Teja Pelko is a PhD student of Biology at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, where she works as a young researcher at the Chair of Botany and Plant Physiology. Her research focuses on the impact of biodegradable microplastics on plants, including their physiological and biochemical effects, their distribution in plant tissues, and transport along the food chain. She aims to develop methods for detecting microplastics in plant tissues.

She holds a master’s degree in chemistry from the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana. Before starting her PhD studies, she gained experience in organic chemistry, process engineering and materials characterisation at various institutions, including Hella Saturnus Slovenija d.o.o., the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology and the Jožef Stefan Institute. Her interdisciplinary background spans chemistry, biology, and materials science.

As an ASEF Junior Fellow, Teja will visit prof. dr. Boštjan Kobe at the University of Queensland in Australia to gain expertise in structural biology and biochemistry. This experience will help her understand how microplastics interact with plant proteins and influence the immune response of plants.

Outside of academia, Teja enjoys diving and underwater photography, travelling and reading. She has also been an active volunteer, taking part in anti-doping controls at sporting events, as well as teaching and mentoring.