World

DŽENAN KOVAČIĆ

A YOUNG SCIENTIST Making a Better World

DŽENAN KOVAČIĆ IS A PASSIONATE YOUNG SCIENTIST, A STUDENT OF THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND NATURAL SCIENCES AT THE BURCH UNIVERSITY, A DEMONSTRATOR, AND CHAIR OF THE STUDENT PARLIAMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION. IN HIS RESEARCH, HE FOCUSES ON SEVERE DISEASES, SUCH AS TUBERCULOSIS AND ALZHEIMER’S, AND WANTS TO BECOME A MEDICAL DOCTOR IN THE FUTURE, WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION THAT WILL FACILITATE LIVES OF THOSE IN NEED

Written by: Elma Zećo

Dženan Kovačić became publicly known in BiH while he was a student of genetics and bioengineering at the

Burch University. Potential discovery of a tuberculosis medicine that he developed interest in as early as in the secondary medical school in

Mostar brought him to the spotlight. The medicine is currently in the patenting procedure, and the young scientist optimistically believes that experimental results of this project will confirm the hypotheses.

- This is something unknown in the scientific sense, a technology that has never been used for this purpose, and we are currently trying to find an optimal way to develop a medication for this extremely complex and infectious disease through biochemical engineering - Dženan says.

LOVE AND PASSION FOR SCIENCE

He was taken by scientific fields of genetics and bioengineering due to the vast scientific opportunities they provide. They are the tools that will help him realize his ideas, and turn his fascination with the natural world around us into a part of new discoveries. His goal is to become a medical doctor with a strong emphasis on innovations in medicine, which was his commitment even before the university. - Thanks to wonderful professors at the International Burch University, many different and seemingly unrelated scientific thoughts were materialized and obtained the shape of a slowly emerging, concrete scientific work and understanding of science. Engineers solve problems, while biological engineers are at the very frontlines of global crises – from epidemics to food shortage. One’s decision to plan a future in science comes from their love and passion for it. As prestigious as science may

be, especially in the domain of dealing with big problems that make the whole world turn to scientists, it is also the source of personal satisfaction that only a few other things can offer. As a young person, I found my call which never leaves me mentally exhausted. I am grateful because I managed to keep the childish curiosity and the joy I feel whenever I learn, realize or achieve something new.

In addition to tuberculosis, Dženan also studies Alzheimer’s disease. Owing to his commitment to research, he won the international competition Falling Walls Lab in Sarajevo, which enabled him to participate in the International Conference on Future Breakthroughs in Science and Society. His work so far has been the source of pride for his family that provides immense support to him, as well as for his mentors and professors who contribute to his development into a better scientist from day to day.

CREATING VALUE IS NOT AN EASY TASK

Dženan was born in Jablanica. He remembers his childhood mostly for summer gatherings and swimming in the Jablaničko Lake. In addition to running which marks the beginning and the end of his day, swimming is still an important form of recreation

Thanks to wonderful professors at the International Burch University, many different and seemingly unrelated scientific thoughts were materialized and obtained the shape of a slowly emerging, concrete scientific work and understanding of science

for him. However, he openly admits that he also likes videogames as a wonderful way to have some rest without shutting his brain off. - I try to distribute my time efficiently and spend it on important and valuable things. Recently, I have been more focused on a healthy lifestyle. I like mornings and getting up early. When I work on something important, I try to isolate myself and refrain from checking social media, because they distract me unnecessarily. Indeed, my day is incomplete without a daily walk or running, especially when I am in Jablanica where I can enjoy the beautiful nature and fresh air. Fascinated by lives of great scientists such as Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and Richard Feynman who faced many temptations in their work, whenever something doesn’t go according to plan, he thinks of them. He also finds role models in his private life, among family members whose patience, understanding and selflessness he adopts on a daily basis. Although young, Dženan knowns it is not easy to create value. He expects from himself not to give up in the face of obstacles or difficulties, and to become an accomplished scientist and doctor with important contributions in science for the benefit of all those who may need them.