Welcome to the Ozturk Lab!
Our program centers on bioactive compounds in milk and dairy streams. Specifically, our main goal is to develop advanced separation processes of extracting these bioactive compounds with a special emphasis on personalized nutrition and precision treatments aimed at enhancing human health.
Members
Gulustan Ozturk, Ph.D., M.S.
Assistant Professor, Department of Food Science, Dairy Innovation Hub (DIH) Faculty, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ph.D. in Food Science (Molecular Microbiology)
Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology
University of California-Davis
California, USA
M.S. in Food Engineering (with Honors)
University of Ankara
Ankara, Turkey
B.S. in Food Engineering
University of Ankara
Ankara, Turkey
Jerina Rugji
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Jerina obtained her BS and MS in Veterinary Medicine from the Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania. She worked at the Consumer Protection Agency of Tirana, Albania, while also establishing her family-owned pet clinic, where she practiced as a veterinarian. She earned her Ph.D. in Food Hygiene & Technology from Burdur Mehemet Akif Ersoy University, Turkiye. Jerina joined the lab as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in June 2023. In her free time, she enjoys walking, cooking, reading, gardening, traveling, and capturing the beauty of the outdoors. Additionally, she serves as the chair of the International Postdoctoral Committee.
Fatemeh (Nassim) Jalil Mozhdehi
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Fatemeh received her Ph.D. in Food Science from the University of Otago, New Zealand, in 2021. Upon achieving her Ph.D., she worked as a researcher at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. She joined Ozturk’s lab in August 2023 after working as a senior food technologist and quality assurance manager in the food industry in Auckland. In her free time, Fatemeh enjoys reading, running, hiking, cooking, and experimenting with new foods. She is passionate about exploring new recipes and ingredients to create unique and healthy functional food products. She also serves as a member of the International Postdoctoral as well as UWPA Engagement Committees at UW-Madison.
Mitchell Armstrong
Ph.D. Student
Mitchell is currently pursuing his Ph.D. and serves as a lieutenant in the Army National Guard. His prior research includes working for Dr. Briana M. Burton at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an undergraduate and post-baccalaureate through the UW-PREP program. His research focuses on dairy stream processing, utilizing membrane filtration technologies to isolate and concentrate bioactive compounds from whey protein phospholipid concentrate. Mitchell aims to leverage these technologies and bioactive substances to enhance human health. In his free time, Mitchell enjoys curling, paragliding, and playing Dungeon and Dragons.
Rebecca Goodman
Research Assistant
Becca earned her Bachelor’s in Food Science and a certificate in Art Studios at UW Madison. In school, she focused on product development and organic chemistry, and co-taught the first-year chemistry laboratory. Becca joined the Ozturk lab in Summer 2024. In her free time, Becca enjoys cooking, power lifting, Ultimate frisbee, and astronomy. In her future, Becca hopes to work in industry for a few years before returning to school and becoming a teaching professor.
Luis McDougall
Undergraduate Student
Luis is an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing degrees in Economics with Mathematical Emphasis and Biochemistry. He intends to pursue a career in medicine. Luis joined the Ozturk lab in Spring 2024. He is also vice president of his fraternity and plays for the Wisconsin Club Tennis team. In his free time, Luis enjoys playing cello and guitar, being with friends, and all kinds of sports.
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