President
Prof. As. Dr. Merita Xhetani
Lecturer and researcher of Human Genetics and Molecular Genetics, member of the University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biology.
E-mail Address: merita.xhetani@unitir.edu.al – merita.xhetani@fshn.edu.al
Vice President
Prof. Dr. Mirela Lika
Lecturer and researcher of Immunology, molecular immunology, and immunogenetics, University of Tirana. Head of the research group Genetics and microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
E-mail Address: mirela.lika@fshn.edu.al
Secretary
Dr. Blerta Laze
Lecturer and researcher of Human Genetics, University of Vlora “Ismail Qemali”.
E-mail Address: info@geneticsalbania.com
Dr. Majlinda Kote Dhimolea
Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana-Albania.
E-mail Address: mdhimolea@live.com
Akad. Prof. Dr. Ilia Mikerezi
Co-chairmen of the Unit of Biotechnology and Genetics at the Albanian Academy of Sciences, lecturer and researcher of Genetics at UT, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
E-mail Address: imikerezi@yahoo.com
Dr. Dorela Kroni
Founder and Executive Director of biotechnology and genetic testing company, StemGen Partners ltd.
E-mail Address: dorela.kroni@stemgenpartners.eu
Prof. Dr. Dhurata Bozo
Researcher and Lecturer in Biology, Biotechnology, and Genetics of Physical Activity in the service of Health and Sports. Currently, Prof. Dhurata Bozo is the Head of the Department of Physical Activity and Health, at IKSHS-Tirana.
Email: dhuratabozo@gmail.com
Arjela Cjapi
Molecular Genetics Expert at the Pentagene, Tirana.
E-mail Address: arjela.cjapi@gmail.com
Kristiana Mano
Molecular biologist at the Gynecological Clinic “Koço Gliozheni”, Tirana.
Honorary member
Prof. Dr. Zyri Bajrami
Lecturer and researcher in Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences.
Albanian Society of Human Molecular Genetics (ASHMG)
is part of the National Human Genetics Societies Network.
Click here for more details.
Antea Metaliaj
Student, New York Institute of Technology, NY, USA
My name is Antea Metaliaj, I am currently finishing my undergraduate studies, majoring in Biotechnology and minoring in Physics at New York Institute of Technology. I feel particularly interested in completely understanding autoimmune diseases, the signaling pathways in autoimmune patients, the difference between immune responses of the two sexes and how this can help us personalize the therapies used today. As an active volunteer of the Albanian Society of Human Molecular Genetics (ASHMG), I aspire to share my experience as a Biotech student in New York to develop these topics in Albania.
I wish to be a representative who raises awareness on the multiple scientific and medicinal challenges in Albania. By having these conversations with my American peers, I wish to build bridges between both countries and share insights even on the most fundamental topics like defining what “Science” is.
Marsilda Memaj
Doctor in Molecular Biology, Tirana, Albania
I am Marsilda Memaj a recent PhD graduate in Molecular Biology with teaching experience in High Schools (some of them international) and University in Albania. I have completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and then my Master’s in Molecular Biology, Tirana, Albania. During this academic journey I conducted a research on Physiological and Biochemical Mechanism of blood regulation levels in crab C.aestuarii, finalized by the CHH sequencing in Italy. I have participated in some International Conferences in Albania and abroad and I have published my research in International Indexed Journals.
I have around 10 years teaching experience. During these years I conducted scientific projects in Albania and abroad such as in USA. I have prepared students for biology matura exam, A level and IB exams, National Biology Olympiad, International Climate Science Olympiad and I have being part of the checking matura exams group too. I have participated in many seminars and training courses in education.
Based on my experience, I would like to contribute on ASHMG on conducting some new genetic projects among high school students; on creating some connections between teachers in order to provide scientific information on genetics by using websites, seminars, training courses or workshops; by using virtual labs or simulation for teachers and students or by creating some essay competitions focused on genetic topics.
Noel Petrela
Student, University of Bordeaux
My name is Noel Petrela, and I am currently a student at the University of Bordeaux pursuing a master’s degree in Biology and Health: Molecular and Cellular Genetics. The domains of my interest are cell signaling, rare genetic diseases, and cancer. As a volunteer at the Albanian Society of Human Molecular Genetics, my mission is to build bridges for other researchers in the genetics field between the two countries.
I will help for up to date with the latest research topics in the field of human genetics in France and try to promote collaborations between Albanian and French laboratories. Unified by our passion for genetics, we can diversify and extend the scope of our study.
Emi Xhetani,High School Sami Frashëri,Tirana
My name is Emi Xhetani, and I am a student at “Sami Frashëri” High School in Tirana with a deep passion for genetics, molecular biology, and scientific research. As an active volunteer at Genetics Albania, I contribute to initiatives that promote genetic education and awareness, hoping to inspire more young people to explore this fascinating field. I am particularly interested in the role of genetics in personalized medicine and the potential of genetic therapies to transform healthcare. Through my involvement with Genetics Albania, I aim to contribute to the growing conversation on genetics in Albania and help bridge the gap between scientific research and public awareness. Currently, I am an ambassador in my school, of providing instructions and topics promoted by Genetics Albania and the European Society of Human Genetics ESHG, for the activities on the occasion of DNA Day, Genetics Festival. Beyond my academic and scientific interests, I love attending science fairs, participating in workshops, and engaging in community projects that promote STEM education. I believe that curiosity, continuous learning, and collaboration are essential for driving innovation in genetics and biotechnology.
Selma Dyca
Msc Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universita di Pavia
E-mail: s.dyca@hotmail.com
I am Selma Dyca, a student at Universita di Pavia and currently completing my master studies in Molecular and Genetic Biology. I graduated in Biology (Bachelor) and Molecular Biology (Master) at the University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences. Studying at Universita di Pavia enabled me a 2-year internship at the Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza Institute of Molecular Genetics, Pavia (IGM-CNR). During the first year of the intership I worked on the master thesis “Bacterial expression and enzymatic characteristics of the human helix DDX1”.
Recent research studies conducted in our laboratory led to the identification of DEAD-box 1 protein (DDX1) as a new protein interactor involved in the basal transcription mechanism and involved in the nucleotides excision repair (NER), the only way in human cells dedicated to the removal of UV-induced DNA lesions. In our research, we focused on the enzymatic characterization of the human protein DDX1.
I express my enthusiasm to join the Albanian Association of Human Molecular Genetics and I believe that I will give my scientific contribution in order to have a progress of scientific research in Albania. This contribution will consist both practically and theoretically by inviting Professors and Researchers of the institute and the university to exchange their experiences in the field of Molecular Genetics.