Project Leader

• Oct 2022 - Present

PI of a basic 24-month postdoctoral research project financed by the ARRS.

Postdoctoral Researcher

• Apr 2021 - Oct 2022

Postdoctoral Research Associate with Prof. Dr. Stanislav Gobec working on medicinal chemistry projects (penicillin-binding protein inhibitors).

Alumni / Wider Cohort Member

• Sep 2018 - Present

Choral Director

• Oct 2018 - Jun 2021

IB Diploma Chemistry Teacher (Higher Level)

• Feb 2021 - Apr 2021

Conductor at CCCS Oxford (Pembroke Choristers)

• Oct 2019 - Apr 2021

My role includes taking rehearsals with Pembroke College Choristers, helping to train their vocal technique, and conduct the choir. I strive to create a choral environment that is stimulating, challenging and exciting and where pupils therefore feel fulfilled and confident in themselves. The original purpose of Christ Church Cathedral School at its foundation in 1546 by Henry VIII was to provide Choristers for the building that is both chapel of Christ Church and Cathedral of the… Show more My role includes taking rehearsals with Pembroke College Choristers, helping to train their vocal technique, and conduct the choir. I strive to create a choral environment that is stimulating, challenging and exciting and where pupils therefore feel fulfilled and confident in themselves. The original purpose of Christ Church Cathedral School at its foundation in 1546 by Henry VIII was to provide Choristers for the building that is both chapel of Christ Church and Cathedral of the diocese. The school is still privileged and proud to maintain this 450y old tradition of educating next generation of British choral singers. Show less My role includes taking rehearsals with Pembroke College Choristers, helping to train their vocal technique, and conduct the choir. I strive to create a choral environment that is stimulating, challenging and exciting and where pupils therefore feel fulfilled and confident in themselves. The original purpose of Christ Church Cathedral School at its foundation in 1546 by Henry VIII was to provide Choristers for the building that is both chapel of Christ Church and Cathedral of the… Show more My role includes taking rehearsals with Pembroke College Choristers, helping to train their vocal technique, and conduct the choir. I strive to create a choral environment that is stimulating, challenging and exciting and where pupils therefore feel fulfilled and confident in themselves. The original purpose of Christ Church Cathedral School at its foundation in 1546 by Henry VIII was to provide Choristers for the building that is both chapel of Christ Church and Cathedral of the diocese. The school is still privileged and proud to maintain this 450y old tradition of educating next generation of British choral singers. Show less

Junior Demonstrator

• Oct 2018 - Mar 2021

Responsible for teaching, supervision and assessment of 2nd/3rd Year Undergraduates reading MChem at the University of Oxford for Practical Organic Chemistry teaching modules.

Organic Chemist, The Chris Schofield's Group (PhD research project)

• Oct 2017 - Mar 2021

Prof. Christopher Schofield's Group, DPhil (PhD) Studies Combating the antibiotic resistance: design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel broad-spectrum ß-lactamase and transpeptidase inhibitors, utilising the contemporary organic chemistry of boron-bearing compounds and other previously unexplored chemical entities and scaffolds. Co-Supervised students: Johannes Lang (Germany, MPharm), Ms Gayatri (India, Phd).

Visiting PhD Researcher

• Jun 2020 - Sep 2020

Worked in Prof Gobec’s Group on the stereoselective synthesis of monobactams. Worked in Prof Gobec’s Group on the stereoselective synthesis of monobactams.

Head PR and Creative Communications Expert, Project Manager

• Jan 2018 - May 2020

The branch office of C:E:T Platform, based in Ptuj, Slovenia CET stands for creativity, education, travel. CET Platform Society is a non-governmental organization and a platform for the development of Youth, NGO and Social Economy sectors, based in Ptuj, Slovenia. CET serves as a bridge between education and the professional engagement of young people. Focusing on professionals of the millennial generation in the fields of culture and creative industry, program of CET is designed to provide… Show more The branch office of C:E:T Platform, based in Ptuj, Slovenia CET stands for creativity, education, travel. CET Platform Society is a non-governmental organization and a platform for the development of Youth, NGO and Social Economy sectors, based in Ptuj, Slovenia. CET serves as a bridge between education and the professional engagement of young people. Focusing on professionals of the millennial generation in the fields of culture and creative industry, program of CET is designed to provide learning and development of competencies and specific skill-sets, experimenting various practices and testing them in a real-time environment. In collaboration with partners from across Europe, CET designs Youth Exchanges and Training Courses under the Erasmus+ program of European Union. Favorite topics are media literacy, human rights and responsible tourism, but also the rest of the SDG 2030 agenda. Show less The branch office of C:E:T Platform, based in Ptuj, Slovenia CET stands for creativity, education, travel. CET Platform Society is a non-governmental organization and a platform for the development of Youth, NGO and Social Economy sectors, based in Ptuj, Slovenia. CET serves as a bridge between education and the professional engagement of young people. Focusing on professionals of the millennial generation in the fields of culture and creative industry, program of CET is designed to provide… Show more The branch office of C:E:T Platform, based in Ptuj, Slovenia CET stands for creativity, education, travel. CET Platform Society is a non-governmental organization and a platform for the development of Youth, NGO and Social Economy sectors, based in Ptuj, Slovenia. CET serves as a bridge between education and the professional engagement of young people. Focusing on professionals of the millennial generation in the fields of culture and creative industry, program of CET is designed to provide learning and development of competencies and specific skill-sets, experimenting various practices and testing them in a real-time environment. In collaboration with partners from across Europe, CET designs Youth Exchanges and Training Courses under the Erasmus+ program of European Union. Favorite topics are media literacy, human rights and responsible tourism, but also the rest of the SDG 2030 agenda. Show less

Individual Winner of the Novartis Biocamp

• May 2019 - May 2019

Novartis BioCamp is a three-day forum that brings together 35 selected most promising young experts from all over the world. The 9th Regional BioCamp focused on the exploration of neuroscience and addressed the challenges and opportunities that the future of the treatment of neurological diseases brings, with a particular focus on the role and development of digital therapeutics. At this year’s event for the first time, we were given the opportunity to work on a real case involving… Show more Novartis BioCamp is a three-day forum that brings together 35 selected most promising young experts from all over the world. The 9th Regional BioCamp focused on the exploration of neuroscience and addressed the challenges and opportunities that the future of the treatment of neurological diseases brings, with a particular focus on the role and development of digital therapeutics. At this year’s event for the first time, we were given the opportunity to work on a real case involving digital therapeutics under the auspices of the Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research (NIBR). When elaborating a case study, we were testing and developing our own business mindset, innovation and communication skills and other abilities to take part in the teamwork. Our case studies were presented to the members of an expert panel who listened to the presentations, assessed our work and announced the best team and the best performing individuals. Show less Novartis BioCamp is a three-day forum that brings together 35 selected most promising young experts from all over the world. The 9th Regional BioCamp focused on the exploration of neuroscience and addressed the challenges and opportunities that the future of the treatment of neurological diseases brings, with a particular focus on the role and development of digital therapeutics. At this year’s event for the first time, we were given the opportunity to work on a real case involving… Show more Novartis BioCamp is a three-day forum that brings together 35 selected most promising young experts from all over the world. The 9th Regional BioCamp focused on the exploration of neuroscience and addressed the challenges and opportunities that the future of the treatment of neurological diseases brings, with a particular focus on the role and development of digital therapeutics. At this year’s event for the first time, we were given the opportunity to work on a real case involving digital therapeutics under the auspices of the Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research (NIBR). When elaborating a case study, we were testing and developing our own business mindset, innovation and communication skills and other abilities to take part in the teamwork. Our case studies were presented to the members of an expert panel who listened to the presentations, assessed our work and announced the best team and the best performing individuals. Show less

International New York Voices Vocal Jazz Camp Head PR, Communications and Assistant Camp Director

• Jan 2016 - Jan 2018

- Head PR and Event Manager, Project Manager, and Assistant Camp Director - co-organized and co-coordinated two international vocal jazz camps (2016 and 2017) which were held in Ptuj, Slovenia, by one of the word's most respected jazz vocal quartets - New York Voices, USA (2x Grammy winners) - Assisted the Camp Director and other executives in overseeing the daily activities, general camp operations, and programs to ensure a quality camp experience - Assisted with the various… Show more - Head PR and Event Manager, Project Manager, and Assistant Camp Director - co-organized and co-coordinated two international vocal jazz camps (2016 and 2017) which were held in Ptuj, Slovenia, by one of the word's most respected jazz vocal quartets - New York Voices, USA (2x Grammy winners) - Assisted the Camp Director and other executives in overseeing the daily activities, general camp operations, and programs to ensure a quality camp experience - Assisted with the various administrative tasks necessary for camp to run efficiently - Assisted in post-camp evaluations with the Camp Program Director - Interacted effectively with the camp staff as a total system, with campers’ best interest in mind. Show less - Head PR and Event Manager, Project Manager, and Assistant Camp Director - co-organized and co-coordinated two international vocal jazz camps (2016 and 2017) which were held in Ptuj, Slovenia, by one of the word's most respected jazz vocal quartets - New York Voices, USA (2x Grammy winners) - Assisted the Camp Director and other executives in overseeing the daily activities, general camp operations, and programs to ensure a quality camp experience - Assisted with the various… Show more - Head PR and Event Manager, Project Manager, and Assistant Camp Director - co-organized and co-coordinated two international vocal jazz camps (2016 and 2017) which were held in Ptuj, Slovenia, by one of the word's most respected jazz vocal quartets - New York Voices, USA (2x Grammy winners) - Assisted the Camp Director and other executives in overseeing the daily activities, general camp operations, and programs to ensure a quality camp experience - Assisted with the various administrative tasks necessary for camp to run efficiently - Assisted in post-camp evaluations with the Camp Program Director - Interacted effectively with the camp staff as a total system, with campers’ best interest in mind. Show less

Head Public Relations, Communications and Event Management

• Jun 2014 - Jan 2018

- worked as Head PR Manager (2015, 2016 and 2017) and as a volunteer (2014) - Managed all planned and executed all PR campaigns and strategies - Delivered creative ideas and networked with the festival's sponsors, media partners and visitors - Learned to quickly recognize the problems as they arose and solve them at rapid pace - Written and edited several leaflets, invitations, press releases and newspaper articles - Arranged and moderated several press conferences and publicly… Show more - worked as Head PR Manager (2015, 2016 and 2017) and as a volunteer (2014) - Managed all planned and executed all PR campaigns and strategies - Delivered creative ideas and networked with the festival's sponsors, media partners and visitors - Learned to quickly recognize the problems as they arose and solve them at rapid pace - Written and edited several leaflets, invitations, press releases and newspaper articles - Arranged and moderated several press conferences and publicly spoken at presentations or radio and TV interviews - Acquired detailed knowledge of advertisement and event-management - Supervised a volunteer that was part of our team during the festival and was responsible for her schedule, daily work-duties, performance monitoring and evaluation and welfare. Show less - worked as Head PR Manager (2015, 2016 and 2017) and as a volunteer (2014) - Managed all planned and executed all PR campaigns and strategies - Delivered creative ideas and networked with the festival's sponsors, media partners and visitors - Learned to quickly recognize the problems as they arose and solve them at rapid pace - Written and edited several leaflets, invitations, press releases and newspaper articles - Arranged and moderated several press conferences and publicly… Show more - worked as Head PR Manager (2015, 2016 and 2017) and as a volunteer (2014) - Managed all planned and executed all PR campaigns and strategies - Delivered creative ideas and networked with the festival's sponsors, media partners and visitors - Learned to quickly recognize the problems as they arose and solve them at rapid pace - Written and edited several leaflets, invitations, press releases and newspaper articles - Arranged and moderated several press conferences and publicly spoken at presentations or radio and TV interviews - Acquired detailed knowledge of advertisement and event-management - Supervised a volunteer that was part of our team during the festival and was responsible for her schedule, daily work-duties, performance monitoring and evaluation and welfare. Show less

Tourist Animator and Animation Instructor

• Aug 2016 - Aug 2017

Masters Research Project: Chemical Biology of oxygenases OGFOD1 and Tpa1p

• Sep 2016 - Jun 2017

Development of high-throughput assays for small molecule inhibitors of Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases OGFOD1 and Tpa1p Posttranslational enzymatic hydroxylation of a conserved proline residue within the small ribosomal subunit protein RPS23, which is located near the ribosomal decoding centre is an important oxygen-dependent posttranslational modification in animals and lower eukaryotes. This modification is catalysed by ferrous iron and 2-oxoglutarate dependent ribosomal… Show more Development of high-throughput assays for small molecule inhibitors of Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases OGFOD1 and Tpa1p Posttranslational enzymatic hydroxylation of a conserved proline residue within the small ribosomal subunit protein RPS23, which is located near the ribosomal decoding centre is an important oxygen-dependent posttranslational modification in animals and lower eukaryotes. This modification is catalysed by ferrous iron and 2-oxoglutarate dependent ribosomal oxygenases: OGFOD1 (in humans) and Tpa1p (in Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The activity of these two enzymes towards three short peptide substrates mimicking the natural RPS23 protein sequence was investigated using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Wild-type OGFOD1 was heterologously expressed and purified for use in MALDI-TOF MS coupled in-vitro hydroxylation assays. Despite very low catalytic activity of OGFOD1 towards both 20mer RPS23 peptides, over 60% hydroxylation was detected when a larger 38mer peptide was used. The lack of effective high-throughput screening platforms for inhibition studies of 2OG oxygenases, which are emerging as promising therapeutic targets, provided the context to develop high-throughput assays for OGFOD1 and Tpa1p inhibition. A highly sensitive fluorescein-derived fluorescent probe with a detection limit in the nanomolar range was successfully synthesised and evaluated, in a model fluoride-release assay for OGFOD1 inhibition, employing a fluorinated 20mer RPS23 peptide analogue. Additionally, the development of a red/white pigmentation assay for small molecule inhibitors of Tpa1p was attempted, which exploited the phenotypic features displayed by wild-type and tpa1- S. cerevisiae strains. Show less Development of high-throughput assays for small molecule inhibitors of Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases OGFOD1 and Tpa1p Posttranslational enzymatic hydroxylation of a conserved proline residue within the small ribosomal subunit protein RPS23, which is located near the ribosomal decoding centre is an important oxygen-dependent posttranslational modification in animals and lower eukaryotes. This modification is catalysed by ferrous iron and 2-oxoglutarate dependent ribosomal… Show more Development of high-throughput assays for small molecule inhibitors of Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases OGFOD1 and Tpa1p Posttranslational enzymatic hydroxylation of a conserved proline residue within the small ribosomal subunit protein RPS23, which is located near the ribosomal decoding centre is an important oxygen-dependent posttranslational modification in animals and lower eukaryotes. This modification is catalysed by ferrous iron and 2-oxoglutarate dependent ribosomal oxygenases: OGFOD1 (in humans) and Tpa1p (in Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The activity of these two enzymes towards three short peptide substrates mimicking the natural RPS23 protein sequence was investigated using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Wild-type OGFOD1 was heterologously expressed and purified for use in MALDI-TOF MS coupled in-vitro hydroxylation assays. Despite very low catalytic activity of OGFOD1 towards both 20mer RPS23 peptides, over 60% hydroxylation was detected when a larger 38mer peptide was used. The lack of effective high-throughput screening platforms for inhibition studies of 2OG oxygenases, which are emerging as promising therapeutic targets, provided the context to develop high-throughput assays for OGFOD1 and Tpa1p inhibition. A highly sensitive fluorescein-derived fluorescent probe with a detection limit in the nanomolar range was successfully synthesised and evaluated, in a model fluoride-release assay for OGFOD1 inhibition, employing a fluorinated 20mer RPS23 peptide analogue. Additionally, the development of a red/white pigmentation assay for small molecule inhibitors of Tpa1p was attempted, which exploited the phenotypic features displayed by wild-type and tpa1- S. cerevisiae strains. Show less

Drug Discovery Chemistry, Anti-Infectives (Trainee)

• Aug 2015 - Jul 2016

- Worked for 12-months on Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors project (medicinal chemistry) - Set up reactions (from a few mg scale to gram-scale) - Performed parallel multi-step synthesis of intermediates and target organic compounds - Kept electronic lab journal up-to-date - Monitored reaction progress (TLC, LC-MS) - Performed purification and characterization of products (LC-MS, NMR, prepHPLC, FC) - Regularly presented my work and results to colleagues on lab and group meetings - Worked for 12-months on Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors project (medicinal chemistry) - Set up reactions (from a few mg scale to gram-scale) - Performed parallel multi-step synthesis of intermediates and target organic compounds - Kept electronic lab journal up-to-date - Monitored reaction progress (TLC, LC-MS) - Performed purification and characterization of products (LC-MS, NMR, prepHPLC, FC) - Regularly presented my work and results to colleagues on lab and group meetings

Choral Conductor

• Sep 2014 - Jun 2015

Choral Conductor of "Coro Sorelle" - The University of Nottingham's female choir Choral Conductor of "Coro Sorelle" - The University of Nottingham's female choir

Assistant Analytical Chemist

• Aug 2011 - Sep 2014

- Worked as an analytical chemist for 3 consecutive summers - Worked with a team responsible for quality control and analytical analysis of pharmaceuticals - Carried out several analytical assays using HPLC, UV-VIS spectrometers, disintegration/dissolution apparatus and other standard analytical procedures - Learned how to interpret results and draw conclusions needed for the accompanying documentation after analysis in accordance with international cGMP and European Pharmacopoeia… Show more - Worked as an analytical chemist for 3 consecutive summers - Worked with a team responsible for quality control and analytical analysis of pharmaceuticals - Carried out several analytical assays using HPLC, UV-VIS spectrometers, disintegration/dissolution apparatus and other standard analytical procedures - Learned how to interpret results and draw conclusions needed for the accompanying documentation after analysis in accordance with international cGMP and European Pharmacopoeia standards. Show less - Worked as an analytical chemist for 3 consecutive summers - Worked with a team responsible for quality control and analytical analysis of pharmaceuticals - Carried out several analytical assays using HPLC, UV-VIS spectrometers, disintegration/dissolution apparatus and other standard analytical procedures - Learned how to interpret results and draw conclusions needed for the accompanying documentation after analysis in accordance with international cGMP and European Pharmacopoeia… Show more - Worked as an analytical chemist for 3 consecutive summers - Worked with a team responsible for quality control and analytical analysis of pharmaceuticals - Carried out several analytical assays using HPLC, UV-VIS spectrometers, disintegration/dissolution apparatus and other standard analytical procedures - Learned how to interpret results and draw conclusions needed for the accompanying documentation after analysis in accordance with international cGMP and European Pharmacopoeia standards. Show less

Choral Conductor (The University of Nottingham Health Care Choir)

• Sep 2013 - Jun 2014

Founder, conductor, artistic director

• Oct 2010 - Jan 2014

Mešani mladinski pevski zbor Sv. Vida (Youth Choir of St. Vid, Slovenia) was founded in October 2011 and consists of over 25 singers that share the love and passion for creating and interpreting various pieces of spiritual music. Every year, the choir together with its conductor prepares a big New Year’s concert and invites various famous artists to perform with them: the saxophonist Oto Vrhovnik, pianist and organist Anita Kralj, harpist Tina Žerdin, jazz vocalist Ana Bezjak, organist Nina… Show more Mešani mladinski pevski zbor Sv. Vida (Youth Choir of St. Vid, Slovenia) was founded in October 2011 and consists of over 25 singers that share the love and passion for creating and interpreting various pieces of spiritual music. Every year, the choir together with its conductor prepares a big New Year’s concert and invites various famous artists to perform with them: the saxophonist Oto Vrhovnik, pianist and organist Anita Kralj, harpist Tina Žerdin, jazz vocalist Ana Bezjak, organist Nina Frank and many others. In May 2012 they performed at the international competition Marijafest 2012 at Ptujska Gora and won the first prize. Since its foundation the choir often performs at local, regional and national events and regularly participates in services at the home church of St. Vid. From its foundation in 2011 the choir has been led by the young and enthusiastic conductor Alen Krajnc. In July 2013, Youth Choir of St. Vid performed on the V. international Youth music festival in Bratislava. Youth Choir of St. Vid, whose current members sing together only since october 2012 (less than 1 year) achieved SILVER BAND in category "Youth choirs up to 35y SATB". Currently, the choir holds the invitations to the several festivals around the world: California, South Africa (Cape Town), Belgium and Firence. Show less Mešani mladinski pevski zbor Sv. Vida (Youth Choir of St. Vid, Slovenia) was founded in October 2011 and consists of over 25 singers that share the love and passion for creating and interpreting various pieces of spiritual music. Every year, the choir together with its conductor prepares a big New Year’s concert and invites various famous artists to perform with them: the saxophonist Oto Vrhovnik, pianist and organist Anita Kralj, harpist Tina Žerdin, jazz vocalist Ana Bezjak, organist Nina… Show more Mešani mladinski pevski zbor Sv. Vida (Youth Choir of St. Vid, Slovenia) was founded in October 2011 and consists of over 25 singers that share the love and passion for creating and interpreting various pieces of spiritual music. Every year, the choir together with its conductor prepares a big New Year’s concert and invites various famous artists to perform with them: the saxophonist Oto Vrhovnik, pianist and organist Anita Kralj, harpist Tina Žerdin, jazz vocalist Ana Bezjak, organist Nina Frank and many others. In May 2012 they performed at the international competition Marijafest 2012 at Ptujska Gora and won the first prize. Since its foundation the choir often performs at local, regional and national events and regularly participates in services at the home church of St. Vid. From its foundation in 2011 the choir has been led by the young and enthusiastic conductor Alen Krajnc. In July 2013, Youth Choir of St. Vid performed on the V. international Youth music festival in Bratislava. Youth Choir of St. Vid, whose current members sing together only since october 2012 (less than 1 year) achieved SILVER BAND in category "Youth choirs up to 35y SATB". Currently, the choir holds the invitations to the several festivals around the world: California, South Africa (Cape Town), Belgium and Firence. Show less

EST (musicals), Youth choir of II. gimnazija Maribor

• Jun 2009 - Jun 2013

As music and acting are another important part of my life, I believe that I have shown great performing abilities in these areas. I have taken on major roles in the musicals It’s Showtime and The Jungle Boy, which were both performed in English. Beside personal satisfaction, playing in musicals strengthened my social skills and developed my English. I also learned how to achieve an excellent rapport with people I cooperated with. Furthermore, I am was active member and the corepetitor of the… Show more As music and acting are another important part of my life, I believe that I have shown great performing abilities in these areas. I have taken on major roles in the musicals It’s Showtime and The Jungle Boy, which were both performed in English. Beside personal satisfaction, playing in musicals strengthened my social skills and developed my English. I also learned how to achieve an excellent rapport with people I cooperated with. Furthermore, I am was active member and the corepetitor of the school choir. Show less As music and acting are another important part of my life, I believe that I have shown great performing abilities in these areas. I have taken on major roles in the musicals It’s Showtime and The Jungle Boy, which were both performed in English. Beside personal satisfaction, playing in musicals strengthened my social skills and developed my English. I also learned how to achieve an excellent rapport with people I cooperated with. Furthermore, I am was active member and the corepetitor of the… Show more As music and acting are another important part of my life, I believe that I have shown great performing abilities in these areas. I have taken on major roles in the musicals It’s Showtime and The Jungle Boy, which were both performed in English. Beside personal satisfaction, playing in musicals strengthened my social skills and developed my English. I also learned how to achieve an excellent rapport with people I cooperated with. Furthermore, I am was active member and the corepetitor of the school choir. Show less

Choral Conductor

• Sep 2011 - Sep 2012