Assistant professor at Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia.
🌍Dr. Zrinka Mihaljević, a Croatian researcher and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Osijek, specializes in vascular physiology, molecular mechanisms of endothelial function, and hyperbaric oxygenation. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, she has led numerous institutional research projects focusing on oxidative stress, vascular reactivity, and transcription factor signaling pathways. She has participated in various national and international conferences, contributing to physiological and biomedical sciences. Her interdisciplinary work is supported by memberships in societies like the European Society for Microcirculation and the Croatian Physiological Society.
Profile👤
Education 🎓
🎓Dr. Zrinka Mihaljević holds a Ph.D. from the Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, where her research focused on vascular physiology and the molecular effects of oxidative stress. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a teaching degree in Biology and Chemistry from the Department of Biology at the same university. Her secondary education was completed at the Gymnasium Secondary School of Isidor Kršnjavi in Našice, Croatia, where she excelled in natural sciences. Dr. Mihaljević’s early education was at the Elementary School of Vladimir Nazor in Feričanci, providing a solid foundation for her academic pursuits. Her education reflects a seamless progression from foundational knowledge to advanced expertise in physiology, underscoring her lifelong dedication to science and education. Additionally, her continuous professional development through national and international conferences and workshops has refined her skills and expanded her academic and research horizons.🎓📚
Experience
🩺Dr. Zrinka Mihaljević’s career spans diverse roles in science and education. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, where she teaches and conducts groundbreaking research in vascular physiology. Previously, she worked as a Senior Assistant and Postdoctoral Fellow, contributing to key institutional research projects. Her academic journey began as a University Teaching Assistant, where she gained invaluable experience in mentoring and lecturing. Before transitioning to higher education, Dr. Mihaljević taught biology and chemistry at the secondary school level in Croatia, inspiring young minds in the natural sciences. Her professional portfolio includes leadership roles in institutional research projects investigating vascular reactivity, hyperbaric oxygenation, and molecular mechanisms of endothelial function. Her commitment to academic excellence and scientific discovery has established her as a prominent figure in her field, both nationally and internationally.🧑🔬📈
Awards and Honors 🏆
Dr. Zrinka Mihaljević has been recognized for her contributions to science and education through numerous awards and honors. Her groundbreaking research in vascular physiology has earned accolades in national and international scientific communities. She has been a recipient of institutional research grants from the Faculty of Medicine, Osijek, including awards for innovative projects on hyperbaric oxygenation and vascular reactivity. Dr. Mihaljević’s active participation in the Croatian Physiological Society and European Society for Microcirculation has led to several distinctions, highlighting her significant contributions to the field of physiology. Additionally, her dedication to advancing medical education was acknowledged through her role in the Croatian Qualification Framework project aimed at improving integrated medical study programs. Her consistent recognition reflects her unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful teaching, solidifying her reputation as a leader in biomedical research and education.🏅🌍
Research Interests 🔬
🔬Dr. Zrinka Mihaljević’s research centers on vascular physiology, with a specific emphasis on endothelial function, oxidative stress, and hyperbaric oxygenation. Her work explores the molecular mechanisms underlying vascular reactivity, focusing on transcription factors such as NRF2 and their role in inflammation and oxidative stress-mediated vascular changes. Dr. Mihaljević’s projects investigate the effects of carnosine on vascular health in animal models subjected to high-salt diets, aiming to uncover novel therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular diseases. Her research also includes studying adenosine receptors and their impact on vascular reactivity under hyperbaric conditions. Through a multidisciplinary approach combining physiology, molecular biology, and pharmacology, Dr. Mihaljević’s studies contribute to understanding and mitigating vascular dysfunction. Her dedication to translating basic research into clinical applications has positioned her at the forefront of biomedical innovation, addressing pressing health challenges in cardiovascular physiology.🔬🧬
Conclusion 
Dr. Zrinka Mihaljević is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive contributions to vascular physiology and biomedical research. Her innovative approaches, leadership in research projects, and dedication to academic growth make her a distinguished figure in her field. With strategic enhancements in networking and interdisciplinary collaboration, her impact could grow even further.
Publications Top Notes 
Carnosine, small but mighty—prospect of use as a functional ingredient for functional food formulation
Authors: I. Jukić, N. Kolobarić, A. Stupin, A. Matić, N. Kozina, Z. Mihaljević, M. Mihalj, …
Citations: 77
Year: 2021
Attenuated flow‐induced dilatation of middle cerebral arteries is related to increased vascular oxidative stress in rats on a short‐term high salt diet
Authors: A. Cosic, I. Jukic, A. Stupin, M. Mihalj, Z. Mihaljevic, S. Novak, R. Vukovic, …
Citations: 63
Year: 2016
The physiological effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) intake and exercise on hemorheology, microvascular function, and physical performance in health and disease
Authors: M. Stupin, A. Kibel, A. Stupin, K. Selthofer-Relatić, A. Matić, M. Mihalj, …
Citations: 57
Year: 2019
Acute hyperbaric oxygenation, contrary to intermittent hyperbaric oxygenation, adversely affects vasorelaxation in healthy Sprague‐Dawley rats due to increased oxidative stress
Authors: Z. Mihaljević, A. Matić, A. Stupin, L. Rašić, I. Jukić, I. Drenjančević
Citations: 43
Year: 2018
Anti-inflammatory potential of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids enriched hen eggs consumption in improving microvascular endothelial function of healthy individuals—Clinical trial
Authors: A. Stupin, M. Mihalj, N. Kolobarić, P. Šušnjara, L. Kolar, Z. Mihaljević, A. Matić, …
Citations: 37
Year: 2020
Hyperbaric oxygenation modulates vascular reactivity to angiotensin-(1-7) in diabetic rats: potential role of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids
Authors: A. Kibel, S. Novak, A. Cosic, Z. Mihaljevic, J. R. Falck, I. Drenjancevic
Citations: 34
Year: 2015
Enhanced antioxidative defense by vitamins C and E consumption prevents 7-day high-salt diet-induced microvascular endothelial function impairment in young healthy individuals
Authors: L. Barić, I. Drenjančević, M. Mihalj, A. Matić, M. Stupin, L. Kolar, Z. Mihaljević, …
Citations: 33
Year: 2020
Seven-day salt loading impairs microvascular endothelium-dependent vasodilation without changes in blood pressure, body composition and fluid status in healthy young humans
Authors: L. Barić, I. Drenjančević, A. Matić, M. Stupin, L. Kolar, Z. Mihaljević, H. Lenasi, …
Citations: 33
Year: 2019
Endotelna funkcija-funkcionalni pokazatelj kardiovaskularnih rizičnih čimbenika
Authors: A. Čavka, R. Tadžić, I. Grizelj, S. Unfirer, Z. Mihaljević, M. Mihalj, …
Citations: 29
Year: 2012
Dietary Intake of n-3 PUFA-Enriched Hen Eggs Changes Inflammatory Markers’ Concentration and Treg/Th17 Cells Distribution in Blood of Young Healthy Adults
Authors: N. Kolobarić, I. Drenjančević, A. Matić, P. Šušnjara, Z. Mihaljević, M. Mihalj
Citations: 23
Year: 2021