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Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 1
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Principal Investigator E-mail: utoprak@agri.ankara.edu.tr
Molecular Entomology Lab. Phone (Office): 01190 (312) 596-1018
Department of Plant Protection
Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara University Fax: 01190 (312) 318-7029
06110 Diskapi Ankara-Turkey Skype: umuttoprak79
1. Academic Credentials
02.01.2006-21.03.2011 Ph.D., University of Saskatchewan, Dept. of Biology,
Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
Thesis Title: Molecular architecture of Mamestra
configurata peritrophic matrix
07.09.2001-29.07.2004 M.Sc., Ankara University, Dept. of Plant
Protection/Entomology, Ankara, Turkey (Grade point
average, 93.63/100).
Thesis Title: Characterization and comparative biological
activites of local and foreign Spodoptera littoralis
nucleopolyhedrovirus isolates on noctuid pest species
15.09.1997-23.06.2001 B.Sc., Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Dept. of
Plant Protection, Ankara, Turkey (Graduated with the
highest grade point average, 91.21/100).
2. Work Experience
14.06.2019-present Owner & CEO, “Agri-Ancyra Biotech” Company at Ankara
University Technopark, Ankara Turkey
23.10.2015-present Associate Professor, Ankara University, Faculty of
Agriculture, Dept. of Plant Protection/Entomology, Ankara,
Turkey.
Principal Investigator, Molecular Entomology Laboratory,
Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
02.12.2013-23.10.2015 Assistant Professor, Ankara University, Faculty of
Agriculture, Dept. of Plant Protection/Entomology, Ankara,
Turkey.
Principal Investigator, Molecular Entomology Laboratory,
Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
10.10.2011-02.12.2013 Associate Research Scientist&Lecturer, Ankara
University, Faculty of Agriculture, Dept. of Plant
Protection/Entomology, Ankara, Turkey.
07.11.2005-21.03.2011 Research Assistant/Ph.D. Student, University of
Saskatchewan, Dept. of Biology, Saskatoon SK, Canada;
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research
Centre, Molecular Genetics Section, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 2
23.01.2002-29.07.2004 Research-Teaching Assistant/M.Sc. Student, Ankara
University, Faculty of Agriculture, Dept. of Plant
Protection/Entomology, Ankara, Turkey.
3. External Research Experience
April, 2018; March, 2019 Visiting Research Fellow, Purdue University, Dept. of
Entomology, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
Augut, 2008 Visiting Research Fellow, Pennsylvania State University,
Dept. of Plant Sciences, State College, PA, USA.
August, 2005 Visiting Research Fellow, Iowa State University, Dept. of
Entomology, Ames, IA, USA.
October-November, 2003 Visiting Research Fellow, Christian Albrechts University,
Dept of. Biotechnology and Biological Control, Germany.
4. Honors & Awards
2016 Early Career Award, Ankara University, Turkey.
2014 Early Career Award, The Union of the Chambers of
Turkish Engineers and Architects, The Chamber of
Agricultural Engineers, Turkey.
2010 Mauro E. Martignoni Student Award, Society for
Invertebrate Pathology, USA.
2010 Pest Management Research Graduate Student Award-
Canadian Society of Agronomy, Canada.
2008 Arthur R. Brooks Award, Entomological Society of
Saskatchewan, Canada.
2006 Second Best Student Poster in Virus Division, 39th
Annual
Meeting of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology, Wuhan,
China.
2005 Research Affiliate Program Ph.D. Scholarship,
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada.
2005 Graduate Student Travel Award, Ankara University,
Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara, Turkey.
2001 Honors of Ankara University, Ankara University, Faculty
of Agriculture, Ankara, Turkey.
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 3
5. Areas of Research
● Development of Innovative Pest Control Strategies
● Molecular Pest Control (RNAi, Recombinant Peptides)
● Microbial Pest Control (Baculovirus, Bacillus thuringiensis)
● Host (Insect)-Pathogen Interaction (Insect Immunity & Host Defence against Baculovirus,
Bacillus thuringiensis)
● Molecular Insect Physiology & Biochemistry (Insect Digestive System & Lipid Metabolism)
6. Publications (849 total citations and h-index:10 according to Scopus)
Peer-Reviewed Articles
30. Erlandson, M., Toprak, U., Hegedus, D.D. 2019. Role of the peritrophic matrix in
insect-pathogen interactions. Journal of Insect Physiology, 117:103894
29. Hegedus, D.D., Toprak, U., Erlandson, M. 2019. Peritrophic Matrix Formation. Journal
of Insect Physiology, 117:103898.
28. Toprak, U., İnak, E., Özdemir, E. 2019. Use of molecular techniques in the studies of
insecticide resistance. Proceedings of The Symposium for Phosphine Resistance in
Stored Grain Pests. In Press.
27. Kaydan, M.B., Toprak, U. 2018. Molecular insights into plant protection. TarlaSera
98:76-78.
26. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Baldwin, D., Karcz, S., Wan, L., Coutu, C., Gillott, C.,
Hegedus, D.D. 2016. Identification of the Mamestra configurata (Lepidoptera:
Noctuidae) peritrophic matrix proteins and enzymes involved in peritrophic matrix chitin
metabolism. Insect Science, 23:656-674.
25. Toprak, U., Hegedus, D.D., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Erlandson, M. 2014. Spatial and
temporal synthesis of Mamestra configurata peritrophic matrix through a larval stadium.
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 54:89-97.
24. Guz, N., Toprak, U., Dageri, A., Gurkan, M.O., Denlinger, D.L. 2014. Identification of a
putative antifreeze protein gene that is highly expressed during preparation for winter in
the sunn pest, Eurygaster maura. Journal of Insect Physiology, 68:30-35.
23. Toprak, U., Coutu, C., Baldwin, D., Erlandson, M., Hegedus, D. 2014. Development of
an improved RNA interference vector system for Agrobacterium-mediated plant
transformation. Turkish Journal of Biology, 38:40-47 (Turkish Journal of Biology is an
international journal indexed in ISI Thompson Reuters Web of Science, Elsevier-Scopus,
Science Citation Index Expanded Journal List).
22. Toprak, U., Guz, N., Gurkan, M.O., Hegedus, D.D. 2014. Identification and coordinated
expression of perilipin genes in the biological cycle of sunn pest, Eurygaster maura
(Hemiptera: Scutelleridae): Implications for lipolysis and lipogenesis. Comparative
Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Molecular Biology Part B, 171:1-11.
21. Toprak, U., Baldwin, D., Hegedus, D.D., Erlandson, M. 2013. Per os feeding with
antisera specific to peritrophic matrix proteins stimulates larval growth in Mamestra
configurata Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Turkish Journal of Entomology, 37:203-
212 (Turkish Journal of Entomology is an international journal indexed in ISI Thompson
Reuters Web of Science, Elsevier-Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded Journal List).
20. Toprak, U., Baldwin, D., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Harris, S., Hegedus, D.D. 2013. In
vitro and in vivo application of RNA interference for targeting genes involved in
peritrophic matrix synthesis in a lepidopteran system. Insect Science, 20:92-100.
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 4
19. Susurluk, H.,Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2013. Concentration of sodium dodecyl sulphate
used in the occlusion body extraction affects Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus
biological activity. Turkish Journal of Biology, 37:171-175 (Turkish Journal of Biology
is an international journal indexed in ISI Thompson Reuters Web of Science, Elsevier-
Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded Journal List).
18. Toprak, U., Harris, S., Baldwin, D., Theilmann, D.A., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D.D.,
Erlandson, M. 2012. Role of enhancin in Mamestra configurata nucleopolyhedrovirus
virulence: Selective degradation of host peritrophic matrix proteins. Journal of General
Virology, 93:744-753.
17. Terenius, O., Papanicolaou, A., Garbutt, J.S., Eleftherianos, I., Huvenne, H., Sriramana,
K., Albrechtsen, M., An, C., Aymeric, J-L., Barthel, A., Bebas, P., Bitra, K., Bravo, A.,
Chevalier, F., Collinge, D.P., Crava, C.M., de Maagd, R.A., Duvic, B., Erlandson, M.,
Faye, I., Felföldi, G., Fujiwara, H., Futahashi, R., Gandhe, A.S., Gatehouse, H.S.,
Gatehouse, L.N., Giebultowicz, J., Gómez, I., Grimmelikhuijzen, C.J., Groot, A.T.,
Hauser, F., Heckel, D.G., Hegedus, D.D., Hrycaj, S., Huang, L., Hull, J.J., Iatrou, K.,
Iga, M., Kanost, M.R., Kotwica, J., Li, C., Li, J., Liu, J., Lundmark, M., Matsumoto, S.,
Meyering-Vos, M., Millichap, P.J., Monteiro, A., Mrinal, N., Niimi, T., Nowara, D.,
Ohnishi, A., Oostra, V., Ozaki, K., Papakonstantinou, M., Popadic, A., Rajam, M.V.,
Saenko, S., Simpson, R.M., Soberón, M., Strand, M.R., Tomita, S., Toprak, U., Wang,
P., Wee, C.W., Whyard, S., Zhang, W., Nagaraju, J., ffrench-Constant, R.H., Herrero, S.,
Gordon, K., Swevers, L., Smagghe, G. 2011. RNA interference in Lepidoptera: an
overview of successful and unsuccessful studies and implications for experimental
design. Journal of Insect Physiology, 57:231-245.
16. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Hegedus, D. 2010. Peritrophic matrix proteins. Trends in
Entomology, 6:23-51.
15. Erlandson, M., Hegedus, D., Baldwin, D., Noakes, A., Toprak, U. 2010.
Characterization of the Mamestra configurata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larval midgut
protease complement and adaptation to feeding on artificial diet, Brassica species and
protease inhibitor. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, 75:70-91.
14. Toprak, U., Baldwin, D., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Harris, S., Hegedus, D. 2010.
Expression patterns of genes encoding proteins with peritrophin A domains and protein
localization in Mamestra configurata. Journal of Insect Physiology, 56:1711-1720.
13. Toprak, U., Baldwin, D., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2010. Insect intestinal
mucins and serine proteases associated with the peritrophic matrix from feeding, starved
and molting Mamestra configurata larvae. Insect Molecular Biology, 19:163-175.
12. Hegedus, D., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Toprak, U. 2009. New insights into peritrophic
matrix synthesis, architecture, and function. Annual Review of Entomology, 54:285-302.
11. Toprak, U., Baldwin, D., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hou, X., Coutu, C., Hegedus, D.
2008. A chitin deacetylase and putative insect intestinal lipases are components of
Mamestra configurata peritrophic matrix. Insect Molecular Biology, 17:573-585.
10. Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O., Bayram, Ş. 2007. The impact of a Turkish isolate and a
plaque purified variant of SpliNPV-B on larval stage development of Spodoptera
littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Boisd. Pest Management Science, 63:564-568.
9. Toprak, U., Susurluk, H., Gürkan, M.O. 2007. Viral-enhancing activity of an optical
brightener for Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) nucleopolyhedrovirus.
Biocontrol Science and Technology, 17:423-431.
8. Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Gürkan, M.O. 2006. Comparative biological activities of a
plaque-purified variant and a Turkish native isolate of SpliNPV-B against Spodoptera
littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Pest Management Science, 62:57-63.
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 5
7. Susurluk, I.A., Toprak, U. 2006. Molecular identification of three entomopathogenic
nematodes from Turkey by PCR-RFLP of the ITS regions. Phytoparasitica, 34:17-20.
6. Toprak, U., Susurluk,I.A., and Gürkan, M.O. 2005. The partial sequence comparison of
lef-8 gene obtained from a Turkish SpliNPV-B with several baculoviruses. Journal of
Agricultural Sciences, 11:384-390.
5. Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Gürkan, M.O. 2005. Gross pathology of SpliNPVs and
alterations in Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) morphology due to
baculoviral infection. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 11:65-71.
4. Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Gürkan, M.O. 2005. Baculoviruses as biological control agents,
do they have a future in Turkey? Çukurova University Agricultural Faculty Journal,
20:33-43.
3. Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2005. A different strategy in agricultural pest control,
entomopathogenic microorganisms. Turkish Agriculture, 163:50-51.
2. Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2004. First record of a NPV isolated from Spodoptera
littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Turkey and its molecular identification
according to the partial lef-8 gene. Turkish Journal of Biology, 28:71-77.
1. Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2004. Negative effects of pesticides to environment and
human beings. Green World, 2:16-17.
Book Chapters
1. Hegedus, D.D., Toprak, U., and Erlandson, M. 2016. Lepidopteran peritrophic matrix
composition, function, and formation. In “Short Views on Insect Genomics and
Proteomics”, Vol 2, pp 63-87, Eds: Raman, C., Goldsmith, M.R., Agunbiade, T.A.,
Springer, Switzerland, ISBN: 978-3-319-24244-6.
Dictionary (In Press)
1. Toprak, U. 2019. Turkish Academy of Sciences, Scientific terms dictionary, Entomology
Core Section. Ed. by Sankur, B., Ankara, Turkey.
Conference Presentations
International Conferences:
78. Doğan, C., Güney, G., Bayram Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. A chicken or egg question in lipid
research: Does calcium homeostasis affect lipid metabolism or lipid metabolism affect
calcium homeostasis? Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, St. Louis,
USA, November 17-20.
77. Güney, G., Hänniger, S., Heckel, D.G., Toprak, U. 2019. Peritrophin knock out induces
baculovirus infection in Spodoptera littoralis. Entomological Society of America Annual
Meeting, St. Louis, USA, November 17-20.
76. Doğan, C., Hänniger, S., Heckel, D.G., Hegedus, D.D., Bayram Ş., Toprak, U. 2019.
Functional analysis of the Store-Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE) in lipid metabolism of
Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, St.
Louis, USA, November 17-20.
75. Doğan, C., Hänniger, S., Heckel, D.G., Hegedus, D.D., Bayram Ş., Toprak, U. 2019.
Characterization of Seipin and Neuropeptide F genes in Leptinotarsa decemlineata.
Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, St. Louis, USA, November 17-20.
74. Cedden, D., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. Further characterization of clock genes in
Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae).
Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, St. Louis, USA, November 17-20.
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 6
73. Cedden, D., Güney, G., Amutkan, D., Suludere, Z., Toprak, U. 2019. SEM and light
microscopy of the fat body and digestive system in overwintering Colorado potato beetle,
Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Entomological Society of
America Annual Meeting, St. Louis, USA, November 17-20.
72. Cedden, D., Bayram, Ş., Babaroğlu, N., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of novel
hemiptericins in sunnpest, Eurygaster maura (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae). Society for
Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Valencia, Spain, July 28 - August 1.
71. Özdemir, E., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U., Evlice, E. 2019. Identification of
entomopathogenic nematodes in Central Anatolia with a comparison of two barcoding
loci. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Valencia, Spain, July 28 -
August 1.
70. Doğan, C., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of antimicrobial peptides in
wheat stink bug, Aelia rostrata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Society for Invertebrate
Pathology Annual Meeting, Valencia, Spain, July 28 - August 1.
69. Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Güney, G., Güney, E., Sezen, K.,
Hegedus, D.D., Heckel, D., Kaydan, M.B. 2019. Temporal midgut transcriptome of
Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) larvae in response to Bacillus
thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis infection. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual
Meeting, Valencia, Spain, July 28 - August 1.
68. Güney, G., Hänniger, S., Heckel, D.G., Bayram, Ş., Coutu, C., Hegedus, D.D., Sezen, K.,
Güney, E., Cedden, D., Toprak, U. 2019. Silencing ABC and Cadherin genes in
Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) treated with Bacillus
thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis Cry δ-endotoxin. Society for Invertebrate Pathology
Annual Meeting, Valencia, Spain, July 28 - August 1.
67. Güney, G., Bekkaoui, D., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Hegedus, D.D., Hänniger, S., Heckel,
D.G., Bayram, Ş., Kaydan, M.B., Toprak, U. 2019. Characterization of major proteins
involved in the lipid metabolism of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa
decemlineata. 1st
International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey,
April 10-13.
66. Doğan, C., Hänniger, S., Heckel, D.G., Hegedus, D.D., Bayram, Ş., Kaydan, M.B.,
Toprak, U. 2019. Characterization of calcium-binding proteins in the fat body of
Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. 1st
International Molecular Plant
Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
65. Cedden, D., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of circadian timekeeping genes
in Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). 1st
International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
64. Köse, E., Toprak, U. 2019. Diet, obesity and beyond: Lessons from Insects. 1st
International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
63. Aydın, A., Toprak, U., Durmuşoğlu, E. 2019. Bacillus-based bioinsecticides in
mosquitoe control: Mode of action and resistance scenarios. 1st
International Molecular
Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
62. Doğan, C., Bayram, Ş., Kaydan, M.B., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of fatty acid
binding and transport proteins in Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera:
Noctuidae): Potential target sites in pest control. 1st
International Molecular Plant
Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
61. Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Güney, G., Doğan, C., Babaroğlu, N., Ertürk, S., Kaydan,
M.B., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Hegedus, D.D. 2019. 1st
Comparative midgut proteomics
from feeding and hibernating Sunnpest, Eurygaster maura (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae). 1st
International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 7
60. Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Güney, G., Doğan, C., Babaroğlu, N., Ertürk, S., Kaydan, M.B.,
Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Hegedus, D. 2019. Comparative fat body transcriptomics and
proteomics from feeding, aestivating and hibernating wheat stink bug, Aelia rostrata
(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) adults. 1st
International Molecular Plant Protection Congress,
Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
59. Hegedus, D., Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C. 2017. Insight into the structure and
formation of the lepidopteran peritrophic matrix based on studies of the bertha
armyworm (Mamestra configurata). Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting,
Denver, USA, November 5-8.
58. Caner, E., Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Hegedus, D., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Erlandson, M.,
Heckel, D. 2017. The molecular architecture of Leptinotarsa decemlineata peritrophic
matrix: Implication of the first model in a beetle system. Entomological Society of
America Annual Meeting, Denver, USA, November 5-8.
57. Toprak, U. 2017. Mass production and storage possibilities of the biocontrol agent,
Turkish Strain of Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus. 28th
International Scientific-
Expert Conference of Agriculture and Food Industry, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
September 27-29.
56. Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Hegedus, D. 2017. Silencing chitin deacetylase, insect intestinal
mucin and response to pathogen genes in Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae):
Increases and decreases in the biological activity of baculoviruses. Society for
Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, San Diego, USA, August 13-17.
55. Toprak, U. 2017. First report of iflavirus infection in Spodoptera littoralis
(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, San Diego,
USA, August 13-17.
54. Caner, E., Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Hegedus, D., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Erlandson, M.,
Heckel, D. 2017. Modeling peritrophic matrix defense against pathogens infecting per os
in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae). Society for Invertebrate
Pathology Annual Meeting, San Diego, USA, August 13-17.
53. Toprak, U., Hegedus, D., Erlandson, M. 2016. New insights into lepidopteran
peritrophic matrix synthesis. In the symposium “Insect biocomposites: cuticles and
peritrophic matrices”. International Congress of Entomology, Orlando, FL, USA,
September 25-30.
52. Ozdemir, E., Toprak, U., Çavdar, S., Bekkaoui,D., Hegedus, D. 2015. New target sites
in pest control: Examining the role of REPAT Proteins in defence against baculoviruses.
Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Vancouver, Canada, August 9-13.
51. Toprak, U., Hegedus, D., Ozdemir, E., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Bekkaoui, D., Bayram,
Ş., Gurkan, M.O. 2015. Peritrophic matrix proteomics of the cotton leaf worm,
Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae): Targets for pathogens infecting per os.
Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Vancouver, Canada, August 9-13.
50. Toprak, U., Çavdar, S. 2014. Enhancing baculoviral activity by synergistics targeting
insect midgut physiology. International Conference on Biopesticides 7 (ICOB 7),
Antalya, Turkey, 19-25 October.
49. Guz, N., Toprak, U., Hegedus, D., Coutu, C., Dageri, A., Mousavi, M., Bayram, Ş, and
Gurkan, M.O. 2012. Comparative fat body transcriptome analysis of sunn pest in
overwintering and summer populations. 24th
International Congress of Entomology,
Daegue, South Korea, 19-26 August.
48. Hegedus, D., Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Baldwin, D. 2011. Synthesis and
architecture of the Mamestra configurata peritrophic matrix. 6th
International Symposium
on Molecular Insect Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2-5 October.
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 8
47. Toprak,U., Baldwin, D., Hegedus, D., Gillott, C., Harris, S., Theilmann, D., Erlandson,
M. 2010. Mamestra configurata nucleopolyhedrovirus enhancin substrate specificity and
insect intestinal mucin structural types. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual
Meeting, Trabzon, Turkey, July 11-15.
46. Toprak, U., Baldwin, D., Hegedus, D., Gillott, C., Erlandson, M. 2010. A new target in
insect control: peritrophic matrix. Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society of Agronomy,
Saskatoon, Canada, June 20-24.
45. Toprak, U., Baldwin, D.,
Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2009. Mucins “on
guard”?: Impact of a baculovirus metalloprotease on Mamestra configurata insect
intestinal mucins. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Indianapolis,
USA, December 13-16.
44. Hegedus, D., Erlandson M.A., Toprak, U., Gillott, C., Karcz, S. 2009. Recent insights
into the structure of the Mamestra configurata Type I peritrophic matrix. 8th
International
Workshop on Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Lepidoptera, Orthodox Academy of
Crete Kolympari, Crete, Greece, August 23-29.
43. Erlandson, M.A., Ethier, S., Toprak, U., Hegedus, D., Theilmann, D.A. 2009.
Baculoviruses associated with Mamestra configurata (bertha armyworm): Role of viral
enhancing factor (vef) in the infection process. 8th
International Workshop on Molecular
Biology and Genetics of the Lepidoptera, Orthodox Academy of Crete Kolympari, Crete,
Greece, August 23-29.
42. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2008. Characterization of new
proteins from the Mamestra configurata midgut. International Symposium on Insect
Midgut Biology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China, April 7-11.
41. Toprak , U., Baldwin, D., Erlandson, M.,
Gillott
, C., and Hegedus, D. 2008. Mucins
“always on guard”: Characterization of insect intestinal mucins in Mamestra configurata
(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). Entomological Society of Saskatchewan Annual Meeting,
Saskatoon, Canada, December 5.
40. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2007. Characterization of seven new
proteins from Type-I lepidopteran peritrophic matrix. Entomological Society of America
Annual Meeting, San Diego, USA, December 9-12.
39. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2007. Characterization of six new
Mamestra configurata peritrophic matrix proteins and interaction of MacoNPV enhancin
with insect intestinal mucins. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting,
Quebec City, Canada, August 12-16.
38. Erdoğan, T., Gürkan, M.O., Toprak, U. 2007. Detoxification enzymes of Spodoptera
littoralis Boisd. infected with a baculovirus. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual
Meeting, Quebec City, Canada, August 12-16.
37. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2007. Characterization of three new
insect intestinal mucins from lepidopteran peritrophic matrix and interaction of
MacoNPV enhancin with McIIM1. Entomological Society of Canada Annual Meeting,
Saskatoon, Canada, Sep 29-Oct 3.
36. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2007. Characterization of six new
proteins from the lepidopteran peritrophic matrix: A new structural model. PUBS Annual
Meeting, Regina, Canada, February 22-24.
35. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2006. Towards a functional model
for Type-I lepidopteran peritrophic matrix. Entomological Society of America Annual
Meeting, Indianapolis, U.S.A., December 10-13.
34. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D., Li, Q. 2006. Characterization of
MacoNPV enhancin and its interaction with Mamestra configurata peritrophic matrix
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 9
proteins. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Wuhan, China, August 27-
September 1.
33. Susurluk, H., Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2006. Impact of SDS in baculovirus occlusion
body purification buffer on biological activity. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual
Meeting, Wuhan, China, August 27-September 1.
32. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2006. A new model of lepidopteran
peritrophic matrix. Entomological Society of Saskatchewan Annual Meeting, Saskatoon,
Canada, December 7.
31. Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2005. Enhancement in activity of Turkish SpliNPV-B to
Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) by an optical brightener. Society for
Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Anchorage, USA, August 7-11.
30. Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2005. A friendly insect pest control strategy for environment:
The Baculoviruses. II. International Environmental Protection Symposium, Dumlupınar
University, Kütahya, Turkey, September 8-10.
29. Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2005. An alternative management model of Spodoptera
littoralis Boisd. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to chemical control. II. International
Environmental Protection Symposium, Dumlupınar University, Kütahya, Turkey
September 8-10.
National Conferences:
28. Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Güney, G., Doğan, C., Sezen, K., Heckel, D. 2019. Cathepsins
are downregulated in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) larvae
during Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis infection. 7th
Entomopathogens and
Microbial Control Congress, Kayseri, Turkey, September 11-13.
27. Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş. 2019. The antimicrobial lysozymes are active in hibernating
wheat stink bug, Aelia rostrata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). 7th
Entomopathogens and
Microbial Control Congress, Kayseri, Turkey, September 11-13.
26. Yusuf Idan, A., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of midgut lysozymes in
sunn pest Eurygaster maura (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae). 7th
Entomopathogens and
Microbial Control Congress, Kayseri, Turkey, September 11-13.
25. Gürkan, M.O., Baldwin, D., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of a new Spodotera exigua
nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate from Turkey. 7th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control
Congress, Kayseri, Turkey, September 11-13.
24. Aydın, A., Durmuşoğlu, E., Toprak, U. 2019. An Evaluation on the resistance of select
insects against Bacillus-based biopesticides. 7th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control
Congress, Kayseri, Turkey, September 11-13.
23. Toprak, U. 2018. Use of molecular techniques in the studies of insecticide resistance.
The Symposium for Phosphine Resistance in Stored Grain Pests, Plant Health Central
Research Institute, Ankara, Turkey, July 11.
22. Veli, A., Caner, E., Güney, G., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2017. Identification of putative
coleoptericins in Leptinotarsa decemlieneata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae). 6th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.
21. Toprak, U. 2017. Comparison of liquid and powder formulations of Turkish strain of
Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus on Spodoptera littoralis
(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). 6th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat,
Turkey, September 14-16.
20. Güney, G., Caner, E., Gömeç, S., Gürkan, M.O., Toprak, U. 2017. Effect of synergistics
targeting peritrophic matrix on baculoviral activity under laboratory conditions. 6th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 10
19. Caner, E., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2017. A novel immunity related protein of the
peritrophic matrix that enriches the innate defense against per os infective
entomopathogens. 6th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey,
September 14-16.
18. Caner, E., Toprak, U. 2017. Resistance mechanisms of insects against Bacillus
thuringiensis endotoxins: Perspectives and recent insights. 6th
Entomopathogens and
Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.
17. Kayretli, D., Güney, G., Caner, E., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2017. Identification of
retroviral elements expressed in Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) midgut.
6th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.
16. Köse, E., Doğan, C., Güler, A., Güney, G., Toprak, U. 2017. Entomopathogenic viruses
as biological control agents in Turkey. 6th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control
Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.
15. Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O., Gömeç, S., Özdemir, E., Caner, E. 2015. Efficacy of
different formulations of Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus with synergistics
targeting midgut defense under greenhouse conditions. 5th
Entomopathogens and
Microbial Control Congress, Ankara, Turkey, September 9-11.
14. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Hegedus, D. 2015. Relating peritrophic matrix structure and
function to baculovirus efficacy. 5th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress,
Ankara, Turkey, September 9-11.
13. Gömeç, S., Özdemir, E., Caner, E., Hegedus, D., Toprak, U. 2015. Modeling midgut
defense in response to pathogens in Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). 5th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Ankara, Turkey, September 9-11.
12. Özdemir, E., Toprak, U., Bekkaoui, D., Hegedus, D., Gömeç, S., Caner, E., Canlı, H.
2015. Insect intestinal mucins in Spodoptera littoralis: Sacrifices of baculoviral
infections. 5th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Ankara, Turkey,
September 9-11.
11. Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O., Erlandson, M. 2015. Morphological, biochemical, and
phylogenetic analyses of Turkish isolate of Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus.
5th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Ankara, Turkey, September 9-11.
10. Toprak, U., Guz, N. 2014. Four important actors of lipid metabolism in sunn pest,
Eurygaster spp. (Hemiptera:Scutelleridae): Adiphokinetic hormone, protein kinase,
trigliceride lipase, lipophorin. 5th
Plant Protection Congress, Antalya, Turkey, February
3-5.
9. Guz, N., Toprak, U. 2014. Molecular characterization of genes related to metabolic
resistance in sunn pest. 5th
Plant Protection Congress, Antalya, Turkey, February 3-5.
8. Dağeri, A., Guz, N., Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2014. Molecular aspects of sunn pest
embryo development: The Vitellogenins. 5th
Plant Protection Congress, Antalya, Turkey,
February 3-5.
7. Toprak, U., Demirci, Y., Guz, N., Hegedus, D.D., Coutu, C., Baldwin, D., Yurtkuran, Z.,
Gürkan, M.O., Bayram, Ş. 2014. Potential midgut genes that could be targeted in the
control of Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). 5th
Plant Protection Congress,
Antalya, Turkey, February 3-5.
6. Toprak, U., Guz, N., Demirci, Y. 2014. Midgut genomics of overwintering sunn pest. 5th
Plant Protection Congress, Antalya, Turkey, February 3-5.
5. Toprak, U., Hegedus, D.D., Erlandson, M.A., Theilmann, D. 2013. Baculovirus-insect
peritrophic matrix interaction: Can we develop more effective baculoviruses using the
knowledge on enhancin-insect intestinal mucin substrate specificity? 4th
Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Symposium, Artvin Çoruh University, Artvin,
Turkey, September 11-14.
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 11
4. Toprak, U., Yurtkuran, Z., Aşutlu, G., Demirci, Y., Gürkan, M.O. 2013. An alternative
to chemical insecticides in pest control: The baculoviral biopesticides and their
formulation. 4th
Ecology Congress, Tekirdağ, Turkey, Mayıs 2-4.
Other Conferences:
3. Toprak , U., Baldwin, D., Erlandson, M.,
Gillott
, C., Hegedus, D. 2009. Mucins “always
on guard”: Characterization of insect intestinal mucins in Mamestra configurata
(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). University of Saskatchewan, Biology Department Graduate
Student Symposium, Saskatoon, Canada, April 9.
2. Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2007. The newer model of
lepidopteran peritrophic matrix with six new proteins. University of Saskatchewan,
Biology Department Graduate Student Symposium, Saskatoon, Canada, April 10.
1. Toprak, U., Gillott, C., Erlandson, M., Hegedus, D. 2006. The role of enhancin in
baculovirus pathogenesis and its interaction with the peritrophic matrix. University of
Saskatchewan, Biology Department Graduate Student Symposium, Saskatoon, Canada,
April 4.
7. Grant History
Toprak, U. (Principal), Bayram, S., Hegedus, D., Heckel, D.
“Determination of potential target genes involved in lipid metabolism in the control of
Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae)”.
Funding: The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (2019-2022).
Toprak, U. (Principal), Bayram, S., Hegedus, D., Heckel, D.
“Comparative peritrophic matrix proteomics and functional midgut genomics from larval
and adult stages of Colorado potato beetle”.
Funding: Ankara University Internal Funding (2017-2019).
Toprak, U. (Principal), Hegedus, D.
“Fat body functional genomics and proteomics in Colorado potato beetle”.
Funding: Higher Education Council International Project-Based Mevlana Program
(2018-2019).
Toprak, U. (Principal), Bayram, S., Gurkan, M.O., Hegedus, D.
“Determination of potential target midgut genes for the control of Egyptian cotton
leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)”
Funding: The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (2012-2015).
Toprak, U. (Principal), Gurkan, M.O.
“Formulation and mass production model of the biocontrol agent, Spodoptera littoralis
nucleopolyhedrovirus Turkish Isolate”
Funding: Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (2012-2015).
Erdogan, C. (Co-Principal), Toprak, U. (Co-Principal), Gurkan, M.O.
“Biochemical and molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance in Bemisia tabaci
(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) populations in vegetable greenhouses”
Funding: The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (2011-2014).
8. Research Collaborations
Dr. Dwayne Hegedus, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, Canada.
Dr. Martin Erlandson, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, Canada.
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 12
Dr. David Heckel, Dept. of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology,
Jena, Germany.
Dr. Guy Smagghe, Dept. of Crop Protection, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Dr. Michael Scharf, Dept. of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA.
Dr. Russel Groves, Dept. of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
Dr. Gokhan Hotamışlıgil, Dept. of Genetics & Complex Diseases, Harvard University,
USA.
Dr. Charlotte Foerster, Lehrstuhl für Neurobiologie und Genetik, Julius Maximilian
University of Würzburg, Germany.
Dr. Kazım Sezen, Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey.
9. Teaching&Advisory Experience
Undergraduate Level Courses (at Dept. of Plant Protection, Ankara University from 2013-to
date):
Horticultural Insect Pests
Insect Morphology
Plant Protection
Graduate Level Courses (at Ankara University from 2013-to date):
Insect Molecular Biology (In English at the International Plant Protection Master
Degree Programme at Ankara University)
Insect Biochemistry (In Turkish at the Plant Protection Ph.D Degree Programme and in
English at the International Plant Protection Master Degree Programme at Ankara
University)
Introduction to Insect Physiology (In Turkish at the Plant Protection Master Degree
Programme at Ankara University)
Insect Physiology (In English at the International Plant Protection Master Degree
Programme at Ankara University)
Integrated Pest Management (In English at the International Plant Protection Master
Degree Programme at Ankara University)
Undergraduate Level Laboratory Courses (at Ankara University from 2001-2005 and 2011-
2013):
The Pests of the Vegetables and Ornamental Plants
Stored Product Pests
Insect Taxonomy
Entomology
Insect Morphology
Agricultural Control Methods
Graduate Student Service
Supervisor: Gözde Güney (Ph.D. Candidate, Ankara University, 2019- present).
Supervisor: Başak Coşkun (Ph.D. Candidate, Ankara University, 2019- present).
Supervisor: Emrah Kayış (Ph.D. Candidate, Ankara University, 2019- present).
Supervisor: Aslı Erol (M.Sc. Candidate, Ankara University, 2019- present).
Supervisor: Cansu Doğan (M.Sc. Candidate, Ankara University, 2019- present).
Supervisor: Gözde Güney (M.Sc., Ankara University, 2016-2019, completed).
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 13
Supervisor: Demet Kayretli (M.Sc., Ankara University, 2016-2019, completed).
Supervisor: Emre Caner (M.Sc., Ankara University, 2014-2017, completed).
Graduate Advisory Committee Member: Şahin Kök (Ph.D., Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart
University, Entomology, 2016-2019).
Graduate Advisory Committee Member: Şevkiye Balcı (Ph.D., Ankara University,
Entomology, 2015-present).
Thesis Examiner: Dönüş Gençer (Ph.D., Karadeniz Technical University, Biology,
2019).
Thesis Examiner: Zeynep Bayramoğlu (Ph.D., Karadeniz Technical University,
Biology, 2018).
Thesis Examiner: Nazife Eroğlu (Ph.D., Ankara University, Entomology, 2015).
Graduate Student Search Committee Member: Ankara University, Dept. of Plant
Protection (2015 Fall, 2019 Fall).
Supervising Undergraduate Research Projects (Ankara University)
Project title: Insect Hibernation, by Doğa Cedden, Övgü Yaman, Mert Bekir Dündar
(2019).
Project title: Livers of Insects: The fat body, structure and functions, by Esra Kose and
Cansu Doğan (2018).
Project title: Comparative morphology of the digestive systems in lepidopterans and
coleopterans, by Rıdvan Sağlam (2017).
Project title: Entomopathogenic viruses and conducting lethal dose and lethal time
bioassays in lepidopterans, by Sadık Kuşat, Alperen Abdullah Türkekul, Gözde Güney,
Begüm Acar (2016).
Project title: RNA interference and determination of the dosage for successful gene
silencing, by Faruk Hokkaömeroğlu, Hulusi Erdik, Yusuf Konur (2015).
10. Other Evidence of Impact and Contributions
Editorial Boards
Special Issue Editor: “Insect Lipid Metabolism” in “Insect Biochemistry & Molecular
Biology”, Eds: Toprak, U., Musselman, L., planned to be published in September 2020
(estimated).
Special Issue Editor: “The Peritrophic Matrix” in “Journal of Insect Physiology”, Eds:
Toprak, U., Wang, P., Smagghe, G., planned to be published in Early Issues of 2019-
Volume 112 or 113 (estimated).
Special Issue Editor: “Molecular insights into Insect Physiological Systems” in
“Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology”, Ed: Toprak, U., planned to be
published in Late Issues of 2019-Volume 100 (estimated).
Section Editor (Insect Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology):
-“Turkish Journal of Entomology” (an international peer-reviewed journal indexed in
ISI Thompson Reuters, Elsevier-Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded Journal List,
2018-………. )
-“Turkish Bulletin of Entomology” (2014-………..)
-“Bulletin of Plant Protection” (2018-……….).
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 14
Managing Editor: “Journal of Agricultural Sciences”, an international peer-reviewed
journal indexed in ISI Thompson Reuters, Elsevier-Scopus, Science Citation Index
Expanded Journal List (2015-2017)
Invited Editor: “Turkish Journal of Biology”, an international peer-reviewed journal
indexed in ISI Thompson Reuters, Elsevier-Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded
Journal List (2014).
Journal Reviewing as Peer-reviewer
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Insect Molecular Biology
Journal of Insect Physiology
Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
PLoS One
BMC Genomics
BMC Microbiology
Insect Science
Arthropod Structure & Development
Frontiers in Physiology
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology
Scientific Reports
Gene
Genomics
Pest Management Science
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Phytoparasitica
Biological Control
Biocontrol Science and Technology
Journal of Applied Entomology
Biotechnology Advances
Euphytica
Advances in Applied Agricultural Sciences
Mediterranean Agricultural Sciences
Turkish Journal of Biology
Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry
Turkish Journal of Zoology
Turkish Journal of Entomology
Turkish Bulletin of Entomology
Atatürk University Agricultural Faculty Journal
Suleyman Demirel University Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences
Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Service on Funding Agency Panels
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 15
Reviewer: The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
Research&Development Projects (2013-to date).
Reviewer: Uludağ University Research&Development Projects (2018).
Reviewer: Çukurova University Research&Development Projects (2017).
Reviewer: General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies
Research&Development Projects (2017).
Reviewer: Ankara University Technopark Research&Development Projects (2014).
Conference&Symposium Organization
Steering Committee Member: XII European Congress of Entomology-ECE 2022,
Hersonissos Crete, Greece, October 17-21 (2022)
Organizer: Section Symposium “From Fat to Fact: Recent Insights on Insect Lipid
Metabolism” at the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Denver,
USA, November 17-20 (2019) (https://www.entsoc.org/events/annual-
meeting/symposia#ss).
Organizer: Cross-Divisional Symposium (Virus and Bacteria Divisions) “The multiple
layers of Host-Pathogens Interactions”, at the Annual Meeting of Society for Invertebrate
Pathgology, Valencia, Spain, July 28 - August 1 (2019).
Organizer & Co-Chair: 1st International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana,
Turkey, April 10-13 (2019) (http://www.imppc2019.org/).
Organizer: Section Symposium “The Peritrophic Matrix: From Past to Future” at the
Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Denver, USA, November 5-8
(2017) (https://esa.confex.com/esa/2017/meetingapp.cgi/Session/30152).
Scientific Committee Member: 6th
International Entomopathogens and Microbial
Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16 (2017).
Organizer: 5th
International Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Ankara,
Turkey, September 9-11 (2015) (http://emc2015agri.en.ankara.edu.tr/).
Scientific Committee Member: International Conference on Biopesticides 7 (ICOB 7),
Antalya, Turkey, October 19-25 (2014) (http://www.icob7.org/).
Scientific Committee Member: 4th
International Entomopathogens and Microbial
Control Congress, Artvin, Turkey, September 11-14 (2013).
Administrative Service
Regional Ambassador: Society for Invertebrate Pathology (2019-……..).
Member at Large: Society for Invertebrate Pathology Virus Division (2017-2019).
Member: Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Committee of International
Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Agricultural Sciences (2018- ).
Member: Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Research & Education Comission
(2018- ).
Director: Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Research and Demonstration Farms
(2015-2017).
Chair: Ankara University Technology Transfer Office Agricultural Division (2014-
2016).
Chair: Turkish Republic Higher Education Council Mevlana Exchange Program Office
of Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture (Mevlana Exchange Program has been
signed between the Agricultural Colleges of Ankara University, Turkey and University of
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 16
Saskatchewan, Canada, and will be supported financially by Turkish Higher Education
Council until 2018).
Member: Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Campus Animals Health and Safety
Comission (2013- 2017).
Vice Chair: Ankara University International Relations Committee for Canadian
Universities (2013- ).
Vice Chair: Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Double Major and
Undergraduate Study Abroad Program Committee (2013-2015).
Member: Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Commision of International
Relations (2012- ).
Chair: Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Collaborations with American and
Canadian Universities Committee (2012-2015).
Founder and President: Entomological Society of Ankara University (2002-2005).
11. Invited Lectures and Seminars
Seminar: “A new model to study Non-Alcholohic Fatty Liver Syndrome: The Colorado
potato beetle”
Ankara University Biotechnology Institute, Ankara, Turkey (02.10.2019).
Seminar: “A New Model Organism to Study Lipid Metabolism: The Story of the
Colorado Potato Beetle”
Harvard University, Dept. of Genetics & Complex Diseases, MA, USA (20.12.2018).
Seminar: “The Peritrophic Matrix: Structure, functions and its potential as a target site
in pest control”
Michigan State University, Dept. of Entomology, MI, USA (18.12.2018).
Seminar: “The Peritrophic Matrix: Structure, functions and its potential as a target site
in pest control”
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dept. of Entomology, IL, USA (07.12.2018).
Seminar: “A New Model Organism to Study Lipid Metabolism: The Story of the
Colorado Potato Beetle”
University of Michigan, Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, MI, USA (06.12.2018).
Seminar: “A New Model Organism to Study Lipid Metabolism: The Story of the
Colorado Potato Beetle”
Western Michigan University, Dept. of Biology, MI, USA (04.12.2018).
Seminar: “The Peritrophic Matrix: Structure, functions and its potential as a target site
in pest control”
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Dept. of Entomology, WI, USA (20.04.2018).
Seminar: “RNAi Applications in Pest Control”
Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, General Directorate of
Agricultural Research and Policies, Antalya, Turkey (23.02.2018).
Seminar: “The Peritrophic Matrix: Structure, functions and its potential as a target site
in pest control”
Purdue University, Dept. of Entomology, IN, USA (27.10.2017).
Seminar: “Lipid metabolism and hibernation in exotic bugs”
Harvard University, Dept. of Genetics & Complex Diseases, MA, USA (17.10.2017).
Session lecture: “Development of a new target site in pest control using biotechnology:
The peritrophic matrix”
Vth
Çukurova Biotechnology Symposium, Adana, Turkey (27.03.2017).
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 17
Seminar: “Discovery of new target sites in pest control using biotechnology”
Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, General Directorate of
Agricultural Research and Policies, Antalya, Turkey (15.02.2017).
Session lecture: “New insights into lepidopteran peritrophic matrix synthesis”
Section Symposium “Insect biocomposites: cuticles and peritrophic matrices”,
International Congress of Entomology, Orlando, FL, USA (27.09.2016).
Seminar: “Development of improved baculoviruses targeting insect defense”
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan (18.05.2015).
Seminar: “The discovery of obesity, leanness and anti-freeze genes in insects”
University of Saskatchewan, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, Saskatoon,
SK, Canada (17.04.2015).
Seminar: “New strategies and use of molecular techniques in pest control”
Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Plant Health Central
Research Institute, Ankara, Turkey (27.11.2014).
Session lecture: “Baculovirus-insect peritrophic matrix interaction: Can we develop
more effective baculoviruses using the knowledge on enhancin-insect intestinal substrate
specificity?”
4th
International Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Symposium Artvin,
Turkey (13.09.2013).
Seminar: “Insects of the Steppes”
Society of Rural Area and Forestry Issues, Ankara, Turkey (04.06.2013).
Seminar: “From entomology towards biotechnology: New approaches in pest control”
Uludağ University, Faculty of Agriculture, Dept. of Plant Protection, Bursa, Turkey (16.05.2013).
Seminar: “Pest of ornamental plants”
Municipality of Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey (05.04.2013).
Seminar: “From entomology towards biotechnology: New approaches in pest control”
Entomological Society of Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey (28.03.2013).
Seminar: “From entomology towards biotechnology: New approaches in pest control”
University of Wisconsin, Platteville, WI, USA (25.09.2012).
Seminar: “From entomology towards biotechnology: New approaches in pest control”
Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara, Turkey (26.01.2012).
Session lecture: “A New target in insect control: The peritrophic matrix”
Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society of Agronomy, Saskatoon, Canada (21.06.2010).
Session lecture: “Mucins, always on guard? Characterization of insect intestinal mucins
from Mamestra configurata midgut”
Entomological Society of Saskatchewan Annual Meeting, Saskatoon, Canada (05.12.2008).
Seminar: “Molecular architecture of the insect peritrophic matrix”
Pennsylvania State University, Dept. of Plant Science, State College, PA, USA (12.08.2008).
12. Public Relations
Grade school student lectures: “A good bug and a bad bug”
Umut Toprak, Ph.D. Page 18
Organized by: GardenScape Little Green Thumbs School Tour Program, Saskatoon
Prairieland Exhibition, SK, Canada (March 2006-2011, March 2014)
Newspaper articles: Scientific magazine articles in “Köy-Koop Haber”, the first
monthly agricultural newspaper of Turkey (2012-2013).
-Toprak, U. 2013. Have you ever used a baculovirus? Köy-Koop Haber, September, pg
13.
-Toprak, U. 2013. Biotechnology miracle: Is the definiton of agriculture changing? Köy
Koop Haber, August, pg 9.
-Toprak, U. 2013.The site where the Redriver stops:Kalecik. Köy-Koop Haber, July, pg
9.
-Toprak, U. 2013. Field of dreams: Iowa. Köy-Koop Haber, June, pg 9.
-Toprak, U. 2013. The land of living skies: Saskatchewan. Köy-Koop Haber, May, pg 11.
-Toprak, U. 2013. An evening in Daegu: The memories towards Wigglesworth. Köy-
Koop Haber, April, pg 11.
-Toprak, U. 2013. A Nobel Prize in agriculture? Köy-Koop Haber, Marrch, pg 11.
-Toprak, U. 2013. The father of insects: Ibrahim Akif Kansu. Köy-Koop Haber,
February, pg 10.
-Toprak, U. 2013. Diary of a ladybug V. Köy-Koop Haber, January, pg 9.
-Toprak, U. 2012. Diary of a ladybug IV. Köy-Koop Haber, November, pg 9.
-Toprak, U. 2012. Diary of a ladybug III. Köy-Koop Haber, October, pg 9.
-Toprak, U. 2012. Diary of a ladybug II. Köy-Koop Haber, August, pg 9.
-Toprak, U. 2012. Diary of a ladybug I. Köy-Koop Haber, July, pg 9.
-Toprak, U. 2012. Who says bugs don’t get sick? Köy-Koop Haber, June, pg 10.
-Toprak, U. 2012. A letter from the field: “Mr. Mantis”. Köy-Koop Haber, May, pg 10.
-Toprak, U. 2012. Agriculture in space? Köy-Koop Haber, April, pg 10.
-Toprak, U. 2012. Agriculture in 2050? Köy-Koop Haber, March, pg 10.
-Toprak, U. 2012. Genetically modified organisms: A rescuer or a nightmare scenario?
Köy-Koop Haber, February, pg 16.
13. Membership in Professional Societies
Entomological Society of America
Society for Invertebrate Pathology
Entomological Society of Saskatchewan
Entomological Society of Ankara University
Insect Genetic Technology Research Coordination Network
The Union of the Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects, The Chamber of
Agricultural Engineers
Entomological Society of Turkey
14. Hobies
History (first world war; general situation of Ottoman Empire by end of 19. Century)
Literature (writing on daily science topics in scientific magazines for public)
Music (playing electro guitar and composing songs; worked as a chorist in Turkish Radio
Television (1999/2001) Chorus ve Mersin State Opera and Ballet (1995/1996) Chorus.
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