Evgenija Gagaleska, student at InnoRenew CoE

• Where were you living in childhood and where do you live now?

I spent my childhood in Prilep, Macedonia and now I live in Koper, Slovenia, where I moved for my studies. Living here has been a great experience, both academically and personally.

• What have you studied and what were the motives for your decision?

I am a third year Bioinformatics student at UP FAMNIT. Since I was a little kid, I’ve been fascinated by genetics, especially the way children inherit traits from their parents. It always amazed me how certain features, like eye color or smile, could be passed down through generations, and I was eager to uncover the science behind it. As I was growing older, my curiosity expanded to computer science, which led me to explore the intersection of both fields – bioinformatics.

• How would you describe your work to someone outside your field?

I work at the intersection of microbiology and bioinformatics. It’s a mix of lab work and computer-based analysis to explore how microorganisms can have big applications in science and industry.

• What does your typical working day look like?

One day I might be preparing growth media for fungi, allowing for the right conditions for experiments, and another day I could be analyzing protein structures or running computational simulations. There’s always something new to explore, whether it’s hands-on lab work, bioinformatics analysis, or collaborating with colleagues. That’s why my work is both dynamic and engaging.

• What makes you excited about your work?

What excites me most about my work is the constant evolution of science and that there’s always something new to discover. The idea that the methods I use today might be outdated tomorrow because of new discoveries keeps me on my toes and makes every day an opportunity to learn, innovate, and contribute to something bigger. Science is never static, and neither is my work.

• And what is the biggest challenge at your work?

The biggest challenge at my work is probably navigating the vast amount of biological data required for the molecular docking research that I’m currently doing. Even with advanced tools and technology, this can be unpredictable and require a lot of trial and error.

• Which scientist or scientific achievement are you fascinated by and why?

I’m fascinated by the work of Rosalind Franklin, one of the world’s most famous scientists and her contribution to the discovery of the DNA double helix structure.

• Tell us about the work of art (books, music, movies, theatre, dance, visual arts) that has a special place in your life.

I see art in everything around me, whether it’s in nature, the way light moves, or in music and films. I’ve always been drawn to the Harry Potter series, not just for its magical world, but for the way it sparks imagination and curiosity. Just as wizards mix potions to unlock mysteries, scientists experiment to discover new knowledge that once felt like fantasy. I’ve also recently started taking Latino dance classes, which is a really fun way to relax and express creativity.

• What have you read, listened to, or watched lately?

Recently, I’ve been reading a biotechnology book in preparation for exams, as it’s that time of year.

• Which place on the Slovene coast do you like the most?

My favorite place on the Slovene coast is definitely Moon Bay. Every time I visit, it feels like a hidden gem away from the crowds.

• What makes you enthusiastic?

What truly excites me is the endless mysteries the universe holds. The idea that there’s so much we haven’t yet discovered, whether in science, nature, or even the cosmos, sparks a sense of wonder in me.

• Characterize your life’s guidance or an important realization (or epiphany) you have experienced.

My life’s guidance revolves around the motto ‘everything happens for a reason.’ Life is meant to be experienced fully, with all its joys, surprises, and lessons. I try to enjoy the little moments, for they are the magic that makes life big.

• What does the charm of wood mean to you?

The charm of wood, to me, lies in its warmth and coziness. The smell of wood instantly brings me a sense of comfort and it adds everything around it a timeless beauty. When I think of relaxation, I picture a wooden house in the woods and near a lake, which creates the perfect escape for a peaceful mind.