Dr. Pelin Cayirlioglu Volkan

Associate Professor

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Biography

Pelin Cayirlioglu Volkan is an Associate Professor at Duke University, where she focuses on unraveling molecular circuit mechanisms that influence how social experiences mold the brain's responses in organisms. Utilizing the fruit fly nervous system as a model, her research takes an interdisciplinary approach that integrates genetic, behavioral, circuit-mapping, and systems-level molecular tools. Recent advancements made by her lab include the study of neurogenetics and neuro-visualization techniques in Drosophila melanogaster. As an investigator at the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, she has contributed significantly to understanding olfactory circuit assembly and the behaviors influenced by social interactions in fruit flies.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2019-01-01 — Present

Duke University • Durham, NC

Teaching and conducting research in the Department of Biology.

Associate Professor

2022-01-01 — Present

Duke University • Durham, NC

Teaching in the Department of Cell Biology.

Associate Professor

2023-01-01 — Present

Duke University • Durham, NC

Teaching in the Department of Neurobiology.

Investigator

2009-01-01 — Present

Duke Institute for Brain Sciences • Durham, NC

Researching brain sciences.

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)