PhD Candidate · Istanbul Technical University

Oğuz Gençer

Engineer Scientist Explorer Synthesizer

Electrical & Electronics Engineer, experienced software developer, and nanoscience researcher at Istanbul Technical University. My research focuses on neuromorphic computing — specifically, how nanoscience can solve the material and sensing challenges that stand between today's SNN research and practical neuromorphic systems.

About

Who I am

I'm an Electrical & Electronics Engineer with over a decade of professional software development experience, and a researcher in Nanoscience & Nanoengineering at Istanbul Technical University. My academic interest converges on the junction of nanoscience, neuroscience, electronics, and AI & Data Science — fields I've been deliberately navigating toward since the early years of my career, driven by a specific engineering question I wanted to answer.

The research context matters: CMOS silicon technology is hitting its nanoscale wall, and the field knows it. The leading alternative computing paradigms — quantum, photonic, and neuromorphic — each represent a different bet on what follows. My bet is neuromorphic. I study how nanoscience can clear the material and sensing obstacles that neuromorphic systems currently face. My MSc established a foundation in quantum dot synthesis and characterization; my PhD takes the next step: designing, fabricating, and characterizing a novel nanofiber-based material to improve neural signal recording quality and efficiency from primary neuron cultures.

My path to the lab wasn't linear. During my BSc I founded HIDROGU at Osmangazi University — a student research team built around a hard engineering problem — which gave me an early grounding in cross-disciplinary project execution and leading people through uncertain territory. That instinct carried through: a year as a field engineer and project coordinator in Kabul, Afghanistan, team leadership across building automation and international telecoms, and software shipped at BSH Turkey, Rigel Technology, and Sunny Electronics. At BSH Turkey, I ran two parallel tracks: a formal assignment to a Bavaria Government-funded LLM project with BSH Germany, and a self-initiated AI Core Team effort within the local R&D team — unconnected to the global project, driven by the conviction that the team needed a structured path into AI. I also build open-source tools — the memex ecosystem — for researchers and engineers who live between disciplines.

3
Peer-reviewed publications
5
Degrees (Asc., 2× BSc, MSc, PhD in progress)
10+
Years of professional experience
3
Countries worked in
Projects

What I'm building

Open source tools, research prototypes, and side projects spanning AI, hardware, and scientific tooling.

Knowledge infrastructure
memex featured Released 4 projects

A hybrid agentic wiki template — TypeScript scheduler, Markdown content layer, MCP-powered hybrid search (BM25 + vector via RRF). The foundation for three specialized knowledge tools.

TypeScript Claude API MCP obsidian-hybrid-search node-cron
Built on memex
📄
papervault Released
Agentic research library for arXiv papers
GitHub ⬡ Overview
📚
docvault Released
Developer docs & changelog knowledge base
GitHub ⬡ Overview
🎙️
podvault Released
Podcast knowledge base from transcripts
GitHub ⬡ Overview
Research tool
NeuralLab Assistant in dev

A hands-free voice assistant for primary neuron culture labs. Contamination risk makes touching devices during experiments hazardous — this assistant handles note-taking, timer control, calculations, and protocol step tracking entirely through voice commands.

Voice UIProtocol TrackingPythonLab Tools
Hardware / IoT
petFence in dev

A system for keeping pets away from selected zones within home or office environments. Combines zone definition, sensor-based detection, and a non-harmful deterrent mechanism — designed to be unobtrusive and easy to configure.

IoTSystem DesignHardwareEmbedded
CAD / Simulation
Paraglider Design Tool in dev

A CAD-based software tool for parametric design and simulation of paragliders and similar aircraft. Allows pilots and designers to define geometry through parameters and visualize aerodynamic behavior before fabrication.

Parametric CADSimulationPythonAerodynamics
PhD Thesis · ITU
Neural Interface Nanofiber Research Experimental Research

Fabrication and characterization of a biocompatible nanofiber-based coating at the neuron–electrode interface — targeting improved signal quality and reduced data loss in primary neuron cultures. A foundational step toward practical neuromorphic sensing systems.

NanofabricationBiocompatibilityNeuroscienceCharacterization
Graduation Project · Istanbul Aydin University
ABB IRB120 Robot Arm Simulation Released

Modeling and simulation of the ABB IRB120 industrial robot arm using Matlab & Simulink. Covers forward/inverse kinematics, trajectory planning, and dynamic simulation of the 6-DOF manipulator.

MatlabSimulinkRoboticsKinematics
Ongoing research
Agentic AI R&D Research

Closely tracking the agentic AI landscape — architectures, emerging patterns, and open problems. Building tools like memex as practical explorations of what reliable, long-running AI agents actually require in production.

LLMClaude APITypeScriptMCPResearch
Focus Areas

What I work on

My work spans four overlapping domains — each informing the others.

🧠
Neuromorphic AI Research
Investigating noninvasive methods for neural signal recording through active nanoscience research. A successful outcome would directly benefit neuromorphic computing systems. Supporting toolkit: Intel Loihi 2, TCAD, and LTSpice for simulation and verification.
⚙️
AI & Software Engineering
GenAI systems with LangChain and LangFlow, deep learning with TensorFlow and PyTorch, CI/CD pipelines, and embedded software. Industry experience from consumer electronics to Fortune 500 enterprise AI.
🔬
Nanoscience & Sensing
Quantum dot synthesis (Zinc-Doped Carbon-Based QDs via microwave-assisted methods), advanced characterization (UV-VIS, FTIR, XPS, SEM, TEM), and nanodevice design for sensing applications. PhD work: fabrication and characterization of a biocompatible nanofiber-based coating at the neuron–electrode interface — improving signal quality and reducing data loss in primary neuron cultures.
🛠️
Open Source Tooling
Building the memex ecosystem: agentic wiki templates for researchers (papervault), engineers (docvault), and knowledge workers. TypeScript + Claude API + MCP search — knowledge infrastructure that compounds.
Experience

Career timeline

PhD Researcher
Istanbul Technical University
Sep 2022 – Present
Istanbul, Turkey
  • Developing a novel noninvasive method and nanosensor for neural activity recording.
  • Specializing in Neuroscience, Neuromorphic Systems, Nanoelectronics, AI, and Data Science.
Intel LAVA Neuromorphics TCAD Nanosensors
Software Engineer, R&D — Cooling Division
BSH Turkey (Bosch-Siemens Home Appliances)
May 2022 – May 2025
Tekirdağ, Turkey
  • Formally assigned to a Bavaria Government-funded LLM project with BSH Germany; developed a GenAI system to automate requirement document generation.
  • Independently, took a pioneering role in an AI Core Team initiative within the local R&D team — organizing brainstorming sessions, drafting a year-long training curriculum, and preparing AI project proposals for the team to execute post-training.
  • Managed CI/CD pipelines and Agile release deliveries; implemented the ambient light feature for embedded firmware.
LangChain GenAI Python CI/CD Agile
Software Engineer, R&D
Sunny Electronics
Jul 2020 – Jan 2021
Istanbul, Turkey
  • Developed a WiFi remote control app for Bluetoothless Android TVs.
  • Managed configuration, release, and CI/CD process for Android TV software.
Android Java CI/CD
Software Engineer, R&D
Rigel Technology
Oct 2019 – Mar 2020
Istanbul, Turkey
  • Developed Windows device driver software for the company's VR motion control devices.
  • Built a control interface for device testing purposes.
C++ Windows VR Device Driver
MSc Researcher — BeeDot Research Group
Istanbul Technical University
Sep 2019 – Jun 2021
Istanbul, Turkey
  • Synthesized Zinc-Doped Carbon-Based Quantum Dots via microwave-assisted methods.
  • Characterized samples using UV-VIS, FTIR, XPS, SEM, and TEM; findings published in Diamond and Related Materials (2022).
Quantum Dots UV-VIS / FTIR XPS SEM / TEM
MSc Researcher — ECC Lab Research Group
Istanbul Technical University
Jul 2018 – Mar 2019
Istanbul, Turkey
  • Contributed to the design and verification of a novel nanodevice using TCAD and LTSpice.
  • Implemented genetic algorithms for device parameter optimization; published at DATE 2019.
TCAD LTSpice Genetic Algorithms Nanoelectronics
System Engineer & Team Lead
Labirent Building Automation
Feb 2018 – Jul 2018
Istanbul, Turkey
  • Designed and commissioned building automation projects — AV systems, meeting rooms, TV walls, and security systems — as turn-key solutions.
  • Led a team of 8 technicians; coordinated between company, clients, and contractors.
Building Automation Team Lead Project Management
Project Engineer & Team Lead
FOTECH
Aug 2016 – Aug 2017
Istanbul, Turkey & Kabul, Afghanistan
  • Managed a team of 12 to complete fiber-optic network, telecom, and security camera infrastructure for the U.S. Embassy facility in Kabul.
  • Coordinated between government authorities and contracting companies; planned sociocultural activities to maintain team cohesion in the field.
Project Management Fiber Optics Team Lead
Junior Developer — AIESEC Internship
Dehenken Limited
Sep 2012 – Feb 2013
Kyoto, Japan
  • Developed a demo app for the IoT and Android-based Derimo project.
  • Contributed to PIDP (Personal Identity Detection Project) using Turkish language specifications.
Android IoT Java
Founder & Team Lead — HIDROGU
Osmangazi University
Sep 2011 – Aug 2012
Eskişehir, Turkey
  • Founded and led a hydrogen-powered vehicle research team during BSc studies.
  • Organized technical training programs and coordinated interdisciplinary student projects.
Founder Renewable Energy Team Lead
Education

Academic background

PhD in Nanoscience & Nanoengineering
Istanbul Technical University
Specialization: Neuroscience, Neuromorphic Systems, Nanoelectronics, AI & Data Science
Thesis: "Fabrication and characterization of a biocompatible nanofiber-based coating for the neuron–electrode interface to improve signal quality in primary neuron cultures."
In Progress
Sep 2022 – Present
Istanbul, Türkiye
M.Sc. in Nanoscience & Nanoengineering
Istanbul Technical University
Specialization: Nanomaterial Synthesis, Characterization, Nanosensors & Nanoelectronics
Thesis: "Zinc-Doped Carbon-Based Quantum Dot Synthesis & Characterization"
Feb 2018 – Jun 2021
Istanbul, Türkiye
B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Istanbul Aydin University
Focus on robotics and intelligent control systems.
Graduation project: Modeling and simulation of the ABB IRB120 industrial robot arm using Matlab & Simulink.
Feb 2013 – Feb 2015
Istanbul, Türkiye
B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Eskişehir Osmangazi University
Founded HIDROGU — a hydrogen-powered vehicle research team — exploring renewable energy systems and sustainable engineering within an interdisciplinary student environment.
Sep 2008 – Jul 2012
Eskişehir, Türkiye
Associate Degree in Biomedical Device Technology
Istanbul University — Vocational School of Technical Sciences
Sep 2005 – Jul 2007
Istanbul, Türkiye
Certifications
🏅
Scrum Master PSM1
Scrum.org
Jun 2023
🔧
Advanced Hardware Design with Altium
Fedevel Academy
Jan 2022
Research & Publications

Published work

Peer-reviewed papers in nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and computational systems.

Journal Article Diamond and Related Materials, Vol. 123 · 2022
Triggering excitation independent fluorescence in zinc(II) incorporated carbon dots: Surface passivation of carbon dots with zinc(II) ions by microwave assisted synthesis methods
O. Gençer et al.
DOI ↗
Master's Thesis Istanbul Technical University · 2021
Zinc Doped Carbon Based Quantum Dot Synthesis & Characterization
O. Gençer
DOI ↗
Conference Paper Design, Automation & Test in Europe (DATE 2019) · 2019
Realization of four-terminal switching lattices: Technology development and circuit modeling
S. Safaltin et al. (incl. O. Gençer)
DOI ↗
Skills

Tech stack

Spanning software engineering, AI/ML research, and nanoscience instrumentation.

Nanoscience
Quantum Dot Nanosensor Nanofabrication Nanocharacterization SEM TEM AFM RAMAN XPS FTIR Nanoelectronics Nanodevice Device Modeling Device Simulation Photolithography E-Beam Lithography
Embedded System Design
C C++ Java Matlab & Simulink VHDL FPGA Altium KiCad LTSpice
AI & Data Science
Python TensorFlow / Keras PyTorch LangChain / LangFlow Intel Loihi 2 (SNN) pandas / NumPy GenAI / LLM Systems TypeScript / Node.js Scientific Visualization ParaView VTK HDF5 NetCDF
DevOPS & AIOPS
Git / GitHub Docker Jenkins CI/CD Pipelines SQL Linux / Shell
Project & Team Management
Scrum Master (PSM1) Agile / Jira Team Leadership Cross-disciplinary Coordination Team Development & Motivation Stakeholder Management
Contact

Let's talk

Open to the right opportunity.

Whether it's a senior engineering role, a research collaboration, or an interesting problem at the intersection of AI and physical sensing — I'm happy to have a conversation. I'm based in Istanbul but have worked internationally and am open to remote or relocation.