Barçın Karakaş-Budak is an Associate Professor of Food Engineering, affiliated with Akdeniz University Faculty of Engineering, Department of Food Engineering since 2003. She holds BSc, MSc and PhD degrees in Food Engineering. With a strong background in food chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, her research interests has been in many different domains of food science. Her recent research focuses on the functional and technological aspects of fermented foods, microbial ecology, and bioprocess optimization. She is dedicated to integrating scientific innovation with traditional food practices and to mentoring young scientists in food biotechnology and sustainable processing.