Olja Simoska was born and raised in Macedonia, discovering her passion for chemistry during high school. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Bard College in 2015 and completed her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin in 2019. Her doctoral work, conducted under the guidance of Professor Keith J. Stevenson, focused on real-time monitoring of dynamic metabolism and responses of pathogenic bacteria using electroanalytical methods. Following her Ph.D., Olja pursued postdoctoral training at the University of Utah with Professor Shelley D. Minteer. During this time, she worked on genetic engineering approaches to develop biological anolyte regeneration systems for redox flow batteries and enhance the performance of microbial fuel cells. Recognized for her outstanding research contributions, Olja has received various awards, including the prestigious ACS Irving S. Sigal Postdoctoral Fellowship, ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry Graduate Fellowship, Charles Morton Share Graduate Fellowship, University of Texas at Austin’s Graduate Dean’s Fellowship, Hanze Teaching Award, and Ereztech BridgeForward Award.
In the fall of 2022, Olja embarked on her independent academic career at the University of South Carolina (USC). Her research focuses on designing, developing, and applying electroanalytical methods for continuous monitoring of human health status. Dr. Simoska initiated and currently leads the Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) program at USC, offering first-year undergraduate students experiential learning and hands-on research experience. In 2023, Olja was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Society of Electroanalytical Chemistry (SEAC).
Olja is also very passionate about educating the next generation of scientists, as well as about research at the interface of electrochemistry, chemistry, biology, and medicine. For collaborations, questions, and job opportunities, please contact her at osimoska@mailbox.sc.edu.
Professional Appointments
The University of South Carolina (2022-present) Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
The University of Utah (2020-2022) ACS Irving S. Sigal Postdoctoral Fellow (Advisor: Shelley D. Minteer)
Education
The University of Texas at Austin (2015-2019) Ph.D. in Chemistry (Advisor: Keith J. Stevenson)
Bard College (2011-2015) B.A. in Chemistry (Advisor: Christopher N. LaFratta)
Awards and Honors
2021
- Ereztech BridgeForward Award
2020
- ACS Irving S. Sigal Postdoctoral Fellowship
2019
- Charles Morton Share Graduate Fellowship
2018
- ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry Graduate Fellowship sponsored by the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP)
- Graduate Dean’s Prestigious Fellowship
- Henze Teaching Award
- University of Texas at Austin Professional Development Award
2017
- Graduate School Summer Fellowship
2015
- ACS Undergraduate Research Award
2014
- C.T. Sottery Award