NUR CEREN KABAKCI
Lawrence
Summary
Multidisciplinary bioengineer with advanced research experience in biomaterials, antimicrobial peptide design, and machine learning–guided sequence optimization. Strong background in wet-lab experimentation, data management, and laboratory operations, complemented by prior professional experience in operations and logistics. Experienced mentor and collaborator with a proven ability to manage complex projects, schedules, and datasets in both academic and professional environments.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Researcher
University of Kansas
01.2023 - 2026
- Lead independent research in biomimetics and biomaterials, integrating peptide design, surface functionalization, and antimicrobial strategies with both experimental and computational approaches.
- Design and execute multi-step experimental workflows, maintaining reproducible protocols, structured datasets, and rigorous documentation to ensure traceability across long-term projects.
- Analyze and document results using Excel, Python, and structured lab notebooks, ensuring traceability of samples, parameters, and outcomes.
- Manage day-to-day laboratory operations alongside research, including inventory tracking, equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and scheduling of shared resources.
- Apply machine learning methods to peptide design and data interpretation, linking computational outputs with experimental validation.
- Coordinate closely with faculty, graduate students, and collaborators to align timelines, troubleshoot technical challenges, and communicate results through reports, figures, abstracts, and presentations.
- Mentor undergraduate researchers through hands-on experimental training, data analysis support, and guidance in research communication.
Graduate Student Mentor
NSF REU Program, IDEA Incubator for Porous Materials, KU
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Mentored undergraduates in experimental design, peptide workups, and data analysis
- Guided and supported an undergraduate mentee through their summer research and poster presentation
Operations Product Owner & Production Engineer
Vivosens Biotechnology
2021 - 2023
- Oversaw operational workflows for wellness products, including production planning, inventory oversight, and coordination of international shipments to overseas warehouses.
- Managed communication with international partners and logistics teams, ensuring timely delivery, accurate documentation, and resolution of shipment-related issues.
- Maintained detailed records of products, schedules, and logistics plans, balancing multiple timelines and priorities simultaneously.
- Worked cross-functionally with production, operations, and management to align manufacturing output with distribution needs.
- Developed strong time management, organizational, and professional communication skills in a fast-paced operational environment where delays directly impacted business outcomes.
- Worked with other departments to analyze customer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Managed implementation of new features by outlining plans and specifications such as how, where, and when each component would work.
Education
Ph.D. - Bioengineering
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS01.2026
M.S. - Bioengineering
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS01.2024
B.S. - Bioengineering
Yıldız Technical University
Istanbul, Turkey01.2021
Skills
- MS Office
- Quantitative & qualitative research
- Data collection
- Machine learning
- Bioinformatics
- Research design
- Planning and scheduling
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Decision-making
- Training and mentoring
LANGUAGES
English: Fluent
Turkish: Native
Timeline
Graduate Student Mentor
NSF REU Program, IDEA Incubator for Porous Materials, KU
06.2024 - 08.2024
Graduate Researcher
University of Kansas
01.2023 - 2026
Operations Product Owner & Production Engineer
Vivosens Biotechnology
2021 - 2023
Ph.D. - Bioengineering
University of Kansas
M.S. - Bioengineering
University of Kansas
B.S. - Bioengineering
Yıldız Technical University
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
- - Oral Presentation, “Biomimetic Desing of Antimicrobial Chimeric Peptides: Engineered Peptides for Next Generational Dental Restorations” – TMS 2025 – Las Vegas, NV
- - Poster Presentation, “Peptide Enabled Collagen Binding Antimicrobial Activity” GEA Research Showcase, April 2025 – Lawrence, KS
- - Poster Presentation, “Collagen Platform Exploring Dual Antimicrobial Mineralization Peptides” – TMS 2024 – Orlando, FL