selected as a scholarship student for a TÜBİTAK 1001-funded project titled: “Biohydrogen and Poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid production by functionalized thin plate microfiber flock surface biofilm photobioreactor.” This interdisciplinary project, supervised by Assoc. Prof. Emrah Sağır, aimed to explore sustainable energy production using Rhodobacter capsulatus bacteria immobilized on functionalized microfiber flock materials. My role focused on microbial cultivation and bioreactor optimization. I was actively involved in: - Preparing bacterial cultures under controlled light and dark conditions, - Conducting immobilization experiments on polyamide microfiber surfaces, - Monitoring biofilm formation and hydrogen gas production, - Performing spectroscopic analysis (UV-Vis) for bacterial growth, - Supporting technical documentation and literature review processes. This opportunity allowed me to strengthen my skills in biotechnology, microbiology, and renewable energy research, while contributing to a national project aligned with Türkiye’s clean energy goals.

During my summer internship at the Genva Lab, I contributed to research exploring the genetic basis of natural variation in Drosophila species, under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Banu Şebnem Önder. Our work focused on understanding how ecological and evolutionary dynamics interact to shape adaptations to seasonally changing environments. By studying fruit fly species of the genus Drosophila, we investigated variations in physical traits, stress tolerance, and life history characteristics. Throughout the internship, I was actively involved in: - Phenotypic assessment of Drosophila lines under varying stress conditions, - Data collection and basic analysis on life history traits, - Literature review on genetic adaptation and environmental selection, - Laboratory maintenance and experimental preparation. This experience exposed me to integrative evolutionary biology research and interdisciplinary methodologies; including genetic sequencing, phenotypic analysis, and ecological modeling. It also enhanced my appreciation for how model organisms can reveal the genetic architecture of adaptation.