Project: Mercury Isotopes in Bioarchaeology: Developing Analytical Methods and Assessing Diagenesis in Bone for Reconstructing Palaeodiet, Cultural Practices, and Environmental Exposure

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Bio

Nuri previously completed his B.A. and M.A. degrees at Ankara University, in the capital city of his home country, Türkiye. During his earlier degrees, he participated in excavations at archaeological sites at Kültepe (a Bronze Age settlement), and Kızılin Cave (an Epipaleolithic site) in Anatolia. He also took part in an exchange program between Ankara University and Korea University, where he was introduced to archaeological science. His master’s thesis assessed the significance and challenges of stable isotope studies on the Neolithization process in Anatolia, emphasizing issues like data transparency and methodological consistency that impact their reliability. Nuri’s current focus is using mercury stable isotope compositions to investigate aquatic dietary input in past human and animal populations. He aims to integrate total mercury concentrations and mercury stable isotope analysis into archaeological/palaeoecological studies. When Nuri has established this research approach in the Arctic, he hopes to revisit and apply it to better understand the role of aquatic diet in the Neolithization of Southwestern Asia. Outside of his academic life, Nuri is a dedicated climber. He was a national athlete in Türkiye, representing his country in various international competitions and winning several gold and silver medals at national events. He is a big fan of 1950s film noir movies, and his favorite TV show is the original "The Twilight Zone" from 1959. He also enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy literature, especially the hard sci-fi genre, and has been interested in astronomy and astrobiology since his childhood. He dreams of one day merging his passion for stable isotope analysis with astrobiology. Bio by Matt Teeter. 

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TEAL Awards and Honours

🥇 2024 Lab Olympics Gold Medal: Reagent Weighing

🥈 2025 Lab Olympics Silver Medal: Parafilm Shot Put