Assist. Prof. Dr. Perihan AKBAŞ | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ondokuz Mayıs University, Turkey

Dr. Perihan Akbaş is a distinguished microbiologist and academic at Ondokuz Mayıs University, Turkey, specializing in microbiology, biotechnology, and food microbiology. With a PhD in General Biology from Atatürk University and a strong foundation in biological sciences, she has built a remarkable career centered around the investigation of natural antimicrobial agents and microbial safety in foods. Over two decades, Dr. Akbaş has contributed extensively to scientific literature with numerous articles in international peer-reviewed journals, focusing on plant extracts, peptone production from insects, and microbial food safety. Her academic leadership is reflected through her advisory roles in postgraduate theses and participation in international scientific congresses. She has also authored chapters in scholarly books, further underlining her interdisciplinary expertise. Known for her rigorous scientific methodology and innovative research, Dr. Akbaş continues to play a key role in shaping future research in applied microbiology and forensic biotechnology.

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Education

Dr. Perihan Akbaş began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Atatürk University, graduating in 2002. She earned her Master’s degree in Biology (with thesis) from Kafkas University in 2004, with a thesis focused on the investigation of E. coli O157:H7 in doner kebabs sold in Kars. In 2013, she completed her Ph.D. in General Biology at Atatürk University’s Institute of Science. Her doctoral thesis explored the use of the Locusta migratoria grasshopper as a microbial peptone source, supervised by Prof. Dr. Esabi Başaran Kurbanoğlu. Her academic training provided a strong basis in microbiology, food safety, and biotechnology, laying the groundwork for her diverse research portfolio. Her educational background spans microbiological analysis, natural antimicrobial agents, microbial growth media development, and environmental biology, which collectively shape her research focus in applied and forensic sciences.

Professional Experience 

Dr. Akbaş’s academic career spans various prestigious institutions. She served as Assistant Professor at Kafkas University between April 2014 and April 2022 in the Department of Medical Services and Techniques. Since April 2022, she has held the same title at Ondokuz Mayıs University’s School of Health Services, specifically in the Pathology Laboratory Techniques program. In addition to teaching, she contributed administratively as Deputy Director of the Karadeniz Advanced Technology Application and Research Center (2022–2024). Her experience extends to supervising graduate theses on emerging topics in forensic and medical sciences. She has led and participated in multiple national and international scientific conferences and has extensive experience in academic publishing, curriculum development, and student mentoring. Dr. Akbaş’s multidisciplinary approach integrates microbiology, biochemistry, and forensic science, reflecting her commitment to high-impact research and education.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Perihan Akbaş is widely recognized for her academic excellence and research contributions. Though individual award details are not extensively listed, her scientific impact is evident through frequent citations, international publications, and invited presentations. Her works, especially those focused on antimicrobial agents derived from plants and microorganisms, have drawn attention in the scientific community. She has also contributed to several prestigious congresses as an oral presenter and co-author, indicating peer recognition. Additionally, she has co-authored chapters in international books published by reputable publishers, such as Serüven Yayınevi and Gece Kitaplığı. Her consistent output and mentorship of postgraduate research further reflect her academic leadership. Being a regular presenter at national and international conferences and having contributed to forensic and food microbiology literature, Dr. Akbaş is regarded as a reliable scientific voice in her domain.

Research Interests

Dr. Akbaş’s research focuses on microbiology, biotechnology, and food safety. Her primary interest lies in investigating the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of natural plant extracts, such as Peganum harmala, Rumex patientia, and Hyoscyamus reticulatus. She explores their applications in treating microbial infections and as food preservatives. Another key area is food microbiology, specifically the detection of pathogens like E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. in meat products. She also delves into the biotechnological production of microbial peptones from unconventional sources like Locusta migratoria and the use of deep eutectic solvents for bioactive compound extraction. Dr. Akbaş integrates modern analytical techniques like GC-MS/MS and XRF into her work, linking biological efficacy with chemical composition. Her interdisciplinary approach merges microbiology, toxicology, and forensic science, making her research impactful for both clinical and food safety applications.

Research Skills 

Dr. Perihan Akbaş possesses extensive skills in experimental microbiology, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, microbial culture techniques, and food safety assessment. She is proficient in biochemical analysis methods such as GC-MS/MS, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and spectrophotometric assays. Her expertise also includes extraction of active compounds using classical solvents and advanced deep eutectic solvents. She has hands-on experience in developing and optimizing microbial growth media from alternative nitrogen sources. Dr. Akbaş is adept at statistical analysis of biological data, manuscript preparation, and interdisciplinary research design. Her work frequently bridges forensic, environmental, and food sciences. Additionally, she demonstrates strong supervisory skills, guiding MSc and PhD students in developing scientifically sound and ethically approved research. She actively participates in scientific writing, peer reviewing, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making her a versatile and impactful researcher.

Conclusion

Dr. Perihan Akbaş is a prominent academic whose interdisciplinary expertise spans microbiology, biotechnology, food safety, and forensic sciences. Her innovative research, dedication to academic mentorship, and continuous contributions to scientific literature make her a respected figure in the scientific community. Her ability to blend practical applications with fundamental research reflects her value as both a scientist and educator.

Publication Top Notes

1. Akbaş P., Kaya E., Makav M., Yıldız G. (2023). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Chenopodium album extracts.

2. Kaya E., Akbaş P. (2023). Antimicrobial, antioxidant activities and fatty acid composition of Peganum harmala Seed.

3. Akbaş P., Kurbanoğlu E.B. (2022). Locusta migratoria as a nitrogen source for microbial growth.

4. Alkan H., Akbaş P., Durhan S., Öztürkler O. (2021). Antimicrobial activity of horseradish root.

5. Kaya E., Akbaş P., et al. (2020). Fatty acid composition of Rumex patientia and antimicrobial activity.

6. Akbaş P., Uslu H., et al. (2020). Antimicrobial and apoptotic activity of Hyoscyamus reticulatus.

7. Akbaş P., Kaya E., et al. (2020). XRF and antibacterial characteristics of Hyoscyamus reticulatus seeds.

8. Alkan H., Akbaş P., et al. (2017). Assertiveness level of health services vocational school students.

9. Akbaş P., Gürsoy Kol Ö., et al. (2017). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of watermelon and seeds.

10. Gürbüz A., Akbaş P. (2015). Antibiotic susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from bovine lungs.

11. Ulukanlı Z., Akbaş P., Tuzcu M. (2006). E. coli O157:H7 in doner kebabs in Kars.

12. Elmali M., Ulukanlı Z., et al., Akbaş P. (2005). E. coli O157:H7 detection from ground beef in Turkey.

13. Elmali M., Ulukanlı Z., et al., Akbaş P. (2005). Microbiological quality of beef doner kebabs in Turkey.