Gulen Yesilbag Tonga
About Gulen Yesilbag Tonga
Gulen Yesilbag Tonga is a Senior Scientist at Tessera Therapeutics, with a strong background in chemistry and extensive experience in nanomaterials research. She has held various academic and research positions, including roles at Bogazici University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and has authored over 54 publications in high-impact journals.
Work at Tessera Therapeutics
Gulen Yesilbag Tonga has been employed at Tessera Therapeutics as a Senior Scientist since 2021. In this role, she focuses on the development of innovative therapeutic solutions, leveraging her extensive background in chemistry and nanomaterials. Her work involves the design and synthesis of functional nanomaterials aimed at enhancing the delivery of chemotherapeutics, nucleic acids, and proteins.
Education and Expertise
Gulen Yesilbag Tonga holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she studied from 2010 to 2016. She also earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry from Boğaziçi University, completing her studies there from 2008 to 2010. Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Boğaziçi University, which she obtained from 2003 to 2008. Her educational background supports her expertise in nanomaterials and biochemical assay development.
Background
Before joining Tessera Therapeutics, Gulen Yesilbag Tonga gained diverse experience in academic and research settings. She worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 2010 to 2017. Additionally, she served as a Teaching Assistant at Boğaziçi University from 2008 to 2010 and as a Student Assistant at the same institution in 2007. Her early experience includes a Student Internship at Pfizer in 2006.
Achievements
Gulen Yesilbag Tonga has a strong publication record, with over 54 publications in high-impact journals, including Nature Chemistry and ACS Nano. She has contributed to a patent related to a biodegradable hydrogel for polynucleotide delivery. Her research includes conducting structure-activity relationship studies of nanoparticles and developing biochemical and cell-based assays for screening nanomaterials and polymers.
Research and Development Skills
Gulen Yesilbag Tonga possesses extensive skills in the design and synthesis of functional nanomaterials. She has fabricated artificial enzymes using gold nanoparticle-transition metal catalyst complexes and has experience in a variety of analytical techniques, including spectroscopy, microscopy, and molecular weight analysis. Additionally, she has prepared animal protocols and grant applications as part of her research activities and has trained and mentored undergraduate and graduate students.