Assist. Prof. Dr. Jelena Kranjec Orlović | Forest Pathology | Best Researcher Award
assistant professor, University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Croatia
🌳 Dr. Jelena Kranjec Orlović, born on August 20, 1987, in Zagreb, Croatia, is an accomplished academic specializing in forestry and plant pathology. She serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry and Wildlife Management, with a career spanning over a decade in research and education. Dr. Kranjec Orlović has contributed significantly to forest health and conservation, emphasizing biotic factors affecting forest ecosystems. Her expertise is supported by international collaborations, scientific missions, and a dedication to preserving forest vitality.
Profile
Education
🎓 Dr. Kranjec Orlović earned her Ph.D. in Forestry and Wood Technology from the University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry (2014–2017), graduating summa cum laude. She completed her Master’s in Techniques, Technologies, and Forestry Management (2009–2011) with a GPA of 4.841 and magna cum laude honors. Her undergraduate studies in Forestry (2006–2009) also reflected exceptional performance with a GPA of 4.57. Beyond her academic degrees, she acquired specialized training in molecular biology, statistical analysis, and programming, enhancing her scientific proficiency.
Experience
🪵 Dr. Kranjec Orlović’s professional journey began in 2012 as a research assistant at the University of Zagreb, transitioning to Croatian Forests Ltd. as a forestry engineer in 2013. From 2014 to 2018, she worked as a research assistant in forest protection, followed by a postdoctoral position (2019–2023). Currently, she is an Assistant Professor focusing on forest health management, wildlife research, and teaching future forestry professionals. Her experience extends to leading projects on ash dieback and sustainable forest ecosystems funded by national and international agencies.
Awards and Honors
🏆 Dr. Kranjec Orlović received the prestigious Danubius Young Scientist Award (2022) for her contributions to Danube region forestry research. She was also honored with scholarships for academic excellence and recognized as the most successful student during her undergraduate studies with the Forestry Faculty’s Dušan Klepac Award. Her scholarly dedication has garnered recognition from academic and governmental organizations, cementing her status as a leading figure in her field.
Research Focus
🔬 Dr. Kranjec Orlović focuses on biotic factors affecting forest ecosystems, including pathogens like Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. She specializes in studying ash dieback, fungal pathogens, and biocontrol methods. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates forest conservation, molecular diagnostics, and ecological regeneration. Her work has implications for sustainable forestry practices, biodiversity, and the mitigation of invasive forest diseases, aiming to safeguard forest ecosystems in Croatia and beyond.
Publications
📚Worldwide genetic structure elucidates the Eurasian origin and invasion pathways of Dothistroma septosporum
📚 Susceptibility of Fraxinus angustifolia clones to Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in lowland Croatia
📚 New detections of chestnut blight in Great Britain during 2019–2020
📚 Effect of fungus Meripilus giganteus on false heartwood and rot in Fagus sylvatica L.
📚 First report of charcoal disease of oak (Biscogniauxia mediterranea) in Croatia
📚 Role of fungi in Fraxinus angustifolia dieback in Croatian floodplains
📚 Fungus-like organisms in soil of declining narrow-leaved ash stands
📚 Impact of forest residue management on rodent damage in Quercus robur forests
📚 Acorn thermotherapy and short-term storage effects on seedling morphology
📚 Preliminary findings on narrow-leaved ash and green ash seed entomofauna in Croatia
📚 Causative agent of red band needle blight in Scots pine plantations