🌍 Appointment of Bojana Aleksova as Secretary of the International Institute for Disaster Research (IDR)🌍
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Bojana Aleksova as the new Secretary of the International Institute for Disaster Research (IIDR). This decision was made by the President of the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković, and the Director of the International Institute for Disaster Research. 🎓
📚 Education and Early Career
Bojana Aleksova was born on February 1, 1996, in Kumanovo, North Macedonia, and is originally from Kratovo. She completed her primary education at “Kočo Racin” school and her secondary education at “Mitko Pendzukliski” Gymnasium. In the academic year 2016/17, she enrolled in the Teaching Geography program at the Institute of Geography within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje. She successfully completed her studies within four years, graduating in 2020 with a thesis titled “Advanced Methods of Geosite Monitoring Using the Example of Kuklica,” earning the title of Bachelor of Geography/Geography Teacher. 🎓
🎓 Academic Achievements
Following her undergraduate studies, Bojana pursued a master’s degree in Geography at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje during the 2020/21 academic year. In January 2024, she was awarded the title of Master of Geographic Sciences after defending her thesis: “Correlation of Geodiversity and Geohazards in the Kratovska Reka Catchment.” 🌍
🧑🏫 Teaching and Research
From 2020 to 2022, Bojana served as a Teaching Assistant at the Institute of Geography, and since September 2023, she has been working as a Geography Teacher at an international private school. As a young researcher in geoscience, her research focuses on leveraging GIS, remote sensing technologies, and AI to address challenges related to natural hazards, geodiversity, geoheritage, climate change, risk management, and geospatial analytics. She utilizes satellite imagery, field data, UAV data, and various geospatial datasets to conduct in-depth analyses, monitor environmental changes, and develop innovative solutions. 🛰️
🌍 International Experience and Contributions
During this period, Bojana has participated in 13 international scientific projects and multiple research initiatives. She has presented her research findings in the fields of geoheritage and natural hazards at numerous national and international scientific conferences (symposia and congresses) and has published 10 papers in internationally renowned scientific journals, 6 of which are in impact factor journals. To date, she has completed three exchanges through the ERASMUS+ program and has earned two certificates in remote sensing from Charles University in Prague, NASA, and ESA through two Trans-Atlantic training courses. As an Associate Editor for the IGEO portal, she has published approximately 50 popular science and informative articles. Additionally, she served as the President of the Research Association of Geography Students “EGEA Skopje” during the 2022-2023 academic year. 🌐
🌟 Skills and Proficiencies
In addition to her native Macedonian, Bojana is fluent in English at a B2 level, enabling her to engage with foreign literature and collaborate with international scientific communities. She also understands Serbian and French. When it comes to programming and software skills, Bojana possesses a high level of proficiency in GIS software, such as QGIS, SAGA GIS, ArcGIS, and Global Mapper. She is also skilled in processing satellite and drone images for remote sensing using software like SNAP, ENVI, Google Earth Engine, and Agisoft Metashape. Furthermore, she has extensive knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva. With her extensive experience and wide range of skills, Bojana Aleksova is dedicated to personal and professional scientific growth, exploring the world around her, and continuously advancing in her interests and goals. 💻
🎉 Welcoming Bojana Aleksova to IDR
Her appointment as Secretary of the IDR brings new energy and expertise to the Institute, and we are confident that her contributions will significantly enhance our mission to advance disaster research and risk management globally. We warmly welcome her to our community and look forward to the innovative ideas and leadership she will undoubtedly bring. 🌟
