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My 
Story

Growing up in a blue-collar, small-town family in Croatia, the life I lead today was beyond my wildest dreams. As a child, I took up volleyball, a sport that not only became central to my life but also funded my education and extracurricular activities, paving the way for me to become a first-generation university student. At the tender age of 14, I set out on a remarkable journey, leaving home to pursue educational and elite sporting opportunities. This path allowed me to live in various European countries and the United States, enriching my life with invaluable experiences, fostering lifelong friendships, and refining my skills.

Career & Education

Experience

May 2023 - Present

Data Scientist & ML Engineer

Turning Point HR Solutions

London, UK

July 2022 - May 2023

Data & Research Analyst

Turning Point HR Solutions

London, UK

January 2023 - April 2023

Data Scientist

Oeson

Remote, UK

January 2022 - May 2022

Data Analyst

Durham University Athletics

Durham, UK

June 2021 - August 2021

Neuroscience Research Assistant

Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, USC

Los Angeles, USA

February 2018 - January 2020

Magnetic Resonance Research Assistant

Shellock R&D Services, USC

Los Angeles, USA

  • Currently, involved in the development of NLP pipelines for an automated image analysis system, focusing on data filtering and manipulation using Python.

  • Working towards the goal of constructing an AI engine, specifically an RNN with a hybrid of LSTM and GRU architecture.

  • Responsibilities include leveraging data libraries such as Pandas, Tensorflow, Keras, and other tools for efficient data processing.

  • Actively engaged in overseeing SQL databases, specifically with PostgreSQL, and skillfully managing cloud computing tasks through BigQuery in the Google Cloud environment.

  • Conducted comprehensive research to gather statistical data on countries' GDP and average salaries across various sectors, positions, and industries.

  • Produced official monetary reports utilizing market research findings and advanced mathematical modelling for forecasting.

  • Employed statistical and programming tools, including R, Python, and Excel, for data modelling, analysis, and entry into the Orbit Software.

  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to formulate data-driven solutions for intricate business challenges.

  • Designed and implemented AI solutions for the Orbit Software, aiming to enhance the automation of the benchmarking system.

  • 12 week long intensive data science apprenticeship with the following training: gathering, cleaning, and processing raw data using programming languages.

  • Designed predictive models and machine learning algorithms to mine big data sets.

  • Developed tools to validate data and monitor accuracy, tools utilized: PowerBI, Python, Tableu.

  • Reviewed and edited game footage for Durham University Women's Volleyball First Team, compiling statistical reports on both individual and team performance.

  • Additionally, utilized the Volleymetrics statistical tool to analyze opponents' game strategies and player tendencies, contributing to the creation of prediction analyses.

  • Utilized fMRI methods in pre-clinical research to generate quantitative data, employing MATLAB and R for pixel analysis on MR images.

  • Investigated peri-vascular spaces, cerebral vasculature, and the blood-brain barrier which resulted in insights into the relationship between peri-vascular spaces, genetic markers, and dementia in individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease.

  • Proficiently enforced and implemented MR safety guidelines in a controlled MR environment.

  • Operated the MR machine with precision, executing various MR sequences on the computer.

  • Gathered data and acquired in-depth knowledge of MR physics pertaining to the safety and bioeffects of such diagnostic modalities.

  • Participated in several major research projects that were conducted at the Keck University Hospital, University of Southern California, which resulted in several peer-reviewed publications in prestigious medical journals and a medical textbook.

Education

Expected in 08/24

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

IU Internationale Hochschule

Hybrid, Germany

Expected in 08/24

Master of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience

Durham University

Durham, England, UK

2020 - 2021

Master of Science in Business, Entrepreneurship, & Innovation

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California, USA

Thesis:

  • NLP and Robotics, topic yet to be determined

  • Exchange student at Worcester College, University of Oxford

Thesis Research Project:

  • Investigated place cell firing rates within the rodent hippocampal formation to form patterns of spatial navigation pathways and their predictive memory displacement.

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Extracurricular Activities:

  • Durham University Women's Indoor Volleyball - First Team

Graduation Project:

  • Development of the mental health platform during COVID-19 pandemic for the University of Southern California Psychology Department.

​

Extracurricular Activities:

  • NCAA D1 Women's Beach Volleyball

2016 - 2020

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, California, USA

Extracurricular Activities:

  • NCAA D1 Women's Beach Volleyball

  • NCAA D1 Women's Indoor Volleyball

Professional Certificates

BCI & Neurotechnology Spring School

g.tec Medical Engineering GmbH

Vienna, Austria

  • A two-week intensive spring school in medical engineering, focused on neurotechnology and BCI, which resulted in a professional certificate.

  • Course provided field neuroscience specific training in research methods with MATLAB, Simulink, EEG, and fMRI.

  • Participated in the BR41N.IO Brain-Computer Interface Designers’ Hackathon.

Hackaton 2023 Bozena Chulo Certificate.jpg

MATLAB

Mathworks in Collaboration with Durham University - Psychology and Neuroscience Department

Self-Paced Online Courses

  • completed self-paced courses via following MATLAB basics learning pathways: 

    • MATLAB - 6 fundamental modules​

      • MATLAB Onramp, MATLAB Fundamentals, MATLAB for Data Processing and Visualization, MATLAB Programming Techni​ques, App Building Onramp, Object-Oriented Programming Onramp.

    • Simulink & Physical Modeling - 8 modules

      • Simulink Onramp, Simulink Fundamentals, Circuit Simulation Onramp, Power Systems Simulation Onramp, Simscape Onramp, Power Electronics Simulation Onramp, Stateflow Onramp, Control Design Onramp with Simulink​

    • AI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning - 6 modules

      • Machine Learning Onramp, Machine Learning with MATLAB, Deep Learning Onramp, Deep Learning with MATLAB, Reinforcement Learning Onramp, Computer Vision Onramp.​​​

    • Math and Optimization - 7 modules

      • Curve Fitting Onramp, Introduction to Symbolic Math with MATLAB, Solving Ordinary Differential Equations with MATLAB, Introduction to Linear Algebra with MATLAB, Solving Nonlinear Equations with MATLAB, Optimization Onramp, Statistics Onramp​

    • Image and Signal Processing - 6 modules

      • Image Processing Onramp, Image Processing with MATLAB, Computer Vision Onramp, Signal Processing Onramp, Signal Processing with MATLAB, ​Wireless Communications Onramp

MRI Safety Matters Conference

CPD Accreditation

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

  • A full day of MRI Safety Updates and Innovations brought together experts from across the world of MRI.

  • Learned about patient management in MR environments, presented case studies, and MR bioeffects.

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