I finished elementary school and high school in Podgorica, as a “student of the generation”. At the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Belgrade, I earned the title of doctor of medicine, then specialist in clinical biochemistry, as well as sub-specialist in laboratory endocrinology, as the first female student of my generation. At the same University, I earned a master’s degree, then a doctorate in medical sciences. By the decision of the Ministry of Health of Montenegro, I also obtained the title of “Primarius”. I am an assistant professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montenegro, as well as the head of the Center for Laboratory Diagnostics at the Health Center of the Capital City. I participated in several national and international projects and was the manager of three international projects.
How does your practice of science contribute to the wider community?
I have published the results of my previous scientific-research work on the role of biomarkers in cardiometabolic disorders and their application for diagnostic purposes in renowned journals of the Thomson Reuters (SCI/SCIE) category, as well as in the form of invited lectures at international and national congresses. I carry out my knowledge to the team at the Health Center, as well as to students at the Faculty of Medicine. The aforementioned research is a potential root for the implementation of new therapeutic modalities in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders.
What motivated you to become a scientist?
I do not find the motive to become a scientist in the sphere of rewards and recognition, although they are welcome and pleasing. I draw the motive from my love for the medical profession I practice. Research is a way to help myself and others, to understand and explain everything that interests me in the area of scientific research. In the end, the motive is to benefit everyone I can help in any way.
What message do you send to girls who dream of doing science?
The message to young people is to have faith in their dreams. Whatever we do, love should be the key motive, and goals are self-imposed and replaced. Desires should follow the heart, and then dreams are what are lived.
The campaign on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is the result of the joint creative work of women in the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, the Ministry of European Affairs and the EU4ME project, funded by the European Union.
