I am of Serbian descent, my family came to the US/Canada from the Serbian “Krajina” region during the Balkan wars in the 1990s. I was born and raised in Lackawanna, NY, which is just south of Buffalo, graduated from Lackawanna High School in 2011 and I am a first-generation American and college student.

Growing up, Serbian was my first language, and the proximity of my home to the Serbian Orthodox Church community provided me with an immersive experience in Serbian diaspora culture. This involved everything from playing the accordion to avidly following Serbian achievements in sports like Basketball, Tennis, and Soccer. I also participated in cultural festivals and upheld meaningful traditions.

Beyond my Serbian heritage, I’m deeply connected to Buffalo. I have had the privilege to travel to many cities in North America and throughout Europe, but have always found Buffalo to feel unique and the perfect place to live. Buffalo’s ongoing positive growth is fascinating, and I’m genuinely excited about its potential in the coming decades. This enthusiasm extends to the Buffalo Bills, as I’ve developed a strong passion for the team – a reflection of my deep ties to this wonderful city.

Science called my name at a very young age. It challenged my tenacious nature as a person, and has kept me curious without fail to this day. The never-ending web- of complexity in evolutionary genetics and its application to human biology and health is what I intend to be the foundation of my life’s work.