SOAR Member Profiles

Naime Gokce

• SOAR Position: Social Media and Communications Ambassador (2025-26); Member
• Major: Biochemistry
• Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Paul C. Kline

Current Focus: Isolation of a Soybean-Derived Enzyme Catalyzing Nucleoside Hydrolysis in Metabolic Pathways

Project Description

I am purifying a nucleoside hydrolase enzyme from soybean seeds that catalyzes the breakdown of nucleosides into their base and ribose components—a vital step in nucleoside metabolism. This work involves techniques such as homogenization, centrifugation, and biochemical assays to isolate and study the enzyme. The project contributes to a broader effort to compare similar enzymes across plant species, which may reveal species-specific traits and potential biotechnological applications.

Why does this topic interest you?

As someone who is passionate about biochemistry and its connection to medicine, purifying and studying nucleoside hydrolase enzymes from soybean seeds has been an exciting way for me to explore the molecular details of how nucleosides are broken down. I have enjoyed learning how chemical structure relates to biological function, which plays an important role in both plant biology and human health. The potential applications of this work in biotechnology and medicine make it a meaningful and intellectually rewarding experience.

What are your professional aspirations?

My goals are centered on a career in medicine, with a specific interest in becoming a cardiologist. Alongside practicing medicine, I hope to remain actively involved in both clinical and laboratory research. I am passionate about contributing to scientific discovery and using research to help improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Do you have any advice for future researchers?

Embrace the process with patience and curiosity. Everyone starts with uncertainty, but stepping into the unknown is where the most meaningful growth happens. Even trying can lead to unexpected discoveries and valuable lessons. New techniques often bring new findings, and every observation, no matter how small, adds to a much bigger picture. Trust that your efforts matter, and allow yourself to learn as you go. Research is as much about persistence and wonder as it is about results.

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