Duška Stopar is currently pursuing her PhD in Slovenia, focusing on advanced concepts in dental medicine. She successfully completed her Master’s degree through the University of Siena in Italy. As an ASEF Junior Fellow, she is dedicated to contributing to a community that values integrity and international research collaboration. During her undergraduate years, she participated in an Erasmus exchange in Munich. This experience, alongside her participation in international conferences, solidified her view of research as a truly global society with immense potential for cross-border collaboration. She firmly believes that a strong research community should leverage the unique strengths of different global settings to foster innovation and growth.

Duška effectively combines clinical practice with pedagogical and volunteer roles: Alongside her doctoral studies, she serves as a teaching assistant, guiding undergraduate students through foundational clinical concepts and essential skills. In her volunteer role within the Department of Dental Diseases and Endodontics, she works closely with students across all three clinical years. This experience has been pivotal in developing her professional identity, teaching her the importance of humility, resilience, and empathy.

As part of her Junior Fellowship, Duška will be conducting her research visit under the mentorship of Associate Professor of Periodontics Janina Golob Deep at the Virginia Commonwealth University. She looks forward to collaborating with fellow researchers and mentors, aiming to bring high-level expertise back to the Slovenian academic space while strengthening the global ASEF network.