NIB

I completed my undergraduate and master’s studies in microbiology at the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana. After finishing my master’s degree, I joined the OMIKE research group at the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology as a young researcher. My doctoral research focuses on studying interactions between microorganisms and plants, including both harmful and beneficial interactions. In the context of harmful interactions, my work centers on Potato virus Y (PVY), where I investigate key regions of the coat protein that influence the local and systemic spread of the virus within the plant.

Research on beneficial interactions is based on work with endophytes. In this area, I study their potentially beneficial effects on plants, the relationships within endophytic communities, and strategies for colonization of plant tissues. Understanding interactions between microorganisms and plants is essential for sustainable agriculture, as in-depth knowledge of these interactions holds great potential for natural, environmentally friendly plant protection against adverse biotic and abiotic factors.