Our interviewee is Öykü Gönül Geyik, an Assistant Professor from the Istinye University, Turkiye. Öykü is a founding member of Junior TBS - the Junior Section of the Turkish Biochemical Society, FEBS Constituent Society.
What motivated you to pursue a career in science? Why did you choose this field?
I got into science because of a humongous curiosity. As far back as I can remember, I have always been amazed by nature and by how complex biological systems function and fail, particularly in disease. I constantly asked why and how, and science gave me a structured way to turn that curiosity into understanding.
During my education in biochemistry and medical biology, I realized that this curiosity could be used not only to explain biological phenomena, but also to help people. Cancer biology, in particular, combines complexity, urgency, and real human impact—and that combination ultimately led me to choose this field.
Briefly introduce your research topic. What is the purpose of your research?
My main research focus is tumor heterogeneity–driven therapy resistance and strategies to overcome it. I study how genetically and phenotypically diverse cancer cell populations respond differently to treatment, and how this diversity leads to treatment failure.
The purpose of my research is to contribute to tailored therapy and patient stratification by identifying mechanisms and markers that predict resistance, ultimately helping clinicians choose the right treatment for the right patient at the right time.
What excites you most about your work or research?
My biggest motivation is seeing—or even just imagining—the impact of our work on patients’ lives. Learning from clinical problems, taking them to the lab bench, developing a solution, and giving it back to the clinic is what truly excites me. The possibility that a molecular insight gained at the bench could eventually inform clinical decision-making is a strong and constant source of motivation for me.
The translational value of science is central to my work. The motto of my lab is “to add a day to a cancer patient’s life,” and that simple idea guides everything we do.
Among all the scientific discoveries of all time, which is your favorite? Why?
The discovery of the structure of DNA is my favorite—not only because of its scientific importance, but because of the story behind it. Rosalind Franklin’s contribution represents, to me, both the brilliance and the under-recognition of women in science.
This discovery reminds me that science is not only about data, but also about people, fairness, and perseverance. The story of DNA gives me strength, ambition, and the will to move forward, especially as a woman in STEM.
What do you do as a scientist to make your work interesting and accessible to the public?
I actively engage in science communication through teaching, public talks, and participation in academic networks. I aim to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language without oversimplifying the science, particularly for students and early-career researchers. Me - serving as a Junior Ambassador for FEBS Press Journal, Molecular Oncology, is a big help in doing so. We organize journal clubs, webinars, ‘’meet-the-editor’’ sessions to help early-career researchers in learning about academic reading and writing, as well as critical reading of the articles.
Beyond academic communication, I actively use social media as an outreach tool because that is where the next generation lives. I participate in YouTube-broadcast webinars, run an Instagram account for my lab, and create short reels with my students that reflect everyday lab life and trends.
These are often used as entry points to introduce opportunities such as FEBS bursaries, EMBO lectures, or educational resources like Nature Scitable. In parallel, through teaching and mentoring, I emphasize not only scientific excellence, but also being a decent human being. I see this as outreach toward building a safer, more tolerant scientific culture for the future.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have hobbies?
Although I am very outgoing professionally, I prefer solitude in my free time. I love writing (I used to write poetry and kept a blog), listening to audiobooks—reading after hours of writing and reviewing has become an occupational challenge — (young folk, read or listen to Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus), and listening to science podcasts such as Ologies by Alie Ward, which I strongly recommend for outreach.
I also enjoy playing video games and relaxing with paint-by-numbers, which helps me disconnect mentally from academic intensity.
How was the idea of your National Junior Section born? Tell us the story of the initiative
The idea of our National Junior Section was born with the help of a “midwife”: my mentor, Prof. Dr. Ferhan Sağın. She told me that many countries had National Junior Sections, that it was a wonderful space to be in, and that I was the right person to do it. That was the seed.
Her trust was built over the years. I was an MSc student when she included my cohort and me in the organizing committee of a FEBS Advanced Course. Over time, she taught me how to be disciplined yet compassionate as a scientist. Later, we worked together on the FEBS Congress in İstanbul, where she chaired the main congress, and I served on the Young Scientists’ Forum organizing committee.
With the invaluable support of my friends Havva, Baran, Burak, and Caner, we turned that seed into Junior TBS. The idea further crystallized during the FEBS YSF in Tours in 2023. Since then, JTBS has grown steadily, gaining new perspectives with every new member who joins us.
How did you learn about the FEBS Junior Section? What motivated you to become a member?
I learned about the FEBS Junior Section through my involvement in the FEBS community and my interest in initiatives that support early-career scientists. What motivated me to become a member was the Junior Section’s strong emphasis on community building, career development, and active participation of young researchers in shaping scientific culture.
FEBS Junior Section represents a space where young scientists are trusted, empowered, and visible—and that aligned perfectly with my values.
What is the importance of getting involved in FEBS JS activities for students and young scientists?
For me, the most important aspect is contributing to a safer and more inclusive environment for future scientists. I want them to keep the good parts of academic life—and be protected from the harmful ones.
Build meaningful international networks, develop organizational abilities, and gain visibility within the broader scientific community. These are very important aspects that are made possible by being in this community.
Feeling represented, included, and accepted matters. Being LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, introverted, or simply different should never stand between someone and the positive scientific impact they want to create. As I once read: “We are all smart in academia—make a difference by being nice.”
You served as a Junior Ambassador for Molecular Oncology, a FEBS Press journal. Could you share your experience in this role and how you see it influencing your career going forward?
Serving as a Junior Ambassador for Molecular Oncology was a very meaningful experience for me, as it allowed me to engage with science beyond the laboratory. In this role, I had the opportunity to contribute to the visibility of a non-profit journal that reinvests its resources into supporting the scientific community, particularly early-career researchers.
One of the most valuable aspects was acting as a bridge between the journal and young scientists—introducing them not only to high-quality research, but also to the idea that publishing can and should contribute back to the community. Being involved in events, outreach, and communication efforts helped me better understand how scientific publishing, networking, and community-building intersect.
This experience also strengthened my interest in science communication and academic service. Going forward, I see it influencing my career by encouraging me to stay actively involved in initiatives that support young researchers, promote ethical and community-driven science, and make scientific knowledge more accessible.
What advice would you give to aspiring students/scientists?
Take the best out of every situation. Do not take setbacks personally—use failures as fuel. Stay curious, leave ego and bad attitude behind, and focus on the value you want to give to the world through science.
Where do you see your career going next?
I see myself continuing strongly in education, which is one of the parts of my job I love most. In parallel, I aim to direct my research even more toward translational applications, working closely with clinicians.
I am also interested in developing diagnostic tools for early detection of therapy resistance in cancer patients through our company, Metanostik Biotech, where I serve as CEO.