Bisera Lozanovska enters the world of cosmetics and beauty through biochemistry

By Rebecca Maxon

May 10, 2023 — Bisera Lozanovska’s time at FDU helped the international honors student develop her interest in cosmetic science, test her knowledge in the field and formulate her plans for the future.

Lozanovska came to FDU from Macedonia. “I attended the Metropolitan Campus and was able to make friends right away,” she says. “During my junior year, I joined the undergraduate research team. They felt like my own community, and they made my years at FDU so much fun!”

Bisera Lozanovska

Lozanovska will celebrate her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at the May 17, 2023, Commencement ceremony at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. From there, she will embark on her full-time professional journey with Cosmax USA.

She plans to return to FDU to complete her studies in the 4 + 1 B.S./M.S. program in biochemistry and cosmetic science.

“In Macedonia, life is more slow-paced and more relaxed. People prioritize leisure time,” she says. “In the U.S., people tend to focus more on their career advancement, education and planning for their futures, which I personally like better.”

Lozanovska’s interest in cosmetic science started in high school as she looked into different products and ingredients that would be good for her skin. “I am passionate about science, and I like skin care products and makeup, so cosmetic science is perfect for me as it is the field where these two passions meet,” she says.

Lozanovska has learned a lot from her Cosmax co-workers. “As a chemist and a researcher, I get to be at the forefront of this dynamic field, working with a team of experts to develop new products and meet the needs and desires of consumers,” she says. “It’s a fascinating career path that allows me to combine my love of science and research with my passion for creativity and aesthetics.”

While at FDU, Lozanovska received support through the Gregory Olsen Scholarship for Academic Excellence and the Maria Avallone and Malcolm Sturchio Scholarships for Successful Research at FDU, which she says motivates her to continue pursuing academic and research goals.

She started working part-time at Cosmax in January, after finding the company on Indeed.com. “I got a full-time offer as a junior cosmetic chemist in January, but since I was still in school, they accommodated me as a part-time employee until I graduate,” she says. “I was lucky to get a job in the industry and division I wanted.”

Her work at the company includes researching and analyzing the properties of active ingredients and raw materials; developing, formulating and testing cosmetic products; and investigating and resolving stability issues with existing products.

At FDU, “Under the mentorship of Mihaela Leonida [professor of chemistry and physics and pre-professional/graduate school adviser], I developed invaluable research skills and was able to push my limits academically,” Lozanovska says. “She trained me well in the laboratory and taught me a lot about working with data and analysis. Without her guidance, motivation and support, I would not be where I am today.”

In addition to her research, Lozanovska was a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and participated in FDU’s Pre-health Society.

Among her accomplishments is co-authoring a study published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules with Leonida and Alice Benzecry, professor of biology and microbiology, and co-presenting it for the Nanotek 2023 nanotechnology conference held in London, England, via Zoom.

“Seeing our work recognized and valued by experts in the field is an incredible feeling. I am grateful for the support and guidance of my mentors and colleagues who have encouraged me every step of the way.”

She also co-authored “Ionic Liquids Used to Enhance Catalase,” which will be presented by Zoom at the Third International Conference on Green Chemistry and Renewable Energy in Tokyo, Japan, later in May.

Lozanovska sees herself continuing to pursue research throughout her career. “There is still so much to discover and explore in my field, and I am excited to be a part of that journey.”