Assoc. Prof. NÜKET BİLGEN

Biography

Life, nature, plants, and animals have always held a mesmerizing allure for me. I am captivated by their evolution and the relentless continuation of their existence. My passion for scientific exploration ignited during middle school when I immersed myself in science magazines, devouring inspiring discoveries and breakthroughs. In my imagination, I always pictured myself donning a white coat, tirelessly unraveling the mysteries of the natural world.

Fuelled by this imagination, I embarked on a journey of academic development while studying Veterinary Medicine at Ankara University. I seized every opportunity to make a difference. Through the prestigious Erasmus program, I ventured to Hannover Veterinary University, sowing the seeds of future collaborations and broadening my horizons. Subsequently, I embarked on my Ph.D. at Ankara University's Institute of Health Sciences, delving into the captivating realm of Animal Genetics.

During my Ph.D., I eagerly participated in cutting-edge research projects and sought grants to support my endeavors. The wet lab became my sanctuary, where I relished the hands-on work and imparted knowledge to aspiring students. Imbued with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, I eagerly attended congresses and symposiums dedicated to the fascinating field of Animal Genetics. It was at the esteemed International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) congress where I found myself as a standing committee member of Companion Animal Genetic & Genomics, crossing paths with the esteemed Prof. Dr. Leslie Lyons.

As my Ph.D. journey neared its culmination, I embraced the opportunity to expand my expertise by becoming a scholar at the Royal Veterinary College, guided by the expertise of Prof. Dr. Dirk Werling. Returning invigorated, I completed my Ph.D. dissertation under the expert supervision of Prof. Dr. Okan Ertugrul.

Continuing my academic path, I joined the esteemed Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine as a dedicated research assistant. The year 2018 marked a significant milestone as I proudly assumed the role of Assistant Professor within my department. However, life threw a formidable challenge my way when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. Despite the arduous journey that lay ahead, I emerged stronger, determined to make a difference.

Inspired by my personal battles, I penned a book chronicling my physical and psychological experiences, aiming to guide and support other women traversing similar paths of adversity. Empowered by my unwavering spirit, I became an ambassador for Talos App, an innovative Artificial Intelligence tool designed to facilitate early diagnosis of breast cancer.

My relentless pursuit of scientific breakthroughs led me to spearhead groundbreaking projects focused on uncovering the causative mutations for both the Radial Hemimelia in cats and Bifid Nose phenotypes in dogs. As my contributions expanded, I proudly joined the esteemed Feline 99 Genome Consortium, Cat and Dog Genome Consortium collaborating with distinguished experts in the field.

Currently, I hold the mantle of project leader for a pioneering identification method, which has garnered a coveted patent. It is through such groundbreaking endeavors that I strive to shape the future, revolutionizing our understanding of the world we inhabit.

In the tapestry of my journey, I remain resolute in my quest to unravel the mysteries of life, leaving an indelible mark on the world of scientific discovery.