Ms. Nihan Atak | Microfluidics | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Nihan Atak , JOANNEUM RESEARCH – MATERIALS , Austria.

Ms. Nihan Atak is a dedicated and innovative PhD candidate in Bioengineering with over 5 years of research experience in microfluidics and neuron-on-chip technologies 🧠🔬. Currently pursuing her PhD at Joanneum Research and TU Wien in Austria 🇦🇹, she specializes in the design and analysis of foil-based microfluidic devices and neural cell behavior under electrical stimulation. Her collaborative mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and passion for advancing neurobiological research make her a valuable contributor to interdisciplinary teams 🤝💡. With international research experience in Spain and the Netherlands, Nihan combines technical excellence with global scientific exposure 🌍📊.

Professional Profile

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Education & Experience

🎓 Education:

• 🎓 Master Thesis Student | BIOS Lab-on-a-Chip, University of Twente (2018–2019)

• 🎓 Research Master Student | Biomimetics Group, Izmir Institute of Technology (2017)

• 🎓 Undergraduate Researcher | Izmir Institute of Technology (2015–2016)

🧪 Experience:

• 📚 PhD Candidate | Joanneum Research and TU Wien, Graz & Vienna (2021–Present)

• 🌍 Guest Researcher | Innoprot, Bilbao, Spain (Feb 2024)

• 🌍 Guest Researcher | Tecnalia, San Sebastian, Spain (Apr–May 2023)

Summary Suitability

Nihan Atak is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award, recognized for her groundbreaking work in bioengineering, particularly in microfluidic chip design for neuron-on-chip applications. As a PhD candidate at Joanneum Research and TU Wien, she has demonstrated scientific leadership and innovation in developing scalable, high-precision platforms for in vitro neuronal studies. With over five years of hands-on research experience across Austria, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Spain, Nihan combines advanced fabrication techniques with neurobiological insight, contributing significantly to brain-on-chip technologies and electrical stimulation studies.

Professional Development 

Ms. Nihan Atak’s professional journey is shaped by hands-on training in photolithography, nanoimprinting, and soft lithography techniques for microfluidics fabrication 🧪🛠️. Her involvement in cutting-edge neural chip models and primary cell isolation has enhanced her skills in experimental neuroscience and biomedical device validation ⚙️🔍. She thrives in both independent research and dynamic team settings, showing adaptability, multitasking, and calmness under pressure 💼🌟. Nihan also leverages image analysis tools to quantify neuron responses, contributing to advanced diagnostics and therapeutic innovation 🎯📉. Her global exposure through guest researcher roles continues to enrich her professional and cross-cultural competencies 🌐💡.

Research Focus 

Nihan’s research focuses on neuro bioengineering and microfluidic technology 🧠🔬. Her work bridges microdevice fabrication with neuronal cell behavior analysis, particularly in neuron-on-chip platforms. She develops and validates miniaturized systems to study neural responses to stimuli like electrical currents ⚡🧫. By working with glioblastoma lines and primary embryonic brain cells, her research supports advancements in neural interface development and brain disease modeling 🧬🧪. This interdisciplinary field merges bioengineering, neurobiology, and material science, aiming for innovative solutions in personalized medicine and brain-on-chip technologies 🧉🛠️. Her work holds promise for neurological disease modeling and drug testing platforms 🚀💊.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

• 🏅 Guest Research Fellowship | Innoprot, Spain

• 🏅 Guest Research Fellowship | Tecnalia, Spain

• 🏅 International Research Collaboration | University of Twente, Netherlands

• 🏅 Research Excellence Acknowledgement | Joanneum Research Projects

Publication Top Notes

1. 📝 Conference Paper
   Title: Development of Neuronal Junction Chamber via High-Precision Roll-to-Roll (R2R) Manufacturing
   Event: 2024 MicroTAS Book of Abstracts
   Date: 2024-10-07
   DOI: 10.70477/qzff6707
   Contributor: Nihan Atak

2. 🧾 Conference Poster
   Title: Microfluidic Chip for In Vitro Neuronal Cell Culture under Electrical Stimulation
   Event: World Congress on Electrical Engineering and Computer Systems and Science (WCEECSS)
   Date: 2024-08
   DOI: 10.11159/icbes24.163
   ISSN: 2369-811X
   Contributors: Ana Ayerdi, Nihan Atak, Meritxell Roura, Lea Tomasova, Alvaro Alvaro, Conor O’Sullivan, Mirko Lohse, Janine Brommert, Andoni Rodriguez, Rodriguez Mora et al.

3. 🧾 Conference Poster
   Title: Development of Neuronal Junction Chamber via High-Precision Roll-to-Roll (R2R) Manufacturing
   Event: EUROoCs 2024
   Date: 2024-07-03
   DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.15197886
   Contributor: Nihan Atak

4. 🎤 Conference Presentation
   Title: Large-Scale Manufacturing of Foil-Based Microfluidic Chips
   Event: Millstatt Tech Forum
   Date: 2024-06-04
   DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.15198052
   Contributor: Nihan Atak

5. 🧾 Conference Poster
   Title: Large-Scale Manufacturing of Foil-Based Microfluidic Chips for Neuron Cell Culture and Axon Outgrowth Monitoring
   Event: μTAS 2023
   Date: 2023-10-15
   DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.15198318
   Contributor: Nihan Atak

6. 🎤 Conference Presentation
   Title: Manufacturing of Foil-Based Microfluidic Chips for Neuron Cell Culture and Axon Outgrowth Monitoring
   Event: SelectBIO
   Date: 2023-06-20
   DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.15198145
   Contributor: Nihan Atak

📖 Journal Articles

7. 📄 Journal Article
   Title: Cost-effective and Rapid Prototyping of PMMA Microfluidic Device via Polymer-Assisted Bonding
   Journal: Microfluidics and Nanofluidics
   Date: 2021-08
   DOI: 10.1007/s10404-021-02466-3
   ISSN: 1613-4982 / 1613-4990
   Contributors: Alper Baran Sözmen, Ahu Arslan Yıldız

8. 📄 Journal Article
   Title: Flow-Free Microfluidic Device for Quantifying Chemotaxis in Spermatozoa
   Journal: Analytical Chemistry
   Date: 2020-02-18
   DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b05183
   ISSN: 0003-2700 / 1520-6882
   Contributors: J.T.W. Berendsen, Stella A. Kruit, Nihan Atak, Ellen Willink, Loes I. Segerink

Conclusion

Nihan Atak’s research excellence, international collaboration, and novel contributions to microfluidics and neurobiology make her a highly deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award. Her interdisciplinary expertise and ability to translate complex engineering solutions into impactful biological tools place her at the forefront of innovation in bioengineering. Her work not only advances academic knowledge but also has practical implications for neuroscience, disease modeling, and lab-on-chip development.