Staff Observatory Photos

bpecad@rit.edu
 

Dr. Blerta Prevalla Etemi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computing and Information Technologies at Rochester Institute of Technology, Kosovo. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Education and Instructional Technology from Near East University in Cyprus and a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering from South East European University.

With the academic rank of Assistant Professor, her career has been characterized by a passion for continuous learning and a dedication to fostering creativity and teamwork. She currently serves as an IT Consultant at Salience Consulting, contributing to the Balkan Digital Highway project for the World Bank, focusing on enhancing high-speed broadband access.

Dr. Prevalla Etemi also plays a crucial role in the National Broadband Competence Office at the Ministry of Information Society and Administration, actively participating in initiatives aimed at improving broadband services. In the past, she provided IT consultancy services to the World Bank, assisting with technical specifications for software related to the Bureau for Development of Education.

With over 17 years of experience, Dr. Prevalla Etemi has been a professor at Computer Science Faculties, specializing in teaching modules related to Software Engineering, Programming, and Databases. Additionally, she has held positions as a Dean and Vice Dean, where she played pivotal roles in academic planning, quality assurance, and leadership.

Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to education, innovation, and the advancement of information technology. She has earned numerous certificates through various projects, served as a keynote speaker at prestigious conferences, and acted as co-president of an international conference. Over more than a decade, she has been actively engaged in accreditation processes and has taken on roles as a coordinator and mentor for both bachelor’s and master’s students. Her significant contributions include numerous published papers in her field of study.

dhurata_shehu@universitetipolis.edu.al
 

MSc. Dhurata Shehu is an assistant lecturer at the Faculty of Research and Development, Department of Scientific Research, branch of Computer Science. 

She has taught at the University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, and at several other non-public universities. She now contributes to POLIS University as the coordinator of the Master of Science Program in Computer Sciences and as a Scientific Researcher where she is conducting her “Doctoral” studies at U-Polis and the University of Ferrara, Italy.

Ms. Shehu has a Master of Science and Bachelor degree in Informatics from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana. She also has a series of online professional specializations, and she had the chance to participate in professional mobilities in Sweden, Italy, and Kosovo. Moreover, she has participated in a number of national and international workshops and conferences. The last international conferences she attended are the ones organized by U-Polis and the Academy of Sciences of Albania with the theme: “Issues of housing, planning, and resilient development of the territory” and “International Conference of Tirana Planning Week 2024”. 

ixbbcad@rit.edu
 

Dr. Ines Bula Bunjaku, is a distinguished academician and seasoned professional with a comprehensive background in Robotics, Energy, Electric, Electronic, Control, Automation, and Digitalization. Holding a Doctor of Technical Science degree from the esteemed Technical University Vienna, Austria, Dr. Ines Bula Bunjaku has amassed a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This academic milestone, completed in July 2019, involved an in-depth exploration of various technical domains, totaling 180 ECTS.

Complementing this achievement, Dr. Ines Bula Bunjaku earned a Master of Science in Mechatronic Management, in May 2015. This program, spanning Mechatronic, Electric, Electronic, Programming, Logistic, and Engineering disciplines, constituted 120 ECTS, further enhancing their diverse skill set.

The academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, in June 2009. Specializing in Energy, Power System, Transmission, and Distribution, this foundational degree marked the inception of Dr. Ines Bula Bunjaku, transformative career, accumulating 180 ECTS.

In addition to academic achievements, Dr. Ines Bula Bunjaku, holds international certificates in Training of Trainers for Energy Auditing in Industry and Energy Auditing in Buildings, facilitated by German cooperation Deutche zusammenarbeit, GIZ, FIRE, EIHP, Republic of Kosovo, in 2018.

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology Global, Dr. Ines Bula Bunjaku plays pivotal roles as Project Manager for Bridge 1 and Bridge 2 projects. These multifaceted projects involve comprehensive responsibilities, spanning project planning, resource management, stakeholder communication, quality assurance, and more.

Prior to joining Rochester Institute of Technology, Dr. Ines Bula Bunjaku, held significant roles at College UBT, including Dean of the Faculty Energy Engineering and Management, Associated Professor of Faculty Energy Engineering and Mechatronic, and Manager of the Faculty Energy Engineering and Management.

Alongside their academic and professional roles, Dr. Ines Bula Bunjaku has actively contributed to research, presenting IFAC Conference on Technology, Culture and International Stability. They have also managed and participated in various projects and workshops under the Erasmus + program, emphasizing electrical energy markets and engineering education.

Membership in professional bodies such as CIGRE, IFAC, and IEEE underscores Dr. Ines Bula Bunjaku, commitment to excellence in their field. Additionally, their involvement in international conferences, reviewing processes, and contribution to diversity and inclusion initiatives within IFAC highlight a dedication to the global academic community.

Fluent in English, Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian, and Macedonian, with a working proficiency in German, Dr. Ines Bula Bunjaku possesses excellent communication skills. These skills, coupled with their ability to work collaboratively, make them an asset in academic, professional, and multicultural settings.

Keti_hoxha@universitetipolis.edu.al
 

Dr. Keti Hoxha is a researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, POLIS University, in the discipline of Architecture.

Ms. Keti completed her studies in 2013 in Architecture and Urban Design. During her professional career, she has been part of some of the design studios in Tirana, where she contributed in projects that incorporated various types of typologies, mainly public buildings, which is also the focus of her scientific research. She completed her doctoral studies in the field of Architecture in 2021, focusing her research on the topic of accessibility for people with diverse abilities.

mxpics@rit.edu
 

Dr. Mimoza Polloshka joined RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) in November 2003, and since then she taught several courses of Mathematics, including College Math, Interdisciplinary Math I, Interdisciplinary Math II, Discrete Mathematics and introduction to Proofs. She was also involved in the Preparatory program of RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) where she was responsible for the Math component program. In the period September 2009- September 2012, she was the Head of the Math Unit at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K). Mimoza also taught several other courses in a variety of settings, including Analytical Geometry, Theory of Probability, and Numerical Linear Algebra at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, at the University of Prishtina.

Mimoza received her Ph.D. from University of Tirana, Albania, Faculty of Natural Sciences, with a dissertation on “Some classes of permutable semigroups”. She holds a Master’s degree in Algebra and Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, from the University of Prishtina. In the period march-May 2013, Mimoza was a visiting scholar at the Math Department of Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, USA.

From October 2015, she is the Coordinator of the RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) faculty Development Center, and since that period, she implemented several projects for the Center in cooperation with RITK faculty and donor partner, as US Embassy- University Support Program, AMICAL Small Grants.

During the last two academic years, Mimoza served in the position of the Chair of the RITK Academic Senate.

Her areas of interest are research in the field of Algebra, improving the quality of teaching of Mathematics, women issues and finding ways to attract more women in science and Math.

mxkcad2@rit.edu

Mihone Kerolli holds a Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology from University of Zagreb, Croatia and a Master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Pristina. Since 2014 she is a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer in University of Zagreb, Croatia on polymer composites and glass ceramic from hazardous waste. She served as a lecturer in International Business College Mitrovica, University College UBT and University of Zagreb. Apart from her career as a lecturer, Mihone worked also as Head of Environmental and Agriculture Management Department for IBCM; National Professional Officer/Advisor and Trainer for OSCE; National Academic Expert for SWG and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development; Project Manager for different projects covering environmental and agricultural issues; Senior Researcher on hazardous industrial waste minimization, reusing and recycling; Capacity Building for environmental impact assessments in Kosovo and Specialist for hazardous jarosite waste. She has trained many students and has over 30 peers reviewed scientific publications to her credit.

At RIT Kosovo, she is a lecturer of contemporary sciences.

snncad@rit.edu
 

Shqipe Neziri Vela graduated from the American University in Kosovo (RIT Kosovo) in 2007 with a BA in Management and Entrepreneurship. She pursued her MA studies at the University of York (United Kingdom), Department of Political Sciences, whereby her research focused on the impact of Europeanization in the public administration in Kosovo. In addition, she completed her second MA degree at the Central European University (Hungary), School of Public Policy, exploring the path to reform energy policies in the Western Balkans. Furthermore, Ms. Vela was granted a scholarship at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel) to conduct research on environmental policy.

In 2012, the Washington Leadership Program through the U.S. House of Representatives, appointed Ms. Vela to initiate the application of the Republic of Kosovo for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) support, a bilateral U.S. foreign aid agency established by the U.S. Congress.

Since 2012, Ms. Vela has served as a mentor to international students who benefit from the Erasmus Mundus Program, a program that aims to enhance the quality of higher education and promote dialogue and understanding between people and cultures through mobility and academic cooperation.

Ms. Vela is also a published author. Her book entitled, “Energy Policy in Western Balkans: Path to Reform and Reconstruction,” focuses on Energy Policy in the Western Balkans and is listed on Amazon in a paperback edition. Moreover, she is a columnist for the FLATRA magazine and Kosovo 2.0 on social issues.

Mr. Vela has over 17 years of professional experience in democratization, rule of law, anti-corruption, energy and environment policies at central and municipal level. Her prior work experience includes various positions with development agencies in Kosovo, Hungary, and the United States, including UNDP, the World Bank, UNICEF, and USAID.

Ms. Vela is a cofounder of the Kosovo-Hungarian Friendship Association and serves at the Board of the Association of Women in Energy Sector (AWESK).

Since 2018, Ms. Vela is engaged with the U.S. Department of State, Mission to Prishtina & MCC Resident Country Mission on energy sector and rule of law.

erdelina.kurti@lnu.se
 

Erdelina Kurti is a senior lecturer in the Department of Informatics at Linnaeus University,  Sweden. Previously, she worked as a senior lecturer in Innovation in the Department of  Computer Science and Media Technology at Malmö University.  

Her research focuses on societal implications and challenges of digital transformation,  employing an interdisciplinary approach. She is particularly interested in exploring  opportunities and challenges organizations encounter the digital transformation. Her  research expertise on this domain cover areas such as digital business model innovation,  digital transformation and gender, application of systems thinking and institutional logics  to address complexity, organizational viability and resilience amid digital disruption and  industry 4.0. In the scope of her research, Erdelina has specifically focused on incumbent  sectors like media, healthcare, wood house manufacturing, as sectors which face particular challenges in digital transformation process. Additionally, she teaches various courses across Informatics programs.

egzonamorina@protonmail.com
 

Dr. Egzona Morina is a neuroscientist and educator dedicated to advancing STEM education and exploring the intersection of climate change and neurological health. She earned her PhD in Neuroscience from University College London and has taught neurobiology through Harvard’s Continuing Education program. She is set to lead a course on Brain-Computer Interfaces and neuroprosthetics at Harvard University in Spring 2025. Previously, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship in digital learning at MIT’s Biology Department. Dr. Morina is awaiting funding to commence a postdoctoral position at Harvard Medical School’s Global Health and Social Medicine Department, focusing on the effects of climate change on neurological health.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Morina is the founder of the Xheladin and Xhufe Morina Foundation (XhMF), a nonprofit organization committed to promoting STEM education in Kosovo. Through initiatives like BrainCamp Kosovo, she has introduced neuroscience to young students, aiming to inspire and educate the next generation. She has also developed educational resources, including the recently published children’s book, “The BrainBook,” which integrates augmented reality to make learning about the brain engaging for young readers.

zanabucinca@gmail.com
 

Zana Buçinca is a PhD candidate in Computer Science at Harvard working at the intersection of human-AI interaction and responsible AI. Her research integrates cognitive and social science theories to design novel AI-powered decision-support systems that complement and empower humans in AI-assisted tasks. Her work has been recognized with an IBM PhD Fellowship, a Siebel Scholarship, and a Best Paper Award. Zana has been named a Rising Star in AI by the University of Michigan, a Rising Star in Management Science and Engineering by Stanford University, and one of the Top 10 Most Inspiring Women in STEM by UNDP Kosovo.

nexhisula@outlook.com
 

Nexhi Sula is an artificial intelligence expert and Fulbright Scholar with a master’s degree in AI, who graduated in Saint Louis, MO, USA. She has extensive experience in machine learning, natural language processing, and semantic search and has been a driving force in advancing AI technologies. Nexhi has made significant contributions to the field, including publishing a notable paper on machine unlearning.

Currently, she is working as Senior Specialist Lead for AI at Deloitte and she is responsible for developing AI systems, leading NLP projects to enhance natural language understanding, automate processes, and drive AI-powered insights across various applications.

 In addition to her technical expertise, Nexhi is dedicated to social impact projects. She was involved in the EduGrua project, supported by the Swedish Institute and associated with Lund University. This project was focused on empowering women and girls in Albania and Kosovo, addressing challenges such as violence and abuse. 

With a strong background in both academia and industry, Nexhi Sula is committed to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of STEM initiatives globally.

Rina Basholli is a highly accomplished and influential cybersecurity expert from Kosovo. Her career trajectory is marked by a strong academic foundation, holding a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Advanced Digital Forensics & Information Security from The University of Sheffield. 

As an Information Security Lead at KODE Labs, Rina spearheads the protection of cloud-based applications, ensuring compliance with key standards like ISO 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, and FedRAMP while effectively safeguarding SaaS products and helping optimize their security posture in the dynamic cyberspace.

Rina holds significant professional certifications that underscore her expertise, among which: ISO 27001 Lead Auditor and Implementer, Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), SIEM Enterprise Security Manager, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Her significant contributions have earned her recognition, including the Woman Game Changer Award and a nomination for Cybersecurity Woman of the Year 2023. She’s been featured in the Global Women in Security Magazine and on Prishtina Insight, highlighting her impact in ICT. Early recognition includes winning at the STARTIFY7 Academy.

Rina is an active participant in the cybersecurity community, as evidenced by her engaging experiences at major conferences like Black Hat, where she won a drone from HP Wolf Security and received a Red Hat coin badge with the US Military Defense Units. At DEFCON, she immersed herself in village competitions, tackling challenges from lock picking to deepfakes and car hacking, even earning an aviation badge from the Aerospace Village.

Beyond her professional role, Rina is an Executive Board Member at WiCyS PLP, actively shaping cybersecurity policy. She led the BPRG group on Kosovo’s cyber legislation and was a key stakeholder in Kosovo’s 1st Cyber Security Exercise. As a sought-after public speaker, she champions cybersecurity awareness. 

From student activism to a leading voice in cybersecurity, Rina Basholli’s technical expertise, active engagement in the community, advocacy, and policy influence make her a prominent figure in the global cybersecurity community.