Mirela Sunda
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek
Croatia
Mirela Sunda was born in 1977 in Croatia. After completing secondary school, in 1996 she enrolled at the Faculty of Physical Education, University of Zagreb, where she graduated in 2001 and earned the degree of Professor of Physical Education. At the same faculty, she later completed her doctoral studies in kinesiology and obtained a Ph.D. She continued her academic career at the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Osijek. Her main scientific interests focus on research in physical literacy, physical activity, and fitness of children and youth. She actively participates in a national project aimed at designing and developing a digital platform to monitor students’ physical fitness and postural characteristics in order to promote health. She has published about fifty scientific and professional papers in national and international journals and conference proceedings and is a regular presenter at scientific and professional conferences in Croatia and abroad. In addition to her research, she has more than twenty years of experience in teaching physical education. She has received numerous awards, including the Croatian Kinesiological Association Award for the most successful young kinesiologist, the Association’s Recognition for Successful Work, and the Croatian School Sports Federation Award for contributions to school sport. She has twice received the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth Award for the most successful educational professional, as well as the Faculty of Kinesiology Osijek Award for excellence in scientific research.