Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik , Karadeniz Technical University , Turkey
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik, born on April 18, 1984, is a distinguished academic with an extensive background in chemistry, particularly in organic chemistry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Teaching from Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2008. Later, she pursued a doctorate in Chemistry, specializing in Organic Chemistry, from KTU, completing her Ph.D. in 2017. With an h-index of 12, she has made significant contributions to scientific research, including 38 publications in SCI-Expanded indexed journals. Dr. Çelik is also recognized for her involvement in various research projects, particularly in enzyme inhibition, molecular docking studies, and the synthesis of bioactive compounds. Fluent in both Turkish and English, she actively collaborates internationally and has authored several impactful publications related to drug development and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, contributing to fields such as medicinal chemistry and biochemistry.
Publication Profile:
Scopus
Strengths for the Award:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik is a highly accomplished researcher with a strong background in organic chemistry, particularly in drug development and biological evaluations. Her significant contributions to the field are reflected in her 38 publications in SCI-Expanded indexed journals. She has demonstrated expertise in synthesizing bioactive compounds, investigating their biological activities, and applying molecular modeling techniques, including molecular docking and ADMET studies. Her work on the synthesis of flavonol derivatives, which are potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2, underscores her impact on global health research. Dr. Çelik has also been an active participant in multiple national and international research projects, including Tubitak-funded projects, focusing on enzyme inhibition and molecular modeling for disease treatment. Her leadership in scientific research, combined with a solid academic background, positions her as a valuable contributor to scientific advancements.
Areas for Improvement:
While Dr. Çelik’s research is impressive, there is room for greater visibility and dissemination of her findings to broader interdisciplinary audiences. Increased collaboration with researchers from other scientific fields, such as pharmacology and clinical medicine, could enhance the real-world application of her work, particularly in the development of drug therapies. Expanding her research focus to include more clinical trials or translational research could help bridge the gap between laboratory findings and practical medical applications. Additionally, increasing her involvement in scientific outreach or mentorship programs could further contribute to the development of the next generation of researchers in chemistry and pharmacology.
Education:
Dr. Gonca Çelik’s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Teaching from Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2008. She then pursued postgraduate studies, enrolling directly in the doctoral program in Chemistry at KTU, where she specialized in Organic Chemistry, completing her Ph.D. in 2017. Her doctoral research focused on developing bioactive organic compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Dr. Çelik has also gained international exposure during her Master’s studies, spending time at Clausthal University of Technology in Germany in 2014, which broadened her academic perspective and research experience. Over the years, her educational background and research expertise have provided a solid foundation for her ongoing contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in medicinal chemistry, enzyme inhibition, and molecular docking studies. This strong academic base supports her continued success as an academic and researcher in the field of chemistry.
Experience:
Dr. Gonca Çelik’s academic and professional journey spans over a decade. She began her career as a Research Assistant at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2010, where she worked until 2017. During her time at KTU, she contributed to several research projects in the field of chemistry, including organic synthesis and biological evaluation of compounds. Her academic work has led her to publish multiple papers in international and national journals. In 2014, she expanded her research horizons by spending time as a Master Student at Clausthal University of Technology in Germany, further strengthening her academic profile. Dr. Çelik has also been involved in various Tubitak and KTU-supported research projects, particularly focusing on enzyme inhibition, molecular docking, and bioactive compound synthesis. She has held roles in multiple projects, such as the synthesis of flavonol derivatives for drug development and the study of antimicrobial and anticancer properties of organic compounds.
Research Focus:
Dr. Gonca Çelik’s primary research interests lie in the field of organic chemistry, with a particular focus on bioactive compound synthesis, enzyme inhibition, and molecular docking studies. Her research aims to discover and develop novel organic molecules with potential therapeutic applications, especially in drug development for diseases such as COVID-19. She has worked extensively on synthesizing flavonol derivatives and other bioactive compounds, investigating their enzyme inhibition efficiencies and biological activities. Dr. Çelik’s work in molecular modeling and computational studies (e.g., ADMET and molecular docking) complements her experimental research, helping to predict the behavior of synthesized compounds at the molecular level. Her research has contributed to the development of potential inhibitors for viruses and other diseases, highlighting her interdisciplinary approach that bridges chemistry and pharmacology. She has been involved in several national and international projects, contributing to the scientific community through her publications and innovative research efforts.
Publications Top Notes:
- Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies of Flavonol-3-O-β-D-glycoside as a Potential Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (3CLpro) in Drug Development for COVID-19 🧬💊
- Synthesis, structural, spectroscopic (NMR, FT-IR and UV–Vis), NLO, in silico (ADMET and molecular docking) and DFT investigations of a flavonol derivative 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-fluoro-3-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one 🧪🔬
- Antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiviral effects, and spectroscopic characterization of metabolites produced by fusarium oxysporum yp9b 🦠💉
- Biological activity, and volatile and phenolic compounds from five Lamiaceae species 🌱🧴
- Synthesis, spectroscopic, and photophysicochemical behavior of Zn(II) and Mg(II) phthalocyanine–chalcone conjugates ⚙️🧑🔬
- New chalcone-3-O-glycoside derivatives: Synthesis and characterization 🧪🔬
- Synthesis and characterization of some new pyrazolines and their inhibitory potencies against carbonic anhydrases 🧫💥
Conclusion:
Dr. Gonca Çelik’s academic achievements, extensive publication record, and leadership in research make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her work has made substantial contributions to drug development, specifically in the context of COVID-19 treatment, enzyme inhibition, and molecular modeling. With a solid foundation in chemistry and a forward-looking approach to interdisciplinary research, she continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Enhancing her outreach efforts and fostering collaborations with clinical researchers will further amplify the impact of her work on global health. Therefore, Dr. Çelik’s research excellence, combined with her potential for future advancements, makes her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.