Open to PhD positions for 2026/2027

Erşed Akyüz

Biophysics researcher and Master's student at Izmir Institute of Technology, working where life sciences meet technology.

I bridge scientific discovery and real-world innovation. From conducting advanced research to building custom technology, I combine analytical rigor with a maker's mindset to solve complex biological challenges. I am currently seeking PhD positions that demand cross-functional expertise. Outside the lab I am building Zeroponics, automated aeroponic units for indoor spaces.

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ersedakyuz[at]iyte.edu.tr ersed.akyuz[at]epfl.ch

Portrait of Erşed Akyüz
Amide A Amide I Amide II
Schematic FT-IR absorbance spectrum of a protein, the kind of measurement my work is built on. Wavenumber in cm⁻¹.
Research articlesPublished and forthcoming
3
Conference contributions
7+
Honors and awards
7
People reachedScience communication and outreach
2.5K+
Years of research
5+
EPFL Technical University of Munich Izmir Institute of Technology Acıbadem University

Latest

Selected publications

Research and review articles

  • Multicomponent analysis of dialysis fluid for enhanced biomedical monitoring through FT-IR spectroscopy Akyüz E., Balcı D.M., Akkuş O., Tanrısev M., Güler G. (2026). Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy. DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2026.128148
  • Biophysical Assessment of Protein Stability in Ethanol-Stressed Environments Akyüz E., Vorob’ev M.M., Güler G. (2025). Biophysical Chemistry. DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2025.107538

One review article is under peer review and will hopefully be shared here soon.

Research experience

Since 2021

  1. 2025–2026

    Bio-nano-device fabrication

    Cleanroom facilities, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)

    Specialized in micro- and nano-fabrication techniques in bio-sensing. Focused on the design and patterning of quantum-based devices for molecular-level bio-sensing in point-of-care treatments.

    Keywords: Bio-sensing, e-beam lithography, nanomaterials, quantum devices

  2. 2022–2026

    Biophysics research

    Biophysics Lab, Izmir Institute of Technology

    • M.Sc. research: clinical screening (2023 to present)

      Integrating spectroscopy and Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technologies to advance biomedical monitoring. The project focuses on the intersection of nephrology and molecular sensing for CKD patients.

    • B.Sc. project: TÜBİTAK 2209-B

      Investigated protein stability in stressed environments. Used optical spectroscopy and molecular dynamics to assess biophysical interactions, resulting in a published study on ethanol-stressed environments.

    Keywords: FT-IR, QCL, UV/Vis, fluorescence, molecular dynamics, nephrology

  3. 2023

    Translational photoacoustics

    Translational Photoacoustics Lab, Technical University of Munich (TUM)

    Conducted research on non-invasive metabolite detection, specifically glucose detection using Mid-IR Photoacoustic Microscopy (MIROM) and Quantum Cascade Laser-based optical setups.

    Keywords: Photoacoustics, non-invasive detection, MIROM, glucose

  4. 2022

    Protein research

    Biotechnology Labs, Acıbadem University

    Conducted research focusing on protein purification and peptide synthesis procedures using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and fluorescence microscopy.

    Keywords: Protein purification, peptide synthesis, HPLC, fluorescence microscopy

Zeroponics

Indoor farming venture, started in 2026

Zeroponics turns idle space in existing buildings into growing space.

We build modular, fully automated, high-pressure aeroponic units for urban indoor spaces. Plants grow with their roots in a nutrient mist instead of soil, and because the system runs itself, it takes very little training to operate. It is where my automation and instrument-building work leaves the lab.

Nutritious. Sustainable. Limitless.

What the units grow
Food, high-value plants, ornamental and showcase plants, and living plant dividers. They also serve as an R&D platform.
Who it is for
Universities and institutes, municipalities, holdings and their campuses, shopping malls, restaurants and individuals.
My role
Automation, system R&D and software, in a team of six spanning physics, chemical engineering, molecular biology and genetics, and psychology.
So far
More than 50 one-to-one conversations with potential customers.
Zeroponics on Instagram Ask about Zeroponics

Technical skills

Laboratory techniques

  • Spectroscopy (FT-IR, Raman, UV/Vis, fluorescence)
  • Microscopy (AFM, SEM, optical)
  • Lithography (e-beam, photolithography)

Computational and scientific

  • Scientific writing (LaTeX, Overleaf)
  • Python, MATLAB, GROMACS
  • KLayout, Opus, Chimera
  • Figma

Hardware and prototyping

  • Fusion 360, Blender
  • 3D printing
  • Arduino, Raspberry Pi
  • Custom setup building

Selected honors and awards

Contact

Have a question about my research or want to collaborate?

Off the bench

"Tarde sed tute"

My motto. Progress may be slow, but every step is steady.

Podcast: Erşed Akyüz, as told by AI

Go to my LinkedIn account

Training materials

Access for authorized users

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