Meet Saniye Kaya

Saniye Kaya

During my PhD, I focused on understanding cofactor–function relationships in enzymes, with particular emphasis on flavoproteins and enzyme oligomerization.

Hi, my name is Saniye. I am originally from Türkiye and I am a bioengineer with a strong background in biochemistry and protein engineering. I completed my PhD at the University of Groningen in the Molecular Enzymology Group, under the supervision of Prof. Marco Fraaije.

During my PhD, I focused on understanding cofactor–function relationships in enzymes, with particular emphasis on flavoproteins and enzyme oligomerization. My research combined protein expression and purification, biophysical characterization, and enzymology, allowing me to connect molecular properties to enzymatic function. Through this work, I developed a strong interest in translating fundamental biochemical insights into applications relevant for biotechnology.

I have now joined the Membrane Enzymology Group at the University of Groningen, working in the laboratories of Prof. Dirk Slotboom and Prof. Bert Poolman as part of the EVOLF consortium. In my postdoctoral research, I aim to develop protein-engineered nanocompartments for the encapsulation of enzymatic pathways, using bacterial encapsulins as modular and programmable systems.

Outside the lab, I enjoy exploring creativity and movement through dancing, knitting, and pilates.