Mahmut Demir

About Mahmut Demir

I built a novel experimental framework, by combining a wind tunnel-based walking assay and a visible odor, which allowed simultaneous quantification of the stimulus and the fly behavior the first time in the field. With this assay, we studied navigation of Drosophila melanogaster in fluctuating, intermittent odor environments. Our results showed that, in unpredictable environments, flies navigate by alternating stochastically between stops, walks, and turns using the timing of the odor encounters. My second main result as postdoc is the characterization of gain modulation of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in response to fluctuating odor intensity. In collaboration with graduate a gradient student, using single neuron electrophysiology I showed that the gain of the ORNs change dynamically in response to odor concentration following Weber-Fechner law. We also showed that ORNs possess a mechanism to preserve timing information of odor encounters independent of the odor intensity. Taken together, the findings in my two projects provide an important step in understanding insect olfactory navigation. I trained undergrad/grad student in Drosophila behaviour and electrophysiology, and monitored them as they transition to independent researchers.

Experience

1. Senior Research Scientist

   Atp Apple Tree Partners

   Jul 2022 — Present · Branford, CT, US

Education

• Bilkent University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Physics

  2000 — 2005

• University of Pittsburgh

  Master of Science (MS), Physics

  2000 — 2007