Urban Ferčec Email & Phone Number

Promoted to Senior Android Developer, I took a bigger part on leadership roles, overseeing the development and enhancement of multiple key projects. In this position, I have expanded my proficiency in Java, Kotlin, and XML, as well as in technologies such as REST, Kotlin Coroutines, Compose, JavaRX, GraphQL, and Kotlin Multi Platform.Main Projects:• ComplexCon: Event-based mobile application.• Easology: An operating system designed for the elderly and visually impaired.• Etrel: A comprehensive system for electric vehicle charging management.

As an Android developer within a dynamic, results-oriented team, I gained expertise in advanced Android development practices, with a strong focus on Kotlin and Java. I contributed to the development of innovative applications, mastering key functionalities and best practices in mobile app development.Main Projects:• Blarecast: A blockchain-based music streaming service.• MyMetraKey: An app for managing school lockers.

As the founder of Vibee, a spinoff of my earlier project Actimatch, I led the development of a next-generation social network for young people that promoted real-life social interactions, connected users with similar interests, and ensured data protection, with a particular focus on events and finding companions for them.Key Areas of Responsibility:• Designed and developed both the backend and frontend for the Android mobile app and website.• Built and managed a lean, cross-functional team focused on marketing, app development, and user experience.• Conducted extensive user interviews, shaping the strategic direction of the spinoff and driving the product's evolution.• Oversaw the creation, design, and analysis of social media campaigns to drive engagement and growth.• Organization of large events, raising funds for charity initiatives.• Applied for and managed applications for EU grants to secure additional funding.Notable Achievements:• Acquired over 300 users on the first day of launch in Slovenia without any paid advertising.• Achieved a 4.7-star rating on Google Play, reflecting strong user satisfaction.• Several events with more than 200 participants, raising nearly €1,000 for charity in the process.• Secured 3 European Union grants, raising over €10,000 in funding.

As the founder of a privacy-focused social network designed to foster real-life connections, I led a team that developed a platform aimed at connecting users with similar interests and promoting nearby events. The platform actively encouraged real-world engagements and helped users find new friends and companions for various activities.Key Areas of Responsibility:• Designed and developed both the backend and frontend for an Android mobile app and website, progressing from MVP to final product.• Built and led a cross-functional team in marketing, app development, and user experience, following lean methodology principles.• Conducted extensive user interviews to gather insights, driving weekly product improvements and optimization sprints.• Performed thorough market research, generating regular user analysis reports to guide product enhancements.• Managed the creation, design, and performance analysis of social media campaigns.Notable Achievements:• Acquired over 5,000 users within Slovenia without the use of paid marketing.• Showcased in more than 20 media features, including coverage in Slovenia's largest news outlet (24ur).• Achieved a 4.5-star rating on Google Play and ranked among the top 5 apps in the social category.• Received multiple rounds of investment offers based on platform potential.• Finalists of POPRI national startup competition• The platform facilitated the creation of over 1,000 events, more than 1 million messages exchanged and over 10,000 new friendships formed.

Maribor, Slovenia

As a research assistant in Rebeka Rudolf's group, I contributed to the development and analysis of metal nanoparticles, focusing on their properties and potential applications. My work involved both experimental research and market analysis to explore their use in fields such as dental medicine and drug delivery. This research led to co-authorship in two scientific publications and was presented at several conferences.Key Areas of Responsibility:• Synthesized metal nanoparticles using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis.• Analyzed the physiological properties of nanoparticles for potential applications in dental medicine, drug delivery systems, and broader market use.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

As a research intern in Boris Turk's group under the mentorship of Matej Vizovišek, I specialized in proteomics, with a focus on caspases and cathepsins. During my time in the lab, I gained a deep understanding of advanced proteomics and wet-lab techniques. My work contributed to my diploma and was integral to understanding the role of caspases in cancer biology.Key Areas of Responsibility:• Prepared and isolated caspase-4 and -5 for experimental use.• Characterized caspase activities using a range of biochemical techniques.• Analyzed extracellular substrates of caspases in cancer cells (HEK293) through shedding techniques.• Conducted mass spectrometry analysis on various sample sets.

Master'S Degree, Integrated Immunology

Activities and Societies: The Oxford Slovene Society, The Oxford University Coding Society, Startup Society, Hackathon SocietyWhile.

Bachelor'S Degree, Biochemistry

Activities and Societies: Biochemistry Society, Structural Biology Club, Coding ClubCore modules: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology.

International Baccalaureate (Ib) Diploma Programme, 40/45

Activities and Societies: Chemistry society, Physics society, Biology society, Mathematics club, Logic club, Research societySubjects.