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Chemist, Chemical Engineer, Materials Scientist

I am a materials and process engineer with a doctoral background, helping organizations translate complex science into scalable, compliant, and commercially viable solutions.
I work at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and sustainability, supporting data-driven decision-making, portfolio strategy, and industrial implementation.

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ABOUT ME

I am a materials scientist and engineering consultant with a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, specializing in product development, process development, and industrial innovation across the chemical, pharmaceutical, and advanced materials sectors. I help organizations translate emerging technologies into scalable, regulatory-compliant, and commercially viable solutions.

My expertise spans polymers, additive manufacturing, advanced ceramics processing, formulation development, and pilot-scale manufacturing, supported by strong capabilities in material characterization, process optimization, and technology readiness assessment. I have led and contributed to projects involving controlled-release systems, green manufacturing, electrochemical sensing, and mold-free fabrication, with direct exposure to good manufacturing practice, regulatory documentation, and technology transfer.

I currently work at the intersection of innovation strategy, Safe and Sustainable by Design, life-cycle assessment, and portfolio decision-making, supporting product managers, research and development teams, and innovation leaders in evaluating technology trends, sustainability performance, and business impact. My work integrates scientific risk assessment, sustainability metrics, and return-on-investment thinking to guide informed industrial decisions.

With experience across multinational corporations, industry consortia, and research-driven organizations, I bring a consulting mindset grounded in systems thinking, design thinking, and change management. Recognized as one of the 100 Leaders of Tomorrow in Biotechnology and trained in innovation and entrepreneurship through OneLeague and Stanford Online, I bridge deep technical expertise with business and market awareness.

I am interested in engineering consultancy, technology consulting, and innovation advisory roles focused on product and process development, sustainable industrial transformation, and advanced materials strategy. I welcome collaboration with organizations seeking to evaluate, develop, and scale next-generation technologies.

EXPERIENCE

Work History

Postdoctoral Researcher 

Chemical, Material and Regulatory Sciences

  • Design decision-support tools that embed Safe and Sustainable by Design principles into product development and portfolio decisions

  • Lead an industry work package in the PLANETS project, translating sustainability frameworks into practical industrial design guidance

  • Bridge scientific, regulatory, and business perspectives by integrating methodologies from leading European sustainability institutions

  • Evaluate flame retardants through tiered safety, environmental, and bioreactivity assessments

  • Quantify the business value of Safe and Sustainable by Design through return-on-investment and value creation models

  • Support regulatory approval and sustainability claims through life cycle assessment and advanced material testing

Formulation Development Assistant Specialist 

Inhalers

  • Contributed to the development and scale-up of inhalation medicines from laboratory to pilot scale

  • Oversaw pilot manufacturing and process validation to ensure robust and reproducible production

  • Prepared regulatory-ready process documentation in compliance with good manufacturing practices

  • Worked cross-functionally to align formulation, quality, production, and regulatory activities

Medical Affairs Intern 

Vaccines

  • Supported the launch of a meningitis vaccine through clear, field-ready medical training materials

  • Advanced antibiotic resistance awareness initiatives by supporting global scientific communication efforts

  • Adapted complex global medical content for effective local implementation

  • Assisted in medical affairs documentation and scientific engagement processes

Quality Control Intern 

Lubricants

  • Performed routine QC testing (TBN, viscosity, density) on lubricant products

  • Gained exposure to ISO 17025, analytical testing, and industrial QC workflows

Quality Assurance Intern 

Lubricants

  • Conducted physical and chemical quality tests (viscosity, flash point, ICP-AES, demulsibility)

  • Supported quality assurance activities in an industrial laboratory setting

Production Intern 

Powder Coatings

  • Assisted QC testing of powder coatings (color, gloss, particle size, film thickness)

  • Supported electrostatic coating application and production processes

EDUCATION

Academic Background

2020-24 PhD in Materials Science and Nanoengineering @Sabanci University

​Projects: i) controlled-release systems for agricultural application, ii) bio-inspired gliders, iii) magnetic fiber robots via 3D printing, iv) advanced ceramics to adapt Industry 4.0

2017-18 MSc in Materials Science and Engineering @Imperial College London

Project: Child-friendly patches against an emerging diabetes epidemic in Turkey

2011-16 Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Double Major in Chemical Engineering @Bogazici University

Thesis: Design of microchips for tissue engineering and fabrication of microbioreactors
Graduation seminar: Is it possible to repair cartilage defects by using HA-TG gels and young chondrocytes?

Publications & Conferences

Please visit Google Scholar account for updated records.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Recognitions & Awards

Presidential Scholarship Award by One League

2023, California, USA

Awarded to outstanding students for academic excellence and leadership potential. One League is a global education institution providing the world's highest potential change-makers a world-class education and opportunities to realize global impact.

Completed the OneLeague x Stanford Online Certificate of Achievement in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, covering modules such as:

  • Essentials of Entrepreneurship

  • Negotiation

  • Cultivating the Entrepreneurial Mindset

  • Empathize & Prototype

  • Finance

  • Building Business Models

Leaders of Tomorrow in Biotech by Global Biotech Revolution

2022, Cambridge, United Kingdom

This program identifies and honors young professionals and students with exceptional promise in biotechnology and life sciences. 

Pitched an early-warning system for organ transplant rejection, focusing on problem identification and innovative solution design.

Proposed a multi-sensor dermal patch to continuously capture patients’ vitals and transmit data securely to medical teams, enabling early detection of acute and chronic organ rejection.

Amgen Scholars Program Research Scholarship awarded by Amgen Foundation

2015, Zürich, Switzerland

Offered by the Amgen Foundation, this scholarship supports students conducting research in biotechnology, molecular biology, or related life sciences. As part of this program, I completed a 3-month research project on cartilage regeneration at ETH Zürich, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge tissue engineering techniques. This reflects both scientific capability and commitment to translational research.

2010, Global

Part of the internationally recognized Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, the Bronze level acknowledges young people who have completed a structured set of personal development activities, including community service, physical challenges, skill-building, and adventurous expeditions. It demonstrates resilience, commitment, and well-rounded personal growth.

CONTACT

Get in touch with us for any inquiries or feedback. We are here to assist you.

 

© 2026 by A. Ay. 

 

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