OUR TEAM

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Chris Schlierf

FOUNDER &
MANAGING DIRECTOR

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Chris is the founder and CEO of Human Study. Inspired by his work training Prosthetist/Orthotists in Iran after the 2004 earthquake and in the Balkans post-conflict, he established Human Study in 2005 to make high-quality prosthetics and orthotics education accessible worldwide. An experienced Prosthetist/Orthotist (Orthopädie Techniker Meister), Chris holds a Master’s in Non-Profit Management and specializes in education design. He is a long-standing member of the ISPO Education Committee and the ISPO GEM Sub-Committee, and has contributed to the development of ISPO and WHO standards for prosthetic and orthotic education.

MAHAMED OF HUMAN STUDY
Mehmed Latifagić

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

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Mehmed is with Human Study since the first day. He manages Human Resources and our regional office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, lectures in three online subjects across our BSc and SCOPe programs, and provides advanced IT support. He holds a university degree in electrical engineering.

“I wear many hats at Human Study, but lecturing is my favorite. In my teaching, I strive to embody the spirit of the Japanese proverb: ‘Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.’ I may not have reached that level yet, but I’m working toward it—and I hope my students can at least see the effort.”

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Emina Schlierf

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

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Emina is the Head of Communications at Human Study and has been part of the core team since 2006. She played a key role in launching the first project in Southeast Europe and brings over 20 years of NGO experience across translation, project management, administration, finance, HR, and communications.

“I’ve dedicated my entire career to charity work. Building Human Study has been challenging—at times frustrating and even devastating—but knowing that our efforts help people in urgent need makes it all worthwhile. We started as a group of enthusiasts, just crazy enough to take on this mission, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the years.”

MARCELO OF HUMAN STUDY
Marcelo Alvarez

PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS DIRECTOR

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Marcelo serves as Human Study’s Director of Prosthetics and Orthotics in Human Study. A certified Prosthetist-Orthotist and university lecturer, he brings more than 20 years of clinical, educational, and professional experience from both public and private rehabilitation services in South America and Europe. Marcelo is dedicated to advancing high-quality P&O education and strengthening the global rehabilitation workforce.

NELA OF HUMAN STUDY
Nela Mujačić

HEAD OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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Nela leads Human Study’s Project Management Department and oversees the implementation of educational projects around the world. She has successfully managed programs in Afghanistan, Southeastern Europe, Tunisia, and Syria, bringing extensive experience in international project coordination and educational program delivery. Nela holds an Associate Degree in Business Management and is passionate about supporting the development of skilled prosthetic and orthotic professionals in underserved regions.

Sebastian Greulich

HEAD OF FINANCE 

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Sebastian joined Human Study in 2024 as Head of Finance. Drawing on his personal experience as a prosthesis user, he is passionate about supporting access to high-quality rehabilitation services worldwide. Before joining Human Study, he held senior finance leadership roles in the private sector. Sebastian brings extensive expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and organizational growth to support Human Study’s mission and long-term impact.

Snežana Rajačić

IT OPERATIONS MANAGER

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Snežana is the head of our IT operations, and also manages our regional office in Serbia. She is an experienced e-learning expert, Instructional Designer, LMS and MS365 administrator. Snežana is also a Mathematics and Statistics lecturer in many of our courses. She holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of Belgrade.

NICOLAS OF HUMAN STUDY
Nicolás Muñoz

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN MANAGER

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Nicolás is a prosthetics and orthotics teacher and Human Study project manager. He has a Bachelor’s degree in P&O and a Master’s in Education and e-learning. Nico has over 10 years of clinical experience. He has been transferring his skills as a P&O teacher since 2015.

“In Human Study you have a voice inside the organization, and at the end of the day your work has an impact, you really see it! Not only does it impact the student who is growing, but they are also giving back to the community, and their patients are able to maximize their mobility. It’s hugely rewarding.”

MELIKA OF HUMAN STUDY
Melika Pašić

PROJECT MANAGER

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Melika manages Human Study SCOPe projects. She is a Cambridge University BA and MA graduate and a teacher of English and Arabic.

IVAN OF HUMAN STUDY
Ivan Pintar Krajačić

PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS TEACHER

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Ivan is a prosthetics and orthotics teacher in Human Study. He is a Prosthetist/Orthotist with a BSc. degree in P&O. He has been a teacher at Human Study for the last 8 years, while working as a practitioner in Croatia providing clients with high-level services in orthotics and prosthetics.

BOJAN OF HUMAN STUDY
Bojan Gajić

LMS ADMIN & IT SUPPORT

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Bojan is Human Study’s LMS (Moodle) Administrator and provides IT support for all our projects. He has a degree in Geology and Geochemistry from the University of Belgrade. Bojan has more than 15 years of teaching experience at university level.

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Irena Kranjac

PROJECT MANAGER

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Irena has over 10 years of experience in the NGO sector and has been with Human Study as a Project Manager since 2020. She works on organizational development initiatives, including Human Study’s first project of this kind under a PO program in Iraq. Irena values the collaborative and supportive working environment within the Human Study.

Lamija Šerak

REGIONAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

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Lamija is the administrator of our Regional Office in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She has over 20 years of experience in finance and administration. Lamija has a Bachelor’s degree in Financing and Administration from the University of Tuzla.

VEDRAN OF HUMAN STUDY
Vedran Selimović

EDUCATIONAL PLATFORM EDITOR

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Vedran is Human Study’s educational platform editor. He has a degree in Management, Economics and Entrepreneurship from the University of Tuzla. By day he is a Senior police officer, and he is also an experienced teacher of informatics.

SEMIRE OF HUMAN STUDY
Semir Karić

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER AND IT SUPPORT

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Semir is an experienced software engineer with 15 years of experience in the field. He has been with Human Study from the beginning, as a software developer and IT support. Semir has a degree in Computer Science from the University of Tuzla.

Zlatan Smiljanić

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER AND IT SUPPORT

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Zlatan is an experienced software engineer with over a decade of experience in this field. Zlatan has a degree in Electrical Engineering at the Computer Science department from the University of Tuzla. He has been a dedicated member of the Human Study team since its inception, contributing as both a skilled software engineer and an IT support specialist.

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Luai Alhallaak

TEACHER AND P&O TRAINER

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Luai, an Electronic Engineer from Tishreen University, Syria, is also a certified Prosthetist Orthotist (ISPO CAT I) with nine years of clinical practice in prosthetics and orthotics. He holds a Master’s degree in Electronics and is currently pursuing his PhD in Orthotics and Prosthetics at Mahidol University. With extensive experience as a trainer, lecturer, and educational programs manager, Luai has been with Human Study since early 2022, serving as a teacher and trainer in prosthetics and orthotics.

Luai joined the P&O profession when conflict broke out in Syria. “I was shocked to witness the impact of the war on my village. Multiple refugees, amputees and people who had been paralyzed… huge numbers of traumatic cases. This made me want to help.”

Irfan Murtezani

TEACHER AND P&O TRAINER

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Irfan is a seasoned expert in prosthetics and orthotics, with a significant role in global education and humanitarian initiatives with Human Study. He has been a teacher and trainer in Human Study programs since 20 years.

Over the years, Irfan has been instrumental in leading hands-on workshops and seminars across various countries, including Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Egypt, Ghana, Syria, Iraq and Ukraine where he has contributed to the development of prosthetic and orthotic education, supporting the training of local professionals and enhancing healthcare accessibility.

Camila Planells

PROJECT MANAGER

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Camila has been with Human Study since the beginning of 2022, serving as the Project Coordinator for our finalized project in Colombia. She holds a degree in Political Science and has devoted a significant portion of her professional career to the field of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Currently, Camila is actively engaged as a Project Manager in a project based in Sierra Leone.

“Ever since I finished my university studies, I realized that what truly fills me with happiness is working in a field that somehow contributes to a community. Working at Human Study has allowed me to grow professionally, learning a great deal from my colleagues, and making a genuine positive impact that I’m confident goes beyond each of the students I’ve shared experiences with.”

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Ahmed Elibrahim

TEACHER AND P&O TRAINER

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Ahmed is a teacher of prosthetics and orthotics in our programs. A graduate of Aleppo University English Literature program, Ahmed came into the field of prosthetics and orthotics through the war in his homeland Syria, where he studied in our BSc. program. 

“The commencement of the Syrian conflict deeply affected my personal life, especially after my brother was injured and underwent an amputation. This pivotal moment guided me toward a career in prosthetics and orthotics, with a focus on helping those in Syria who are dealing with similar hardships, including my brother. In Human Study I can concentrate on equipping my colleagues with the necessary knowledge and skills to assist others who have faced comparable challenges.”

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Tetiana Kolosova 

PROJECT MANAGER

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Tetiana is Ukrainian and currently lives in Nuremberg, Germany. She has 20 years of experience in prosthetics/orthotics as an Interpreter and Project Manager. Her first introduction to Human Study was in 2018 when she supported our two APO Programs while working for our Ukrainian partners. She joined the Human Study team in August 2022, leading regional projects in Ukraine.

“For me, Human Study has become a home, protection, and a space where I work among professionals. My Ukraine is at war, going through difficult times. Now I have the opportunity to help people in need in my country, to improve the quality of their lives through the professional development of my students, by going through all the successes and difficulties of the learning process with them. And I am incredibly proud when I see at the final exam how they have grown in prosthetics/orthotics throughout the project!”

Karina von Schwarzenstein

BOOKKEEPER

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Karina has been with Human Study since July 2023.

 “With Human Study, I finally found a workplace where I can use my talents to support a good cause and really make a difference.”

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Olena Latysh  

PROJECT MANAGER

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Olena joined the Human Study team in October 2023. She holds a Masters degree in Foreign languages and literature and has many years of experience as a translator, interpreter and administrative assistant. Olena works as Project Manager on our projects in Ukraine.

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Miloš Opačić 

TEACHER AND P&O TRAINER

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Miloš is a prosthetics and orthotics teacher in Human Study. He is an M.D., Prosthetist/Orthotist with a BSc. degree in P&O and over 25 years of clinical experience.

Salko Junuzovic

EDUCATIONAL PLATFORM EDITOR

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Salko joined Human Study in June 2024. He serves as the editor of our educational platform and provides essential IT support across multiple projects, helping ensure smooth operations and a reliable learning experience.

Diana Sanchez

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OPERATIONS

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Diana is the Finance and Administration Operations Specialist at Human Study. Originally from Colombia, she brings over eight years of experience working with international teams across Latin America and Europe. She specializes in financial analysis, contract management, and resource optimization, supported by a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Corporate Finance.

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Mercedes Mendes Paz

LIBRARIAN

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Mercedes is a technology-oriented librarian based in Argentina, with experience in university, high school, and primary school libraries. She teaches Information Technology in a technical degree program in La Plata and specializes in automating library processes.

“Working with Human Study gives me the opportunity to use all my skills in order to contribute to the betterment of people’s lives by providing them with essential skills and resources to overcome challenges, which makes this work truly inspiring and fulfilling.”

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Yanina Malanuik

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

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Yanina joined Human Study in 2024 as part of the finance and administration team. She holds a Master’s degree in International Economy and brings extensive experience in sales and marketing.

Branislav Pajić

EDUCATIONAL PLATFORM EDITOR

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Branislav joined Human Study in September 2023 as our LMS (Moodle) Administrator and IT support specialist. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Informatics and is dedicated to maintaining and improving our digital learning platforms while providing technical support across all projects.

 

Javier Valero

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

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Javier joined Human Study in 2025 as an Academic Administrative Assistant. In his role, he supports both faculty and students, making sure that academic programs run smoothly — from coordinating teaching assignments and updating curricula to keeping quality standards high and ensuring a meaningful learning experience for everyone involved.

Before becoming part of Human Study, Javier managed European mobility projects at Universidad Nebrija for over five years, where he helped students live enriching international experiences and built strong partnerships with universities across Europe. He also worked as a lecturer and translator at Universidade de Vigo, combining his love for languages, education, and communication.

What he values most about working at Human Study is being part of a mission that delivers real impact by providing education, support, and resources to those who need them.

Sven Gawron

TEACHER AND TRAINER

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Sven is a Prosthetics and Orthotics Teacher at Human Study. Inspired by his father, a fellow P&O professional, he developed an early passion for the field and began his technical training at the age of 16. Sven completed his professional education in Heidelberg, earned a Master of Craftsmanship degree, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health. With more than 15 years of experience in prosthetics and orthotics, including extensive clinical work in leading German rehabilitation centers, he brings strong expertise in both patient care and professional education to Human Study’s global training programs.

Halyna Yanyshivska

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

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Halyna is Human Study’s Communications Officer, supporting communication and storytelling initiatives that highlight the impact of education in prosthetics and orthotics. She brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and journalism, with a background spanning the non-profit, education, and private sectors. Halyna holds an MBA specializing in Marketing and has worked with international organizations and development partners to design and implement communication strategies that drive social impact. Based in Ukraine, she is passionate about using communication to strengthen rehabilitation services and improve lives through education.

Francisco Sanchez

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

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Francisco joined Human Study in 2026 as Chief Information Officer. With a background in digital transformation, educational technology, and IT leadership, he works to make Human Study’s digital systems more useful, reliable, and supportive for students, teachers, and the team.

“There is no better motivation for my work than getting to know Human Study’s mission and the people behind it. I am grateful to be part of this team and to contribute to the development and impact of its work.”