PhD , Biology - Molecular Genetics - Free radicals and oxidative stress in aging

MS , Biochemistry - RNA editing in cancer

BS , Biology

Dr. Candas holds a PhD degree from Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas) and MS and BS degrees from Middle East Technical University (Ankara, Turkey) with specialties in molecular genetics and biochemistry. His doctoral dissertation work involved studies on glutathione metabolism, oxidative stress and the aging process.  His master's degree was based on studies focusing on transfer RNA modifications and understanding the differences between transfer RNA populations in tumor and normal tissues.  He completed postdoctoral work on bacterial metabolism, virulence regulation and infectious diseases.

Since 1997, Dr. Candas is associated with The University of Texas at Dallas where he contributes to programs in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology.  Currently he is teaching classes for Biochemistry, Cellular Microbiology, Biotechnology and Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory. He has served as the Research Manager at the Center for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (formerly Center for Applied Biology) and participated in research activities involving studies with insect cadherins, entomopathogenic bacterial toxins and cell death signaling cascades.  At the Center, he also helped establish the science and technology platform of Biological Targets, Inc., a research-based biotechnology company focused on agricultural and environmental applications.  As the Company’s Chief Technology Officer, he implemented enabling technologies integrating bioinformatics search and analysis tools with high-throughput genomics and proteomics applications for processing genetic sequences and constructing protein expression panels suitable for screening molecular targets with cell-based assays.

Prior to his involvement in the University Texas at Dallas and Biological Targets, Dr. Candas held a Lead Scientist position at Cytoclonal Pharmaceutics where he participated in the research and product development programs involving recombinant DNA vaccines, genetic immunization and anti-microbial drugs.  Previously, he was at the University of Ankara Medical School where he instructed classes for Medical Biology and Clinical Genetics.  Prior that, he worked as a group leader at Duzen Laboratories, an established medical technology and molecular diagnostics company specializing in clinical biochemistry, microbiology and medical imaging.

Blending over 17 years of experience in research, education and consulting in industrial and academic settings, Dr. Candas completed projects resulting in several patents, collaborations and grant support.  His technical expertise spans a broad spectrum of analytical instrumentation and process techniques in the areas of protein chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics.  He authored many scholarly publications and he is a featured speaker at scientific meetings and industry trade conferences.  He is a member and strategic advisor of the Board for Knowledge at Southern Methodist University and Medical Technology Program Board at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.