Angelina Tadić, UP FAMNIT

General

Angelina Tadić studied Biopsychology at UP FAMNIT, which served as her gateway into the world of science, as she transitioned from the field of applied psychology to a more natural science-oriented field, specifically neuroscience.

Before studying at our university, she studied psychology in Zagreb at both undergraduate and master’s levels. She was actively involved in volunteer work in various non-governmental organizations and also gained experience working with children. She assisted children with special needs who were integrated into mainstream education.

She is currently employed as a researcher and doctoral student at the Visual Neuroscience Lab, which is part of the Cognitive Neuroscience programme at Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA).

As part of her research project, she studies the specific characteristics of visual processing in a genetic rat model of autism spectrum disorders.

Why did you decide to study Biopsychology at University of Primorska Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies? What attracted you to studying at the University of Primorska?

What attracted me to life in Koper in general was, simply put, love. Since moving to Slovenia was a major change for me, studying seemed like the best path toward integrating into a new environment. I believed that studying would provide the most intensive exposure to a new language as well as opportunities to meet new people.

Biopsychology seemed like the most logical choice for me because it complemented my background in psychology. I was especially attracted by the curriculum of the master’s programme in biopsychology, which included many natural science subjects. I had not even realized how much I had missed this aspect during my previous studies. When I saw courses such as Behavioural Genetics and Research Methods in Neuroscience, I did not need much time to decide.

You are currently working at Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA). Which knowledge and skills acquired during your studies have been the most useful?

For my current work, the most useful knowledge has been statistics and methodology, as well as much of the knowledge gained from undergraduate-level courses that I completed as additional prerequisite exams, such as Biochemistry and Genetics in Biopsychology and Neurological Foundations of Higher Nervous Functions.

What are your memories of your studies?

Studying in a foreign language was a major challenge, but I truly enjoyed it. I gained insight into many different fields, and at times it felt as though I were studying several different programmes simultaneously.

This interdisciplinarity of the curriculum fascinated me, and I found it very inspiring to realize that psychological phenomena can be explored through direct insight into the brain.

How do you remember the transition from university to employment?

The transition happened gradually — first through an Erasmus exchange, during which I worked as a technician in my current laboratory, and later as a pre-doctoral fellow. After more than a year of collaboration, my mentor and I realized that we worked very well together, so I applied for the doctoral programme.

After a three-stage selection process, I was accepted, and everything afterwards progressed very naturally.

Who supported and encouraged you along your career path, and in what way?

Always and above all, my family. I have always had their support, and that gave me enough confidence to move forward courageously. My husband has also been an enormous source of encouragement — he believes in me more than I will probably ever believe in myself.

I never had someone close to me who worked in a similar field and who could provide more concrete or professionally relevant guidance, nor did I really have a role model. My current doctoral mentor guides me in my research project, but I would not say he is the main source of encouragement in my career path.

Very often, my support comes from fellow researchers and friends from Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati. It is extremely motivating and comforting to talk to someone who understands the research-related dilemmas you face and who goes through the same obstacles and challenges as you do. Sometimes, it is encouraging simply to know that someone else shares the same uncertainties and difficulties.

What do you wish for the Alumni UP Club? What expectations do you have of it?

I hope that my experiences will help encourage students to decide to pursue a scientific research career path.