Teaching Assistant M.Sc. Sofija Kostandinovska

Biography

M. Sc. Sofija Kostandinovska is a teaching sssistant at the Institute of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Skopje. She completed her undergraduate and master’s studies at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje and, since 2024, has been pursuing PhD studies in Molecular Biology.

Her scientific interests are focused on microbial ecology, applied microbiology, and microbial biotechnology, with particular emphasis on the isolation and characterization of soil microorganisms and the evaluation of their antimicrobial activity, biosurfactant production, heavy metal tolerance, and probiotic potential. A central component of her research is the study of the distribution and ecology of microorganisms belonging to the genus Bacillus, as well as their potential application as a source of bioactive compounds of practical significance.

In addition to her research work, she is actively engaged in teaching activities in the fields of microbiology and microbial biotechnology. She is the author and co-author of several scientific papers and actively participates in research projects, scientific conferences, and other academic and professional activities. 

Mobility and Study stays

May - June 2025, Faculty of Biology, University in Beograd

Articles and Conferences

Scientific Abstracts

  • Kostandinovska, S. G., Ilievska, M. V., Kungulovski, D. V., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. V. Protocol for Determination of Probiotic Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Dairy Products. Abstract book, p. 36. 24th Symposium of Biology Students in Europe. Portugal, 27–31 July 2021.
  • Simonovska, E., Kostandinovska, S., Radmanovik, N., Premcevski, H., Usta Petrova, E., Boskovski, O., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Comparative Antimicrobial Activity of Bacillus spp. Isolated from Wastewater Treatment Plant and Soil Samples. Abstract book, p. 198. III International Agricultural, Biological and Life Science Conference. Edirne, Turkey, 1–3 September 2021.
  • Atanasova-Pancevska, N. V., Kungulovski, D. V., Kostandinovska, S. G. Use of Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) in the Control of Foodborne Pathogens. Abstract book, p. 131. 2nd UniFood Conference. Belgrade, Serbia, 24–25 September 2021.
  • Atanasova-Pancevska, N., Kungulovski, D., Kostandinovska, S. Natural Spices from Local Markets in North Macedonia as Potential Antimicrobials. Abstract book, p. 50. ISEKI Food Association E-Conference, Food Texture, Quality Safety and Biosecurity in the Global Bioeconomy. Vienna, Austria, 10–11 November 2021.
  • Atanasova-Pancevska, N., Kostandinovska, S., Ilievska, M., Kungulovski, Dz. Antimicrobial Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Homemade Cheese in North Macedonia. Abstract book, p. 40. International Web Conference on Food Choice and Eating Motivation. Online, 19–20 May 2022.
  • Todorovska-Ivkovikj, M., Radmanovik, N., Lazova, T., Lazov, N., Kostandinovska, S., Atanasova-Pancevska, N., Kungulovski, D. Adaptive Responses of Isolated Fungal Strains to Hexachlorocyclohexane as Potential Avenues for Sustainable Bioremediation. Abstract book, p. 18. 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia. Ohrid, North Macedonia, 15–18 October 2022.
  • Kostandinovska, S., Radmanovik, N., Boskovski, O., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Microbial Ecology of Undisturbed and Contaminated Soils in North Macedonia. Abstract book, p. 23. 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia. Ohrid, North Macedonia, 15–18 October 2022.
  • Radmanovik, N., Brsakoska, M., Usta Petrova, E., Zlatanovski, H., Kostandinovska, S., Talevska, T., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Evaluation and Enumeration of the Microbial Community Associated with Water Quality of the Glacial Lakes of Pelister National Park, North Macedonia. Abstract book, p. 184. BSRS Symposium. Ohrid, North Macedonia, 15 October 2022.
  • Boskovski, O., Kokikj, M., Veleska, S., Kocevska, S., Frcovski, E., Radmanovik, N., Kostandinovska, S., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Comparative Analysis of Two Sampling Points of Thermal Mineral Water from the Spa Complex Negorci, North Macedonia. Abstract book, p. 185. BSRS Symposium. Ohrid, North Macedonia, 15 October 2022.
  • Bukovec, D., Todorovska-Ivkovikj, M., Nikolovska, A., Kostandinovska, S., Atanasova-Pancevska, N., Kungulovski, D. Biological Control of Scab Disease (Venturia inaequalis) Using Bacillus Isolates in in vitro and in vivo Conditions. Abstract book, p. 35. 3rd International Meeting Agriscience and Practice. Stip, North Macedonia, 19–20 April 2023.
  • Atanasova-Pancevska, N., Kungulovski, D., Usta Petrova, E., Radmanovik, N., Boskovski, O., Frcovski, E., Premcevski, H., Kostandinovska, S. The Influence of Different Climatic Types on the Number of Bacillus spp. Isolated from Soil in North Macedonia. Abstract book, p. 51. 3rd International Meeting Agriscience and Practice. Stip, North Macedonia, 19–20 April 2023.
  • Kostandinovska, S., Boskovski, O., Veleska, S., Tusevski, J., Bukovec, D., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Biosurfactants – A Novel Generation of Bacterial Biomolecules for Biodegradation of Organic Contaminants. Abstract book, p. 49. Chemistry and Biotechnology International Conference. Poland, 22–23 June 2023.
  • Veleska, S. M., Kostandinovska, S. G., Boskovski, O. G., Bukovec, D. D., Kungulovski, D. V., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. V. Screening and Isolation of Soil Bacillus spp. for Antibiotic Production. Abstract book, p. 22. 27th Symposium of Biology Students in Europe. Koper, Slovenia, 23–29 July 2023.
  • Kostandinovska, S. G., Kungulovski, D. V., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. V. Antimicrobial Activity of Actinomycetes Isolated from Compost. Abstract book, p. 28. 27th Symposium of Biology Students in Europe. Koper, Slovenia, 23–29 July 2023.
  • Bukovec, D. D., Kostandinovska, S. G., Nikolovska, A. A., Todorovska-Ivkovikj, M. Lj., Veleska, S. M., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. V., Kungulovski, D. V. Antagonistic Activity of Paenibacillus polymyxa AA15 against Pathogenic Venturia inaequalis. Abstract book, p. 29. 27th Symposium of Biology Students in Europe. Koper, Slovenia, 23–29 July 2023.
  • Atanasova-Pancevska, N., Kungulovski, D., Kostandinovska, S. The Impact of Climate Changes on the Development of Mycotoxigenic Fungi – Is There a Reason to Be Concerned about Food and Feed Safety? Abstract book, p. 59. 2nd International Conference on Food and Climate Change. Koprivnica, Croatia, 16–17 October 2023.
  • Mirkovik, L., Todorovska, N., Angelovska, D., Kostandinovska, S., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Comparison of Physico-Chemical Parameters and Association of Fungi, Bacteria and Actinomycetes of Wet and Dry Compost. Abstract book, p. 76. XIV Congress of Microbiologists of Serbia MIKROMED REGIO 5 from Biotechnology to Human and Planetary Health. Belgrade, Serbia, 4–6 April 2024.
  • Kostandinovska, S., Tusevski, J., Boskovski, O., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Comparison of Methods to Detect Biosurfactant Production by Bacillus spp. Isolated from Contaminated and Undisturbed Soil. Abstract book, p. 83. XIV Congress of Microbiologists of Serbia MIKROMED REGIO 5 from Biotechnology to Human and Planetary Health. Belgrade, Serbia, 4–6 April 2024.
  • Angelovska, D., Usta Petrova, E., Brsakoska, M., Trpeski, S., Radmanovik, N., Kostandinovska, S., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. The Number of Physiological Groups of Microorganisms as an Indicator of the Ecological Status along the Mount Baba Altitude Gradient. Abstract book, p. 85. XIV Congress of Microbiologists of Serbia MIKROMED REGIO 5 from Biotechnology to Human and Planetary Health. Belgrade, Serbia, 4–6 April 2024.
  • Atanasova-Pancevska, N., Kungulovski, D., Angelovska, D., Mirkovik, L., Stojanoska, M., Boskovski, O.,Kostandinovska, S. In vitro Evaluation of Soil Bacillus Strains Isolated from the Bucim Copper Mine for Biocontrol against Grapevine Downy Mildew. Abstract book, p. 28. 4th International Meeting Agriscience and Practice. Stip, North Macedonia, 13 July 2024.
  • Kostandinovska, S., Boskovski, O., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Distribution of Biosurfactant-Producing Bacteria in Undisturbed and Contaminated Soils in North Macedonia. Abstract book, p. 62. VII Congress of Macedonian Microbiologists with International Participation. Ohrid, North Macedonia, 20–22 September 2024.
  • Gjorgjevska-Pejovska, I., Kostandinovska, S., Boskovska, V., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. In vitroScreening of Selected Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Traditional Fermented Cabbage. Abstract book, p. 133. VII Congress of Macedonian Microbiologists with International Participation. Ohrid, North Macedonia, 20–22 September 2024.
  • Angelovska, D., Kostandinovska, S., Mirkovik, L., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. In vivo Test of Non-Symbiotic Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria in Increasing Nitrogen in Soil. Abstract book, p. 130. VII Congress of Macedonian Microbiologists with International Participation. Ohrid, North Macedonia, 20–22 September 2024.
  • Mirkovik, L., Kostandinovska, S., Angelovska, D., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Isolation and Characterization of Nonsymbiotic Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria from Compost. Abstract book, p. 131. VII Congress of Macedonian Microbiologists with International Participation. Ohrid, North Macedonia, 20–22 September 2024.
  • Kostandinovska, S., Chobanova, M., Hristovski, S., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Ecology of Soil Species of the Genus Bacillus and the Influence of Environmental Factors of Their Biologically Active Compounds. Abstract book, p. 17. 27th Congress of Chemists and Technologists of Macedonia. Ohrid, North Macedonia, 25–28 September 2024.
  • Kostandinovska, S., Nikoloska, A., Kungulovski, D., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Antifungal Activity of Soil Bacterial Strains from the Genus Bacillus Isolated from Contaminated Soil from the Bitola Region (REK). Abstract book, p. 65. Innovations of Sustainable Agriculture – Bridging Science and Practice. Skopje, North Macedonia, 11 December 2024.
  • Kostandinovska, S. G., Kungulovski, D. V., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. V. Assessment of Safety and Probiotic Properties of Soil Bacillus spp. Isolated from Mount Karadzica. Abstract book, p. 307. The 5th International Electronic Conference on Foods. Online, 28–30 October 2024.
  • Kostandinovska, S., Kungulovski, D., Cvetkovikj, I., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Exploring Bacillus-Based Antifungal Agents for Sustainable Agriculture. Abstract book, p. 86. Joint International Conference of mikrobiokosmos and CEESME. Thessaloniki, Greece, 22–24 September 2025.
  • Kostandinovska, S., Kungulovski, D., Cvetkovikj, I., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Investigating the Probiotic Role of Environmental Lysinibacillus sphaericus Strains. Abstract book, p. 111. 5th International Symposium for Agriculture and Food. Ohrid, North Macedonia, 8–10 October 2025.
  • Gjorgievska-Pejovska, I., Nikoloska, M., Kostandinovska, S., Kungulovski, D., Cvetkovikj, I., Atanasova-Pancevska, N. Harnessing Probiotics from Cabbage: A Natural Defence against Foodborne Pathogens. Abstract book, p. 112. 5th International Symposium for Agriculture and Food. Ohrid, North Macedonia, 8–10 October 2025.
  • Костандиновска, С., Атанасова-Панчевска, Н. Био-органски ѓубрива за одржливо земјоделство: Примена на несимбиотски азотофиксатори. Книга на апстракти, стр. 32. VI Студентска конференција „Критични прашања во земјоделството и животната средина“. Штип, Република Северна Македонија, 12 ноември 2025.
  • Тодоровски, В., Костандиновска, С., Атанасова-Панчевска, Н. Едукација, хигиена и исхрана: Ставови и познавања на учениците во основните и средните училишта. Книга на апстракти, стр. 29. VI Студентска конференција „Критични прашања во земјоделството и животната средина“. Штип, Република Северна Македонија, 12 ноември 2025.

Scientific Papers

ResearchGate

Google Scholar

ORCID

Other activities

Summer Schools

22 June - 3 July 2021, XVI International Summer School, Odessa, Ukraine

28 June - 8 July 2022, XVII International Summer School, Odessa, Ukraine

20-23 October 2023, Green School, Dojran, North Macedonia

14-16 June 2024, Летна школа за животна средина, Ohrid, North Macedonia

20 May - 3 June 2025, Metabarcoding of Plant Microbiomes I: Foundations, Methods, and Applications, organized under COST action CA 22158 Exploiting Plant-Microbiomes Networks and Synthetic Communities to improve Crops Fitness (MiCropBiomes)

6-20 June 2025, International Summer School on Soil Carbon Sequestration and Stability, Xian, China

21-25 June 2025, Green ERA-Hub Summer School, Bari, Italy

Проекти

2021, Влијанието на различните климатски типови во Р. С. Македонија врз бројноста на Bacillus spp. изолирани од почва

2021, Современа и едукативна едукација во биологијата (BIOINOEDU)

2022-2023, Микробни биофунгициди како алтернативна биолошка заштита на растенијата (MICROBIOFUN)

2023, Ситни ама битни: Нов пристап кон обука за безбедност на храна

2023, Probiotic Potential of Bacillus spp. and Actinomyces Isolated from Soil in the Poulty Industry

2024-2027, CA22158 - Exploiting Plant-Microbiomes Networks and Synthetic Communities to improve Crops Fitness (MiCropBiomes)

2024-2027, CA22142 - Beneficial root-associated microorganisms for sustainable agriculture (ROOT- BENEFIT)

2025, Едукативна иницијатива за управување со отпад -  SAY YES TO WASTE LESS

2025-2026, Мониторинг и молекуларна карактеризација на бактерии кои толерираат тешки метали изолирани од „жешки точки“ во Република Северна Македонија

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