Dragana Matić

Dr. Dragana Matić is a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković', University of Belgrade. She obtained her PhD in Biology (2018) and M.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Physiology (2008) from the University of Belgrade.

Research Interests include:

• Ecotoxicology of forest insects
• Heavy metal pollution effects
• Detoxification mechanisms
• Oxidative stress responses
• Biomarker development
• Physiological stress adaptation

Her scientific work focuses on Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth) as a bioindicator species, with specific emphasis on midgut enzyme activities, heat shock proteins, and metal accumulation. Current research trends show strong involvement in plastic biodegradation studies (Tenebrio molitor), climate change impact assessments, and environmental monitoring using insect models.

Scientific Contributions:

• Postgraduate Fellow, 2009-2011
• Active participant in EU programs (HORIZON 2020, COST Actions)
• Key contributor to joint Chinese-Serbian Laboratory establishment

Research Focus combines ecotoxicological monitoring with molecular biomarker identification, examining both metal tolerance and thermal stress responses in forest Lepidoptera. Her work bridges environmental pollution assessment and insect physiological adaptation through comprehensive enzyme activity profiling and stress protein analysis.