Welcome!
We are an interdisciplinary research group exploring the origins of life and the physics of living systems. Our laboratories are based in the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences (GPS) at the California Institute of Technology.
The Ozturk Research Group brings together a diverse team of researchers from physics, chemistry, biology, and geosciences to tackle fundamental questions that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. We are particularly interested in the transition from matter to life, and the role of electron spin in (bio)chemistry.
Our research spans physical chemistry, prebiotic chemistry, and planetary geoscience. We design experiments and develop new tools to investigate questions such as:
- What is the origin of life?
- What were the geochemical conditions on early Earth that enabled the origin of life?
- What physical principles govern the behavior of biological systems?
- What is the role of electron spin in chemistry and biology?
- What kind of chemistry happens at interfaces?
At the Ozturk Lab, we foster an open-minded and collaborative research environment. We welcome inquiries from talented individuals who are interested in joining our group or establishing new collaborations.
Prospective graduate students and postdocs should contact Prof. Ozturk with their CV. In addition to GPS, graduate students from any division at Caltech are welcomed in our group.