Jelena Pejić is a research assistant in the Group for Human Molecular Genetics at the IMGGE. Her research interests span neurobiology and cancer biology, with a particular focus on assessing the potential neurotoxic effects of bioactive compounds from food and beverages using an in vitro model of human neurogenesis, as well as drug testing in osteosarcoma model systems.

She is currently conducting experimental work for her PhD thesis, which focuses on evaluating the effects of major energy drink compounds, with or without alcohol, on the maturation as well as the morphological and functional characteristics of NT2-derived neurons and astrocytes in vitro. Her previous research also included working with various 3D cell cultures and bioreactors in the fields of neurobiology and cancer biology.

Jelena attained her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Physiology from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, in 2018, followed by a Master’s degree in Immunobiology in 2019. After completing a summer internship in the embryology laboratory of the Department of Biomedically Assisted Fertilization at the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, she enrolled in the PhD program in Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Biology and joined IMGGE as a Junior Researcher in November 2019. She is actively engaged in promoting science among high school students.

Outside the laboratory, she pursues interests in language learning, travelling, and reading, activities that broaden her perspective and enrich her personal and professional life.