Ayan Hamidova

EDUCATION

College / University

Bilkent University

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Molecular Biology and Genetics

Azerbaijan

Lab Experience

DNA/RNA/plasmid isolation, PCR and qPCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction and ligation, cloning and transfection, tissue culture and 3D cell culture, embryo fixation and cuticle preparation (Drosophila), IHC, immunofluorescence microscopy, FISH, Western blotting, nanoblot experiments, Gram staining, antibody titration and optimization, flow cytometry, multi-color antibody panel design, immune cell phenotyping and interpretation, instrument calibration and maintenance, microscopy techniques (phase contrast, DIC), freezing/thawing of samples, serum biochemistry profiling, immunoassays, hematology analysis, coagulation testing, molecular diagnostics. Programming: R, MATLAB, Python.

Projects / Research

2024 - 2025: Diet-induced changes in zebrafish using metabolomics and RNA-seq; focused on pathway analysis and data visualization, combining biology with computational methods. Senior project at Bilkent University
2024: Advanced flow cytometry, antibody panel design, and data analysis to characterize immune cell populations. Dept. of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven
2023: Experience with Drosophila embryos, applying fixation, microscopy, and in situ hybridization preparations to study developmental processes. Developmental Biology Lab, Bilkent University
2022: Diagnostic tests including hematology, serum biochemistry, immunoassays, and PCR-based molecular diagnostics. ELLAB Diagnostics Laboratory, Baku

Scholarships / Awards

2025 - 2026:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2021 - 2025:	Bilkent University Undergraduate Scholarship
2024:	Erasmus+ Traineeship Scholarship

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

I am particularly interested in how neuronal activity and connectivity influence early brain development, shaping children’s cognitive and behavioral trajectories. My main motivation is to better understand the molecular and cellular basis of these processes, and how they may contribute to both healthy growth and neurodevelopmental disorders. Alongside my experimental background, I have a strong interest in computational biology, having worked extensively with programming and large-scale biological data analysis. I enjoy combining experimental and computational approaches to uncover insights that would not be possible from either perspective alone. My long-term goal is to pursue research that bridges molecular neuroscience with developmental studies, ultimately contributing to strategies that support children’s early development.