Dr. Candas is the scientific co-founder and the Chief Technology Officer of Biological Targets, Inc. (Dallas, Texas), a biotechnology company developing products for agriculture, public health and the environment. He directs the Company's unified technology and business strategy and oversees its R&D operations. He developed Biological Targets’ core technology platforms that integrate bioinformatics and functional genomics with high-throughput robotics for constructing versatile gene libraries and cell-based protein expression and assay panels, which are utilized for streamlined target validation and insecticide/drug chemistry screening. He also led the conception of Biological Targets’ microbial technology products that are promoted for soil improvement, environmental remediation and mosquito control markets. Prior to his involvement in Biological Targets, Dr. Candas held a Lead Scientist position at Cytoclonal Pharmaceutics (Dallas, TX), a biotechnology company focused on developing recombinant vaccines, anti-cancer and anti-microbial drugs. Previously, he worked as a Group Leader at Duzen Laboratories (Ankara, Turkey), an established medical technology and molecular diagnostics company specializing in clinical biochemistry, microbiology, medical-imaging and environmental testing. At these positions, Dr. Candas provided technical leadership and contributed to the development of laboratory automation and operation quality assurance procedures. Before he immigrated to USA, he held a faculty position at the University of Ankara Medical School, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics (Turkey) where he instructed biology classes and developed research projects on genetic disorders. Dr. Candas has a Ph.D. degree from Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX) and M.S. and B.S. degrees from Middle East Technical University (Ankara, Turkey) with specialties in molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry. He completed postdoctoral work on bacterial metabolism and virulence regulation. His research background covers multidisciplinary studies in aging, cancer and infectious diseases. Since 1997, he is associated with The University of Texas at Dallas where he contributes to programs in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics at the Center for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics and develops translational research activities involving studies in cell signaling, adhesion receptors and bacterial toxins. Blending over 20 years of experience in research, management and consulting in industrial and academic settings, Dr. Candas completed projects resulting in several patents, institutional collaborations and grant support. He authored many scholarly publications and technical reports and he is a featured speaker at scientific meetings and industry trade conferences. He is a member and strategic advisor in Board for Knowledge at Southern Methodist University and, Medical Technology Program Board at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He also is an active member in the Society of Industrial Microbiology, American Chemical Society and American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Candas lives in Dallas, Texas. His interests
include visual arts, graphic design, architecture, modern music,
water sports, nature and philosophy. |
Mehmet
Candas, Ph.D.