Leona Kovac
Molecular Biologist
Schneppenhorstweg 2,Berlin
Summary
Passionate molecular biologist with a background in obesity and type 2 diabetes research, with a focus on epigenetics and transcriptomics.
Experienced in managing multiple projects, collaborating with medical professionals, and presenting at scientific and medical conferences.
I am eager to apply my skills in a new team-oriented environment.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Doctoral candidate
German Institute of Human Nutrition
5 2020 - 10.2023
- Published multiple peer-reviewed articles, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of obesity and diabetes
- Participated in research projects by designing and executing experiments.
- Implemented quality control measures for consistent data collection, minimizing errors in the research process.
- Increased research efficiency by streamlining data collection and analysis processes.
- Enhanced collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to advance research objectives and goals.
- Presented research findings at national and international conferences, showcasing expertise and fostering professional connections.
Scientific Assistant
Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology
01.2019 - 02.2020
- Wrote detailed research plans and hypotheses, verifying objectives with other team members.
- Assisted scientists by collecting and organizing laboratory data.
- Troubleshot and resolved equipment and process issues.
- Optimized experimental design through thorough background research and collaboration with subject matter experts.
Scientific Assistant
German Institute of Human Nutrition
11.2017 - 03.2019
- Cooperated with other technicians to develop and test new protocols.
- Assisted scientists by collecting and organizing laboratory data.
- Operated and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Enhanced research quality through meticulous data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Education
Dr.rer.nat. Molecular Cell Physiology - Epigenetic Changes in Obesity And Diabetes
University of Potsdam
Potsdam 05.2020 - 05.2024
Master of Science - Toxicology
University of Potsdam
Potsdam 10.2017 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Cell Biology
Jacobs University Bremen
Bremen 09.2013 - 05.2016
Rotary Youth Exchange (Emphasis on natural sciences), Institut de l'Enfant-Jesus Lycee, Nivelles, Belgium
09.2011 - 05.2012
undefined
XVI Gimnazija Zagreb, Croatia (Higher education entrance qualification)
09.2009 - 05.2013
Skills
Research design
Data Interpretation
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Scientific Writing
Attention to Detail
Effective Multitasking
Birthday
09/22/94
Languages
Croatian
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
German
Upper intermediate (B2)
French
Intermediate (B1)
Published Work
- Identification of MicroRNAs Associated with Prediabetic Status in Obese Women., Int J Mol Sci, 24, 21, 10/01/23, 10.3390/ijms242115673
- Skeletal muscle gene expression signatures of obese high- and low- responders to endurance exercise training., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 11/01/23, 10.1210/clinem/dgad677
- Novel markers and networks related to restored skeletal muscle transcriptome after bariatric surgery., Obesity (Silver Spring), 32, 2, 363-375, 02/01/24, 10.1002/oby.23954
Conferences
- Deutsche Diabetes Gesellschaft Kongress 2022
Berlin, Germany
Short presentation: Transcriptional and Epigenetic Changes of Diabetic Skeletal Muscle after Metabolic Surgery
- European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting 2022
Stockholm, Sweden
Short oral discussion: Transcriptional and Epigenetic Changes in Skeletal Muscle of Persons with Diabetes after Bariatric Surgery
- Helmholtz Diabetes Conference 2022
Munich, Germany
- Deutsche Diabetes Gesellschaft Kongress 2023
Berlin, Germany
Short presentation: Bariatric Surgery Induces Distinct Transcriptional and Epigenetic Changes in Skeletal Muscle of Obese People with and without Type 2 Diabetes
Workshops
- Course in Diabetes Research 2021 - International Helmholtz Research School for Diabetes
- Nature Research Academies 2021 - Getting Published: Effectively Communicating Your Research Workshop
- DZD Diabetes Research School 2022
Timeline
Dr.rer.nat. Molecular Cell Physiology - Epigenetic Changes in Obesity And Diabetes
University of Potsdam
05.2020 - 05.2024
Scientific Assistant
Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology
01.2019 - 02.2020
Scientific Assistant
German Institute of Human Nutrition
11.2017 - 03.2019
Master of Science - Toxicology
University of Potsdam
10.2017 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Cell Biology
Jacobs University Bremen
09.2013 - 05.2016
Rotary Youth Exchange (Emphasis on natural sciences), Institut de l'Enfant-Jesus Lycee, Nivelles, Belgium
09.2011 - 05.2012
undefined
XVI Gimnazija Zagreb, Croatia (Higher education entrance qualification)
09.2009 - 05.2013
Doctoral candidate
German Institute of Human Nutrition
5 2020 - 10.2023