Selma Knezović, a graduate of the IUS Genetics and Bioengineering (GBE) program, and Emma Fejzić, a Management (MAN) alumna, first connected at IUS through a business plan competition - an encounter that sparked both a lasting friendship and a shared professional vision. Their journey led them to co-found the first and only nutrition counseling center in Visoko, blending their expertise to make a real impact in their community.
Read their inspiring success story below!
How IUS Shaped Our Journey
Our story began at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS), where we first connected through a business plan competition that was later presented at the prestigious Sarajevo Business Forum. This experience allowed us to recognize our complementary skills, setting the foundation for our future collaboration. Today, we have built Nutrigenetika, the first and only nutrition counseling center in Visoko, which has rapidly grown in popularity, including a thriving Instagram community.
Selma’s Perspective: Science, Nutrition, and Business
IUS provided me with a comprehensive scientific foundation - ranging from scientific literacy in English to access to credible research databases, which is crucial in the field of nutrition. I completed my degree in Genetics and Bioengineering (GBE). Understanding genetics means understanding the human body at its core. Once you grasp this perspective, you begin asking deeper questions and developing a broader vision. IUS and its research center allowed me to work with human cells, explore diseases, and witness firsthand how food components impact cellular health. My Master’s research at IUS was a turning point that steered me toward specializing in nutrition.
In addition to my formal education, I had the opportunity to be part of the Molecular Biomedicine research group, working under the guidance of Assistant Professor Dr. Mirza Suljagić. We focused on a groundbreaking project that explored how combined therapies could impact survival pathways in human leukemia cells. This hands-on research experience deeply enriched my understanding of molecular processes and reaffirmed my passion for applying science to health. Being part of this project was crucial in shaping my career, offering me valuable insights into the practical application of scientific knowledge in solving real-world health problems. The results of this research were published in my Master’s thesis, which became a key milestone in my academic journey.
After completing my Master's degree, I pursued additional specialization in nutrition, further refining my expertise. This unique combination of genetics and nutrition has given me a distinctive perspective in my field, allowing me to approach health and diet with a deep understanding of molecular processes.
However, IUS didn't just equip me with knowledge - it prepared me for the real-world market. I completed my degree in Genetics and Bioengineering, but I also took elective courses in Marketing and Strategic Management, which proved invaluable for my career. Knowledge alone is not enough; you must understand how to apply it, make it accessible to people, and create value. This fusion of science and entrepreneurship is what defines our success today.
One of the most valuable skills students should focus on is critical thinking - the ability to analyze, question, and apply knowledge. Also, networking is crucial. Connections built during university can open doors in unexpected ways. I encourage students to take part in research, engage in extracurricular activities, and explore multidisciplinary fields.
Emma’s Perspective: The Power of a Multidisciplinary Approach
The multidisciplinary approach that IUS promotes helped me understand the importance of connecting different fields. The synergy of genetics, nutrition, marketing, and visual design is now the foundation of our work. The best products and services emerge when we combine scientific knowledge with market understanding - this is exactly what we learned at IUS.
I graduated from Management (MAN) study program, but I have learned that marketing is not just about promotion; it shapes how knowledge is communicated to people. Thanks to IUS, we learned how to bridge the gap between science and consumer needs, creating something truly innovative.
At our nutrition counseling center, we work directly with clients, create educational content, and leverage social media marketing to spread evidence-based knowledge. Our Instagram page grew rapidly, proving that people are eager for professional and engaging health content.
A crucial part of our work today is educating young people about healthy lifestyles, teaching them how to read food labels, and helping them recognize manipulative marketing techniques used in the food industry. We have conducted a large number of educational sessions for students on these topics, and our goal is to expand our efforts even further, influencing the younger generations and changing their awareness of nutrition and health.
The IUS Impact
Our experience at IUS was more than just education - it was the turning point that set us on the path to success. The university's research-driven approach, emphasis on innovation, and real-world applications provided us with the skills we needed to build a brand that combines science and business.
Yes, IUS was our turning point!
