Mauricio E. Alarcón, PhD

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He is a native of Chiguayante, Chile. Early in his research, he studied parasitic symbiosis through flea-rodent and cat flea-gregarine interactions. Currently, Dr. Alarcón's research focuses on mutualistic interactions between bacterial endosymbionts and insects, examining the ecology of the species, their embryological development, and their evolutionary history. His long-term goal is to decipher how phylogenetically distant organisms become fully integrated, ultimately functioning as a single unit. He is currently leading the TÜBİTAK 1001 project, which aims to track the developmental trajectory of the cells that become bacteriocytes in a species of leafhoppers called Anaceratagallia ribauti.

She completed her doctorate on “The Place of Endosymbiotic Theory in Evolutionary Biology Since the Modern Synthesis” combining her work in the philosophy of biology with practical research into essential intracellular symbiotic relationships. In approaching the evolution of living beings, she sought to move beyond perspectives that reduce organisms merely to genetic material and mutation. Nature presents a far more intricate and compelling narrative, with multiple levels of organization and their reciprocal interactions. Working in an eco-evo-devo laboratory offered an exceptional opportunity to expand this perspective. Rearing organisms enabled her to appreciate first-hand the dynamism of interspecies relationships and organism–environment interactions, while addressing scientific questions using advanced molecular genetic techniques and imaging tools proved profoundly enriching. The drive to push conceptual boundaries and continually question prevailing paradigms is the central motivation for her work. Besides this, she loves writing stories, doing outreach activities with children, and observing nature.  

 

“The drive to push conceptual boundaries and continually question prevailing paradigms is the central motivation for my work.” - Zelal

She is an experienced animal technician with six years of vertebrate laboratory support at BILSAB and additional expertise in invertebrate husbandry at the Rafiqi Lab. Her work includes daily animal care, welfare monitoring, and precise record-keeping, as well as hands-on support for in vivo studies. She has developed and maintained ant, mealworm, and cockroach colonies to meet research needs, combining methodical husbandry practices with strong biosecurity and adherence to institutional SOPs. She is known for her reliable colony management, attention to animal welfare, and clear communication with researchers and veterinarians. 

I firmly believe that the future of science lies in inclusive, collaborative communities—where talent from all backgrounds is nurtured, and scientific inquiry is guided by curiosity rather than barriers. By offering equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic background, we can unite a diverse set of minds to tackle the most complex and urgent challenges facing the world today. My vision is to contribute to reducing global disparities in both the quality of science and the scientists producing it. This can only happen when we actively empower and uplift those who have been historically marginalized or overlooked in traditional academic structures.

At BILSAB, I'm excited to be part of a collective effort to build a more inclusive and impactful scientific future, where our research contributes not just to academia but to solving global problems and creating positive changes in the world.

She is a PhD candidate in the Rafiqi Lab. I'm fascinated by the complex question of obligate endosymbiosis: how hosts and their symbiotic partners co-evolve and communicate at the molecular level. To investigate this, I focus on ants, a group that showcases incredible biological diversity and intriguing symbiotic associations. More specifically, I study how the BMP signaling pathway shapes these endosymbiotic interactions and contributes to key developmental processes. By examining gene expression and pathway dynamics, I aim to uncover how molecular signaling governs the intricate crosstalk between the host and its endosymbionts. One of my favorite aspects of my scientific work is also a bit of an exploration: capturing the hidden beauty of endosymbiosis through microscopy, blending science with art, and I love every moment of it! 

“Beyond the lab, I love exploring new countries and immersing myself in different cultures. Science has also taken me on journeys around the world, allowing me to attend conferences, share ideas, and collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds. These experiences fuel my curiosity and passion for discovery!”

“Capturing the hidden beauty of endosymbiosis through microscopy, blending science with art, and I love every moment of it!” - Nihan

She is a PhD candidate and research technician with a background in Molecular Biology and Genetics, currently pursuing my PhD in Biotechnology at BILSAB. My work explores the metabolism of Blochmannia, the obligate endosymbiont of the Carpenter ant Camponotus floridanus.

My research focuses on Blochmannia's genes and metabolic pathways using advanced molecular tools to uncover how this bacterium supports its host and sustains the intricate metabolic interdependence between the symbiont and ant.

Building on my background in bioinformatics, I am currently pursuing my doctoral studies in the Biotechnology program at BILSAB. During my undergraduate years, my internship in the Rafiqi Lab (2019–2020) played a pivotal role in shaping my current research interests and career trajectory.

My research focuses on uncovering the regulatory pathways through which Blochmanniainfluences the host genome during development. I apply comprehensive bioinformatics frameworks to investigate transcriptional architecture and the chromatin regulatory mechanisms underlying host–symbiont interactions.

“my     time as a intern in the Rafiqi Lab (2019–2020) played a pivotal role in     shaping my current research interests and career trajectory.” -Ahmet

She is a PhD candidate with a background in Molecular Biology and Genetics, having completed my bachelor's and master's degrees in this field. This year, I started the PhD program in the Laboratory of Ecological Evolutionary Developmental Biology at the Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology to explore fundamental questions about the evolutionary and developmental biology of ants. 

“My research focuses on Camponotus floridanus, a model ant species that harbors the obligate endosymbiont Blochmannia. I study the Hox genes within the bithorax complex (BX-C), which are highly conserved transcription factors that determine segmental identity during embryogenesis in bilaterian animals. In ants, these genes have evolved beyond their canonical homeotic functions, exhibiting maternal expression that influences posterior development and germline formation. My work aims to uncover how the regulatory mechanisms of BX-C genes have evolved in ants.”