Doctor of biological sciences and a senior research associate in the Group for Hematology and Stem Cells of the Institute for Medical Research of the University of Belgrade. She defended her doctoral dissertation within the immunobiology module at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, in which she investigated molecular mechanisms related to the regulation of the functional properties of mesenchymal stem cells of the periodontium in conditions of inflammation.

She researches various functional aspects of stem cells isolated from oral tissues. Ivana is a member of the Immmunological society of serbia (ISOS), the Serbian Association for Cancer Research (SDIR), and also participated in COST actions CA16119, where she became interested in 3D in vitro cell models, as well as CA20140 action, with aim to establish the first European network for harmonizing procedures and protocols in stem cell research. She is currently coordinating the Serbian team within a project of bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Slovenia on the development of mucoadhesive films with placental amniotic membrane homogenate for potential application in the regeneration of oral tissues.

Also, in cooperation with the Group for medical entomology, she participates in research on the anti-inflammatory effect of recombinant tick salivary proteins. In addition, Ivana actively participates in the mentoring of master’s students in the field of biology and immunology, and in the popularization of science, such as engagement at the Science Festival and the Technology Fair.