I am a Serbian expat living in Naarm (Melbourne). I always feel that I am living within the intermediary state, where I belong to more than one place, yet simultaneously feel detached from my homeland and host country.

I research the intricacies of belonging and identities in digital spaces; specifically, the ways that users cultivate and shape their online persona in ephemeral, volatile contexts, and the socio-cultural and communal aspects of Japan’s media environment. I currently lecture and teach in the Media & Communications program at the University of Melbourne.

Working with students, research participants and different community members prompted me to learn about mental health and support skills, to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and to encourage people to seek help early. I am accredited Mental Health First Aider and my role is to promote mental health and wellbeing and to listen, connect and support someone experiencing a mental health problem.