Irena Šoljić, PhD.

Irena Šoljić, PhD has a diverse work experience in the field of food science and research. Irena is currently working as the Food Science Lead at Paleo since May 2022. Prior to this, they founded Saosa OU in March 2018 and served as the Founder until June 2022.

Irena also worked as an Industrial Account Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific from May 2020 to May 2022. Irena was responsible for managing industrial accounts and providing scientific solutions.

From 2013 to 2019, Irena held the position of Assistant Professor and PhD researcher at Ghent University. In this role, they managed practical exercises for MSc students, led several thesis projects to graduation, and obtained their PhD degree on a collaborative project between industry and academia.

Prior to Ghent University, they served as the General Secretary at Global Harmonization Initiative from November 2011 to July 2019. Irena also worked as a Food Legislation Advisor at Intertek from June 2013 to June 2017.

Additionally, Irena has experience as a Project Partner at Food WEB from April 2015 to April 2016 and as a Coach at IAAS (International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences) from August 2011 to February 2013.

Irena also worked as a Food Safety and Hygiene Expert at Conex trade from September 2012 to January 2013.

Overall, Irena Šoljić, PhD has a strong background in food science, research, and management, with experience in various roles and organizations.

Irena Šoljić, PhD, received their education from various institutions. Irena obtained their PhD in Bioscience Engineering with a specialization in Food Science and Technology from Ghent University, where they studied from 2013 to 2019. Before that, they completed their MSc in Food Safety Management at the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, during the period of 2008 to 2012. Additionally, they pursued studies in Food Science and Technology at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences in Skopje, Macedonia, for one year in 2010, achieving a perfect GPA of 10.0 out of 10.0. In 2005, they completed their BSc in Nutrition Science at the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb.

Irena Šoljić has also obtained several certifications in various fields. Irena received an edX Verified Certificate for Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies from edX in December 2022. In May 2021, they completed "The Complete Cryptocurrency Investment Course" offered by Udemy. Furthermore, they participated in the Data Science Summer School conducted by The University of Göttingen in July 2017. Irena also received certifications in Data Analysis with Excel from Microsoft in March 2017 and The Data Scientist's Toolbox from John Hopkins University in September 2016. In September 2014, they attended the FLAMES Methodology & Statistics Summer School organized by UGent. Additionally, they have a certification in Applied Statistics from the Eberly College of Science at Penn State University, although the specific dates of its completion are not provided.