
About me and my journey
Coastal origins, interdisciplinary adventures, and boundless curiosity
Background
Born and raised in the beautiful coastal town of Novalja, Croatia, I always had a passion for exploring new ideas and diving deep into various subjects. This curiosity and thirst for knowledge led me to pursue a bioinformatics PhD in Zürich, where I immersed myself in researching this fascinating discipline at the intersection of biology and computer science.
Later, as I ventured beyond the world of academia, I discovered the realm of project management, where I not only apply my unique insights and expertise to a wide range of projects and products in the IT industry but also collaborate and foster teamwork to drive successful outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
With a natural inclination for strategic thinking and problem-solving, I enjoy approaching challenges analytically and finding creative solutions to improve existing systems.
Education
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Osnovna škola A. G. Matoša Novalja
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Prva sušačka hrvatska gimnazija u Rijeci
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Faculty of Food Technologt and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb
Graduated with the best grade point average (4.26/5.0) in the year of diploma
Scholarship of the Biotechnical Foundation in the academic year 2006/2007 http://www.pbf.hr/zaklada/en_index.html
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Department of Computer Science, ETH Zürich
Experience
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Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Applied Random Forest and k-Nearest Neighbors classifiers in binary and multi-label classification using Java and Darwin.
Wrote the proposal for and successfully completed a bilateral project between RBI Zagreb and ETH Zürich.
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ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
Applied and benchmarked machine learning algorithms on high-performance clusters, using Bash scripts, Darwin (special-purpose language), and R, as part of a project to improve computational gene function prediction.
Developed and implemented the analysis of dozens of releases of bioinformatics databases using Darwin and R.
Drove or collaborated on 10 projects, all of which were published in the scientific literature.
Co-edited a 21-chapter book on the Gene Ontology with contributions from 27 authors.
Taught lectures, held practical sessions, and organized evaluations for three MSc. courses, each with about 50 students.
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Appway AG, Zürich, Switzerland
Led the eight-member Academy team responsible for all training products: design, evolution, and delivery of nine training courses, and trainee assessment through three certification programs.
Hired three Product Trainers and two e-Learning Developers.
Developed marketing messages and created pricing strategy for 12 training and certification products.
Delivered dozens of training sessions for the various levels of trainee expertise—in the classroom or via webinars.
Drove the creation of the first Appway e-Learning course, the equivalent of three days of learning for Appway beginners:
Wrote or edited storyboards for over 50 e-Learning lessons and recorded multimedia.
Contributed to creating e-Learning lessons and coordinated course review with SMEs.
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Search Platforms, Google Zürich
Contributing to the successful management and delivery of Google Search Products, while fostering a collaborative and goal-oriented environment
Responsible for planning, execution, and delivery of projects within the Knowledge Engine team.
Extras
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My interests are varied, spanning a diverse range of topics, including project management, nutrition, fiction, strategy…, and I have been influenced by books and authors from a range of genres and disciplines.
Here are a few examples:
How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg, and Good Strategy Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why It Matters by Richard Rumelt are books that have influenced my thinking about project management and strategy development.
The China Study by T. Colin Campbell is a book that has inspired me to adopt a mostly plant-based diet and to consider the impact of nutrition on my long-term health. This book provides comprehensive insights into the relationship between diet and chronic disease and is an excellent resource for anyone interested in nutrition and wellness.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman are two examples of fiction that I have enjoyed. These books provided an escape from reality while also offering valuable insights into the human experience.
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I enjoy cooking, so I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try out in my kitchen. Some of my favorite cookbooks include Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi, Jamie's Italy by Jamie Oliver, and How to go Plant-based by Ella Mills. These books provide a wealth of inspiration with recipes inspired by cuisines from across the globe, and with recipes for both busy week nights, as well as more relaxing weekend cooking. Oh, and Bake with Anna Olson is my go-to for all things sweet 🍎 🥧
When it comes to food products, I always look for high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Some of my favorites include artisanal cheeses from France and Italy, fresh seafood from the Mediterranean, and seasonal produce from local farmers' markets. And croissants 🥐 💖 from the Seri bakery.
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As much as I enjoy spending time in the kitchen and experimenting with new recipes, there are times when I like to treat myself to a special dining experience at some of the finest restaurants around. These culinary gems offer not only exquisite cuisine but also charming atmospheres that transport me to a world of delightful flavors and unforgettable moments. I find that indulging in these extraordinary dining experiences allows me to discover new dishes, gather inspiration for my own cooking, and simply enjoy a beautiful setting in great company.
Here are three fantastic restaurants in Zürich and Basel that I highly recommend for those special occasions when you want to step out of the kitchen and into a world of culinary enchantment:
Hiltl (Zürich). Established in 1898, Hiltl holds the title of the world's first vegetarian restaurant. This iconic Zürich eatery offers a diverse and mouth-watering selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, inspired by cuisines from around the globe. With its warm atmosphere and commitment to sustainability, Hiltl is a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking a delightful and healthy dining experience.
Maison Manesse (Zürich). Maison Manesse is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a modern twist on European cuisine. The innovative menu, crafted by Chef Fabian Spiquel, features creative and beautifully presented dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The stylish and intimate setting, combined with the restaurant's focus on sustainability, makes Maison Manesse a must-visit for those seeking a unique culinary adventure.
Stucki (Basel). Stucki is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Tanja Grandits, known for her innovative approach to fine dining. The restaurant serves a seasonal menu with a focus on fresh, regional ingredients, and the dishes are inspired by a mix of global flavors. The stylish and colorful interior, as well as the enchanting garden, provides a delightful backdrop for an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
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I've been fortunate enough to visit some incredible places around the world, and my favorite spots are all located in Europe: Dubrovnik, Florence, Bruxelles, Copenhagen, and Dijon. Each of these destinations offers a unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you're planning a trip to Dubrovnik, be sure to explore the city's beautiful old town and take a walk around the city walls. For stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, head to the top of Mount Srđ. And if you're a Game of Thrones fan, don't miss a visit to the show's filming locations throughout the city.
In Florence, take a stroll through the city's many piazzas and marvel at the incredible art and architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to see Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery or take a walk across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge.
Bruxelles is a city of contrasts, with a mix of historic architecture and modern design. Be sure to sample some of the city's famous beer, chocolate, and waffles, and explore the beautiful Grand Place and surrounding streets.
Copenhagen is a city that is both modern and traditional, with a thriving food and design scene. Take a walk along the picturesque Nyhavn Harbor, visit the famous Tivoli Gardens, and don't miss a meal at one of the city's many Michelin-starred restaurants.
And finally, Dijon is a hidden gem in the heart of Burgundy, known for its wine, mustard, and medieval architecture. Take a stroll through the city's charming streets and visit the many museums and galleries.
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I can't get enough of the fun and colorful stationery items that are available. From my favorite Leuchtturm1917 notebook to the smooth writing experience of the Faber Castell Ondoro smoked oak rollerball, stationery is an essential part of my daily life. But it's not just about the classics - stickers, colored pencils, and desk accessories add an extra touch of personality and fun to my writing and work space.
Stickers are a great way to add a pop of color and playfulness to notebooks, planner, or letters. I like them all: cute and whimsical designs and bold and graphic ones.
Colored pencils are another fun way to add a splash of color to writing and artwork. I’m typically doodling or coloring in my planner with a few different colors and textures.
And let’s not forget about desk accessories! I have a bunch of pen holders and various trinkets that bring me joy or that remind me of the people I love.
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From project management tools to meditation apps, here’s a list of my favorites.
If you're looking for a project tracking tool, Trello is a fantastic option. Its intuitive interface and customizable boards make it easy to track progress, assign tasks, and collaborate with others.
When it comes to note-taking apps, Bear is a top contender. Its sleek design and powerful search capabilities make it easy to organize and find your notes, whether you're using it for work, school, or personal projects.
For those who love listening to podcasts, Apple Podcasts is a good option. With thousands of podcasts available, you're sure to find something that interests you. I particularly recommend Waking Up by Sam Harris (and the eponymous app!), which explores topics like mindfulness, philosophy, and science.
If you're looking to incorporate more yoga into your routine, Glo is a great app to try. With hundreds of yoga and meditation classes available, you can practice at your own pace and level. The app also features classes for different durations and focuses, so you can easily fit a yoga session into your schedule.
To get current weather information in Switzerland, Meteo Swiss is a great app. It provides accurate and detailed weather information for cities and regions across Switzerland, and as an extra bonus it has information on allergen levels, and on danger levels for risks such as forest fires or avalanches, so you can plan your activities accordingly.
For those interested in tracking their health and fitness, Apple Health is a useful app. It tracks your activity, nutrition, and sleep, and provides insights into your overall health and well-being.
For reading on the go, Audible is a great option. With thousands of audiobooks available, you can listen to your favorite books while commuting, exercising, or doing chores.
If you're looking for high-quality journalism, I turn to The Atlantic and Financial Times, both are excellent sources. They cover a wide range of topics, from politics and business to culture and science, and provide in-depth analysis and reporting.
And finally, a fun and addictive word game, Wordle is a daily must for me. It's a simple yet challenging game that tests vocabulary and guessing skills.