I'm a computational evolutionary biologist who studies how tiny organisms adapt and evolve. I use code and data to unlock the secrets hidden in genomes.
Zeynep Akdeniz, PhD
What I do
I specialize in building and analyzing genomes from scratch, comparing how different species evolved, and using bioinformatics to predict how organisms might adapt to new environments. I'm fascinated by protists because they show us incredible strategies for survival that we can learn from.
I specialize in building and analyzing genomes from scratch, comparing how different species evolved, and using bioinformatics to predict how organisms might adapt to new environments. I'm fascinated by protists because they show us incredible strategies for survival that we can learn from.
My journey
My path took me from Istanbul to Sweden, where I completed my Ph.D. at Uppsala University studying a tiny organism called Hexamita inflata - whose transformation story mirrors my own journey across cultures. I developed computational tools like GenoDiplo and CompareDiplo to understand how environmental challenges shape genome evolution.
My path took me from Istanbul to Sweden, where I completed my Ph.D. at Uppsala University studying a tiny organism called Hexamita inflata - whose transformation story mirrors my own journey across cultures. I developed computational tools like GenoDiplo and CompareDiplo to understand how environmental challenges shape genome evolution.
Current focus
I'm developing workflows that help us understand molecular complexity and evolution - from gene sequences to the building blocks of life itself. My work sits at the exciting intersection of genomics, data science, and education.
I'm developing workflows that help us understand molecular complexity and evolution - from gene sequences to the building blocks of life itself. My work sits at the exciting intersection of genomics, data science, and education.
Beyond the computer
For over a decade, I've been passionate about STEAM education, bringing science to life through museums, festivals, and workshops across Turkey, Sweden, and Japan. I believe in making complex science accessible and inspiring for everyone.
Artwork
2025 DiploMonsters
2024 Can you help Hexamita find a new home?
2022 LEt's go to MARS
2022 AlienNation
Exhibitions
2024 Art at the end of the world, Uppsala, Sweden
2024 Evolution Symposium, Uppsala, Sweden
2024 Femman kulturhuset, Uppsala, Sweden
2023 Climate Existence Conference, Knivsta, Sweden
Workshops
2025 UluKyoto, Kyoto, Japan
2024 Vetenskapsfestivalen, Gothenburg, Sweden
2021 Love Evolution, Stockholm, Sweden
2020 Darwin at the Museum, Stockholm, Sweden
Storytelling
2020-2024 Stadsbibliotek, Uppsala, Sweden
2021-2024 Play studies, OCA, Turkey
2023 Seasonal worker camp, Bursa, Turkey
2016- 2018 Science center, Istanbul, Turkey