Lena Žunić

I completed my undergraduate studies in Ecology in 2023 at the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade. I defended my Master's studies in Ecology and Environmental Protection in 2024 at the same faculty with the thesis: Unsupervised machine learning in the recognition of bioclimatic signals in the region of the Western Balkans. By enrolling in a PhD in 2025, I got employed at the Institute at the Department of Evolutionary Biology, where I am currently conducting doctoral research on the invasiveness of the red-eared turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) and competition over the pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in natural and anthropogenic freshwater habitats, by implementing environmental DNA as a method for detection.

During my studies, I actively participated in the work of the Biological Research Society "Josif Pančić" as secretary and project manager, whereas in 2024 I led a citizens' association project "Projekat Jastrebac" with the support of BOŠ and USAid, with a focus on contributing to the knowledge of biodiversity and the risk factors of Veliki Jastrebac Mountain, with the aim of declaring the mountain a protected area. In the work of the Society's herpetological section, I primarily participated in the study of herpetofauna diversity of target areas. While conducting research and field activities at the university and as a volunteer at IBISS, I participated in research on the defensive behavior of the Fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina), the functional morphology of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), and the effect of artificial lighting on the development of the European tree frog (Hyla arborea). As part of European Solidarity Corps, in 2025 I was a long-term volunteer in Association Biom, BirdLife’s partner in Croatia, where I participated in LIFE projects focused on the protection and conservation of the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) (LIFE SUPport), as well as the control of invasive species and the monitoring of nesting seabirds (LIFE TETIDE).