Microbiology
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Postdoctoral Researcher
2017-2020
Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
EDUCATION
Ph.D
2011-2016
Institute of Environmental Sciences, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkiye
M.Sc
2008-2011
Institute of Environmental Sciences, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkiye
B.Sc
2004-2008
Department of Biology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
RESEARCH SUMMARY
My research explores how microbial communities that inhabit susceptible natural ecosystems are shaped by environmental perturbations and how in turn, this affects their functions. I also focus on the key members of these communities and probe the molecular mechanisms they have evolved to counter environmental stressors. Phototrophic microbial groups [Image of phototrophic bacteria or cyanobacteria] and those with unique biotransformation capabilities are my specific interest. My research employs meta-omics comparisons , culturing and physiological assays, and molecular tools.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Murray, B., Ertekin, E., Dailey, M., Soulier, N. T., Shen, G., Bryant, D. A., Perez-Fernandez, C., DiRuggiero, J, 2022. Adaptation of Cyanobacteria to the Endolithic Light Spectrum in Hyper-Arid Deserts. Microorganisms, 10,1198.
Ertekin, E. Meslier, V., DiRuggiero, J. Browning, A., Tregold, J. 2020. Rock structure drives the taxonomic and functional diversity of endolithic communities from extreme environments. Environmental Microbiology. doi:10.1111/1462-2920.15287.
Huang W, Ertekin E., Wang T., Cruz L., Dailey M., DiRuggiero J., Kisailus D., 2020. Mechanisms of water extraction from gypsum rock by desert colonizing microorganisms. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117, 20, 10681-10687.
Ertekin, E., Konstantinidis K., Tezel, U, 2017. A Rieske-type Oxygenase of Pseudomonas sp. BIOMIG1 converts Benzalkonium Chlorides to Benzyldimethyl Amine. Environmental Science and Technology, 51,1,175-181. (Selected as the cover issue of January, 2017).
Ertekin, E.; Hatt, J. K.; Konstantinidis, K.; Tezel, U., 2016. Similar Microbial Consortia and Genes Are Involved in the Biodegradation of Benzalkonium Chlorides in Different Environments. Environmental Science and Technology, 50,8, 4304-4313.