Interviews with Scientists: Büşra Yücel
It’s time for a fresh installment of our Interviews with Scientists series, and this time we were delighted to chat to Büşra Yücel of the University of Bristol!
Büşra is a postdoctoral researcher working in Professor Jeremy Henley’s group at the School of Biochemistry. She completed both a BE in Bioengineering and an MRes in Biophysics at Firat University in Turkey before moving to the Karadeniz Technical University where she gained an MSc in Physiology in 2019. Since 2019 she has worked and studied at the University of Bristol, and completed her PhD at the end of 2024.
She has co-authored a number of papers, including ‘GluK2 Q/R editing regulates kainate receptor signaling and long-term potentiation of AMPA receptors’ which cites Hello Bio’s GYKI 53655 hydrochloride AMPA receptor antagonist and CGP 55845 hydrochloride GABA receptor antagonist among the key resources.
We spoke to Büşra about her current research into kainate receptor sites, her passion for teaching, and the importance of being proactive in science…
Hi Büşra! Please can you tell us about your current role at the University of Bristol?
I am a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Biochemistry at the University of Bristol, working in Professor Jeremy Henley’s group.
Did you always want to work in science when you were younger, and if so why?
As a child, I was naturally drawn to biology books and encyclopedias, often fascinated by how the human body works and inspired by stories of famous scientists. I went on to study Bioengineering, followed by a Master’s in Physiology, where I researched pain mechanisms in rat neurons. That hands-on lab experience started my passion for neuroscience.
What was the focus of your PhD research?
I completed my PhD last year under the supervision of Jeremy Henley. My research focused on how kainate receptors are regulated at the synapse, with a particular emphasis on palmitoylation, a lipid modification that affects their localisation and stability. A key part of my work involved optimising methods to detect palmitoylation on kainate receptors. Once successful, I used a combination of biochemistry and molecular biology techniques to explore how palmitoylation interacts with other modifications, like phosphorylation and SUMOylation, to influence the receptor's surface expression.
What research are you working on at the moment?
I continued my postdoc in the same lab where I completed my PhD, allowing me to continue work on the same project. Kainate receptors can be palmitoylated at two different sites, and my current work focuses on how each site influences receptor trafficking, localization, stability, and function within neurons. More recently, I’ve started integrating lab-based experiments with computational modelling to better understand how these receptors behave at the molecular level.
What excites you most about the work that you do?
What excites me most is that moment of discovering something no one else knows, even small insights into how a protein behaves in neurons can feel really exciting. I also love the fact that this kind of research has real-world potential. It’s an amazing feeling to think that a tiny molecular detail you uncover in the lab might one day help lead to better treatments for disorders.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a science researcher?
The unpredictability of experiments is always a challenge - especially when techniques don’t work despite your best efforts. Also, securing funding and navigating academic bureaucracy can be tough, particularly as an international researcher. However, these challenges also build resilience and problem-solving skills. I feel quite confident and strong now as it’s been 6 years since I left my home country and I feel part of the scientific community. I have enjoyed having the opportunity to work with people who are the leaders in their respective fields.
Women remain underrepresented in many fields of STEM. What more do you think could be done to improve the gender balance in science?
As an international woman in often male-dominated environments, it’s not always easy to feel empowered. Representation matters! Seeing women in leadership roles can be incredibly inspiring for us, early-career scientists. Mothers in science, for example, often face extra challenges, and we need better systems for things like childcare and flexible working. At the same time, men should feel just as encouraged to take parental leave so that responsibility doesn’t always fall on women.
Who has been the most influential mentor in your career so far?
My PhD supervisor Professor Jeremy Henley has been one of the most influential people in my life. He not only guided me scientifically but also encouraged me to be confident in my voice and ideas. His mentorship helped shape my independence as a researcher.
You have worked as a Lab Teaching Assistant - what do you enjoy about supporting lab students?
I really enjoy watching students grow more confident and capable over time. It’s a rewarding feeling when someone goes from unsure to genuinely excited. Teaching has also helped me stay sharp and look at science through fresh eyes.
What's the most valuable piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t wait until you feel completely ready, just go for it! And don’t be afraid! Being proactive has made a big difference in my life, and I’ve learned the most by stepping outside my comfort zone. It’s easy to think you need more experience before applying for something, but real growth often comes from taking that leap. Go to conferences, and don’t be afraid to start conversations and share your ideas with the scientists you admire, you never know where it might lead!
How do you see your career progressing in the future/where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be leading my own research group, mentoring students, and continuing to do more translational research. I’d love to combine academic research with translational approaches that could influence neurological treatments.
What do you think is the greatest scientific discovery of all time?
There have been so many remarkable discoveries in science, but the neuron doctrine and Cajal’s visualisation of dendritic spines have always fascinated me. His work revealed that neurons are distinct cells, reshaping our understanding of brain function. Cajal’s detailed drawings also captured the complexity of neural structures which blended science with artistry. As an art lover I find it inspiring.
Outside of your career, what do you enjoy doing most? (e.g. hobbies, passion projects, etc.)
I’m a big nature lover and enjoy painting and photography in my free time. I also love spending time with friends and, as a cinephile, I’m always up for a good film. I regularly hike, do Pilates, and love discovering new music. When I get the chance, I like to catch live gigs, head to the cinema, or see a theatre performance.
Do you have a favourite science quote?
“Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it” - Albert Einstein
Is there anything else you would like to tell us, eg. any other specific issues or initiatives in science that you are involved with or are passionate about?
Two issues in science really matter to me. One is making neuroscience and research easier to understand and more engaging for everyone, not just scientists. The other is the challenges international researchers face when moving through different stages in academia. It shows how important it is to have better support systems in place. I hope we’ll see more initiatives in the future to actively address these issues.
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Thank you for a great interview Büşra! We wish you the very best for your future research and look forward to seeing where it takes you.
Connect with Büşra:
- LinkedIn: Büşra Yücel
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