Farouk SEGUJJA
Research Associate, Biomedical Engineering, Biomaterials for drug delivery
Istanbul
Summary
Biomedical engineering scientist and Executive MBA graduate with 5+ years of research experience in biomaterials, controlled drug delivery, and stem cell-based tissue engineering. Expertise in the design and development of click chemistry-based hydrogel platforms, biomaterial characterization, drug release modeling, and preclinical evaluation for tissue engineering applications. Skilled in project management, quality systems (ISO/CAP), SOP development, and cross-functional collaboration within multidisciplinary R&D teams. Combines scientific expertise with business acumen to translate innovative biomaterials research into clinically relevant and commercially viable healthcare solutions.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Molecular Biologist (HIV & Molecular Diagnostics)
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Recruited as an MSc Fellow by MRC/LSHTM to investigate HIV drug-resistance mutations that compromise second-line antiretroviral therapy, contributing to the realization of the WHO’s 2030 goal of reducing new HIV infections among high-risk populations.
- Managed nucleic acid extraction, cDNA synthesis, qPCR, DNA sequencing, and analysis of complex data sets to identify trends in HIV transmission, informing public health strategies and interventions.
- Participated in evaluation of quality control quality assurance requirements to meet ISO/CAP accreditation.
- Led a cross-functional research project, fostering collaboration between teams to advance HIV treatment responses and understanding of viral evolution.
- Implemented quality control measures for laboratory processes, resulting in improved compliance with regulatory standards.
- Evaluated emerging technologies for potential integration into the lab workflow, staying current with cutting-edge methodologies in molecular biology research.
- Participated in cross-functional collaborations across research and academic institutions, broadening the scope of research endeavors and sharing valuable resources among teams.
Microbiologist/Immunologist/Lecturer
Clarke International University
10.2015 - 01.2019
- Collaborated with rural and regional referral hospitals to improve the quality of Point-Of-care-testing in community-based settings, raising sickle-cell awareness among folks.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to design and implement research projects, fostering innovation and advancing scientific knowledge in immunology.
- Mentored 14 undergraduate students in research projects, fostering critical thinking and promoting scientific inquiry within the academic community.
- Collaborated with cross-disciplinary teams to develop curriculum, ensuring alignment with current scientific advancements and educational standards.
- Conducted routine environmental monitoring surveys to assess microbial presence in hospital facilities, ensuring safety regulation compliance and quality control.
- Coordinated with industry professionals to offer guest lectures, bridging gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive lectures on microbiology and immunology principles, enhancing student engagement and comprehension of complex scientific concepts.
Research Associate
Kocaeli University
01.2020 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive research and analysis on cartilage regeneration, leading to significant advancements in drug delivery systems for tissue repair.
- Developed and optimized innovative methodologies for experimental design, enhancing data accuracy, reproducibility in research findings and cutting lab costs on purchased polymer synthesis materials by 30%.
- Collaborated with 6 interdisciplinary teams to secure funding for projects, successfully fostering partnerships that expanded research capabilities and outreach.
- Collaborated with 4 interdisciplinary teams to conduct comprehensive studies and generate valuable insights.
- Evaluated and optimized 3 research protocols, resulting in 20% improved efficiency and reproducibility in experimental processes across multiple in-house polymer synthesis studies.
- Translated complex research findings into actionable recommendations for industry stakeholders.
Education
Ph.D. - Biomedical Engineering
Kocaeli University
Turkey 10.2020 - 11.2025
Executive MBA - Strategic Management & Leadership
Valar Institute - Quantic School of Business And Technology
USA 01.2025 - 02.2026
MSc - Immunology and Clinical Microbiology
Makerere University
Kampala01.2019
BSc - Biomedical Laboratory Technology
Makerere University
Kampala01-2016
Skills
Effective strategic leadership
Tissue engineering
Drug delivery systems
Biomaterials & Mechanotransduction
3D Bioprinting and Microfluidics
Gene expression analysis
Research proposal & grant writing
Data analysis
2D & 3D stem cell culture
Project management
Medical device development
Risk & change management
Quality control proficiency
Evidence-based Decision making
Cross-functional teamwork
Accomplishments
- Selected among top 5% for prestigious Executive MBA fellowship focused on biotech leadership and lab product commercialization
- Secured $5,000 in research grants and managed a team of 3 junior researchers
- Published 3+ peer-reviewed papers in tissue engineering and drug delivery (IF > 8.5) presented at National Biotech Conference and Tissue Engineering Forum, Biomed 2023 & 2024
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
English - Fluent
Turkish - Advanced proficiency
Ganda - advanced Proficiency
German
Upper intermediate (B2)
Affiliations
- Kocaeli University
Software
MATLAB, ImageJ, GraphPad Prism, Excel (Advanced), Power BI
Microsoft Project, SPSS, Stata, Originpro
Mestrorenova (NMR), Chemdraw, FTIR analysis
Interests
Tissue engineering, Sales and marketing
Biomedical engineering, Drug delivery
Biomaterials, Molecular diagnostics
Timeline
Executive MBA - Strategic Management & Leadership
Valar Institute - Quantic School of Business And Technology
01.2025 - 02.2026
Ph.D. - Biomedical Engineering
Kocaeli University
10.2020 - 11.2025
Research Associate
Kocaeli University
01.2020 - Current
Molecular Biologist (HIV & Molecular Diagnostics)
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
01.2016 - 01.2019
Microbiologist/Immunologist/Lecturer
Clarke International University
10.2015 - 01.2019
MSc - Immunology and Clinical Microbiology
Makerere University
BSc - Biomedical Laboratory Technology
Makerere University
Awards
- Awardee of Bachelors Biomedical Laboratory Technology Scholarship, Muljibhai-Madhvani foundation scholarship.
- Awarded MSc Immunology & Clinical Microbiology fellowship; Medical Research Council/London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine-UVRI.
- Awarded PhD Biomedical Engineering scholarship by the Turkish government - Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
- Awardee of the Valar leadership scholarship: Executive Master of Business Administration; Quantic School of Business and Technology.
Accomplished Projects
- Farouk Segujja, Gökhan Duruksu, Yusufhan Yazır, Ahmet Erdem; Dual-functionalized GelFuMA hydrogel with sequential crosslinking for tunable mechanics and controlled drug release. Biomater. Sci. 2026; Part of ISSN:2047-4849. doi: 10.1039/d6bm00695g
- Farouk Segujja, Gökhan Duruksu, Elif Beyza Eren, Aygun Isayeva, Yusufhan Yazir, Ahmet Erdem, Diels-Alder-based IPN hydrogels with tunable mechanical and protein release properties for tissue engineering, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Volume 306, Part 4, 2025, 141779, ISSN 0141-8130
- Y. N. Ertas, D. Ertas, A. Erdem, F. Segujja, S. Dulchavsky, N. Ashammakhi, Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Theranostic Multifunctional Microneedles. Small 2024, 20, 2308479.
- Segujja F, Omooja J, Lunkuse S, Nanyonjo M, Nabirye SE, Nassolo F, Bugembe DL, Bbosa N, Kateete DP, Ssenyonga W, Mayanja Y, Nsubuga RN, Seeley J, Kaleebu P, Ssemwanga D. High Levels of Acquired HIV Drug Resistance Following Virological Nonsuppression in HIV-Infected Women from a High-Risk Cohort in Uganda. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2020 Sep;36(9):782-791. doi: 10.1089/AID.2019.0279. Epub 2020 Jun 25. PMID: 32475121.