Žana Brilej is completing her undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Ljubljana. During her studies, she developed an interest in biochemistry and began research at the Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology at the Institute of Chemistry, where she researched potential prototypes of agents for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. She later joined other projects at the institute, including the study of degradation mechanisms in mammalian cells and the regulation of immunologically active coiled-coil compounds. She is currently working on a gene therapy project to treat CTNNB1 syndrome. In addition to research, she likes to pass on her knowledge to younger generations, which she does in the context of individual instruction and tutoring at the Faculty of Pharmacy. She likes sports, especially dancing, hiking, climbing and surfing. Together with her friend, she leads two dance groups for preschool and school children. In her free time, she likes to hang out with friends and travel. As part of the ASEF Research Abroad fellowship program, she will be researching at the laboratory of prof. Jernej Murn in California, where she will deepen her knowledge of RNA biology and acquire research competencies that will help her continue her academic career in biomedicine.