Member SpotlightsDeciphering The Catalytic Mechanism of Enzyme Families Mr. Sabri Bora Erdemli A Science Advisory Board Member Since 2012  Mr. Sabri Bora Erdemli is currently Co-Founder and Director of PhD2Consulting. He is also completing his doctoral degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Q: What is your professional title and what degree(s) do you hold? SE: I am Co-Founder and Managing Director at PhD2Consulting. I am also a Ph.D candidate at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Finally, I am an active Board Member at the American-Turkish Association of Washington, DC. In addition to my professional titles, I hold three other degrees: a Master of Arts in Biophysics, a Master of Science in Computational Sciences and Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Q: What does your organization/institution do? SE: Enzymes play a key role in all metabolic and cell-signaling processes. Characterization of an enzyme’s biological function must include the description of its mechanisms at an atomic level. Our laboratory is deciphering the catalytic mechanism of several enzyme families, using a combination of molecular biology, biochemistry, and structural Biology. Q: Please elaborate on your educational background. SE: While studying for my Ph.D. in Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, I discovered the mechanism of a key enzyme and developed inhibitors, which could potentially shorten the length and decrease the cost of tuberculosis treatment. For my M.A. in Biophysics, also at Johns Hopkins University, I researched Quantum mechanical and Molecular Mechanical (QM/MM) calculations of redox reaction in Quinone Oxidoreductase. My M.Sc. in Computational Science and Engineering, from Koc University in Turkey, focused on developing and implementing a novel computational method to identify important components of protein-protein interactions that could decrease the exorbitant cost of drug discovery studies. Finally, for my B.Sc. Chemical Engineering, I concentrated on investigating the effect of oxygen level on protein production of recombinant bacteria and designed a lab-size bioreactor for enzyme production. Q: Please elaborate on your professional background. SE: In February 2011, my business partner Joel Hooper, Ph.D. and I founded PhD2Consulting. At PhD2Consulting, we strive to provide insight and networking opportunities for Ph.D. candidates and professionals who are interested in transitioning from academia to management consulting. We have nearly 1,000 LinkedIn members and a growing network of motivated Ph.D.’s eager for information about careers in consulting. Q: What are some of your outside interests? SE: Outside my professional activities, I try spending most of my time with my family and two year old daughter. I am also an avid soccer fan who follows national and international soccer very closely. Q: Please describe your motivations as to why you wanted to go into the scientific field -- what were your motivations or inspirations? SE: My biggest motivation going into the scientific field was my endless hunger for learning. ### << Previous Next >> [ View All Member Spotlights ] |
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