Prof. Dr. Pavllo KongoRectorProfessor Pavllo Kongo joined the Dental Medical Centre of Tirana in 1963-1966 period, in the capacity of “Physician-Dentist” at Tirana Dental Center, whereas in 1966, he became part of Dental Therapy Department. Initially, he was an Assistant Lecturer and later on Lecturer of “Pediatric Dental Therapy” subject.
In 1979, he was appointed Head of ”Dental Therapy” Department and carried out this duty until 2000. He continued to be the lecturer of cycle of lectures in Pedodontic and Dental Therapy. In 2004, with opening of Faculty Universitas Fabrefacta Optime (U.F.O.Dental), he was given the duty of the Dean and later on the Rector U.F.O. University, today “Albanian University”.
Professor Kongo was given the chance to attend higher university studies in the Faculty of Dentistry in Sofia, Bulgaria, which he later on completed at the Faculty of Medicine, branch of Dentistry with very good results in his studies.
In 1972, he completed a specialisation in Paris for Pedodontic. In 1980, he defended the thesis for obtaining the scientific degree of “Candidate of Medical Sciences”. In 1984, he was given the title “Docent”, whereas in 1994, he was awarded the academic title ”Professor Kongo is member of Steering Committee of Balkan Stomatological Society since its foundation in 2003. He was one of the organizers of VIII Balkan Stomatological Society and President of the Organizing Committee.
For his contribution in education of future dentists, he was awarded the “Naim Frasheri” Order, Class II and later on Class I.
Professor Pavllo Kongo joined the Dental Medical Centre of Tirana in 1963-1966 period, in the capacity of “Physician-Dentist” at Tirana Dental Center, whereas in 1966, he became part of Dental Therapy Department. Initially, he was an Assistant Lecturer and later on Lecturer of “Pediatric Dental Therapy” subject.
In 1979, he was appointed Head of ”Dental Therapy” Department and carried out this duty until 2000. He continued to be the lecturer of cycle of lectures in Pedodontic and Dental Therapy. In 2004, with opening of Faculty Universitas Fabrefacta Optime (U.F.O.Dental), he was given the duty of the Dean and later on the Rector U.F.O. University, today “Albanian University”.
Professor Kongo was given the chance to attend higher university studies in the Faculty of Dentistry in Sofia, Bulgaria, which he later on completed at the Faculty of Medicine, branch of Dentistry with very good results in his studies.
In 1972, he completed a specialisation in Paris for Pedodontic. In 1980, he defended the thesis for obtaining the scientific degree of “Candidate of Medical Sciences”. In 1984, he was given the title “Docent”, whereas in 1994, he was awarded the academic title ”Professor Kongo is member of Steering Committee of Balkan Stomatological Society since its foundation in 2003. He was one of the organizers of VIII Balkan Stomatological Society and President of the Organizing Committee.
For his contribution in education of future dentists, he was awarded the “Naim Frasheri” Order, Class II and later on Class I.
Prof. Assoc. Dr. Aida Dama graduated in 2008 from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Studies, Florence, Italy. In 2012, at this university, she defended her thesis, obtaining the title Ph.D. (“Doctor of Science”), at the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Studies, Florenze, Italy. In 2012, Prof. Dr. Assoc. Dr. Aida Dama was engaged at Albanian University (AU) as a full-time lecturer at the Faculty of Medical Sciences and Coordinator of the Ph.D. program. In 2013 onwards she was engaged as the Head of Pharmacy Department at this university, and at the beginning of the academic year 2016-2017 she was appointed Deputy Rector for the Teaching Process at AU. Prof. Assoc. Dr Aida Dama has reached an intensive pedagogical and research activity. She is the initiator and organizer of many scientific collaborative activities with local and foreign universities and professors in the field of medical sciences and author of many scientific articles published in national and international journals.
Erda Qorri completed in 1997 the general high school studies at “Dhaskal Todhri” school in Elbasan and thanks to her excellent results, she was offered a scholarship in the field of dentistry at “Carol Davila” University in Bucharest, Rumania.
In 2004, Erda completed higher education studies with an average grade of 9.89 and wins the Specialisation competition in the same university in Dental-Alveolar Surgery (Oral). Upon completion of specialisation in 2007, she competes again and gains the right to continue third cycle of doctoral studies at the Department of Periodontology on “Gingival Retraction. Clinical form and treatment methods”. Her innovative scientific work is praised by the department of periodontology of “Carol Davila” university and is published in 2015 as part of periodontology department, making Erda part of the history of this University, but also the pride of the community of all Albanian students, who study in this university. In 2009, she joined the private university “Albanian University” and UFO Dental Policlinic, demonstrating not only professional skills but also providing an important contribution for the scientific research. Very soon she becomes the head of university dentistry clinic (2013), she is appointed by steering instances of the University in 2014 in charge for Coordination of the Long Term Specialization school of Dentistry with its 4 programs, Oral Surgery, Oral-maxillofacial Surgery, Implantology and Orthognatodoncy. Thanks to cooperations with foreign university partners, in the same year Erda organizes in Albania the XI International Conference of Specialities in Dentistry “The State of the art in modern dentistry” in cooperation with foreign associations and universities and participation of well-known participants worldwide, bringing for the first time in our country an international experience in the field of implantology and oral surgery. In this event she was chosen the representative of Albania in this association and since 2017 she holds the duty of Secretary General of “SENAME”. In the capacity of Medical Director of “Çerçiz Mingomataj” University Dentistry Clinic of the Albanian University, she passed the accreditation of the clinic by Ministry of Health as an healthcare institution in service of third parties.
Since 2015, she holds the duty of Dean of Faculty of Medical Sciences and Editor in Chief of Optime Journal, the periodical scientific journal of the university. In the course of this period, Erda counts a significant contribution for scientific research of our university, holding the first place for publications in the field of medicine and health. She is also an international scholar also regarding international scientific ranking and is listed in the first places for publications in the field of dentistry. Erda is part of national and international boards and committees in national and international congresses, offering an active contribution in these events.
Likewise, Erda in the capacity of external expert of ASCAL, as well as Head of Internal Evaluation Group of the university has played an important role in accreditation processes of the study programs in the field of medicine and institutional HEI in which she belongs.
In 2021, Erda obtains the academic title “Associated Professor” and offers a precious contribution in teaching.
Lecturer for 11 years in Albanian universities and guest lecturer at Federico II University of Naples in the specializations cycle in Oral Surgery and guest professor in the third cycle of doctoral studies in the field of Pharmacy, ”Dottorato di ricerca in nutraceuticals functional foods and human health” and “Dottorato in scienze del farmaco”. She is also a guest professor in “ La Sapienza” University of Italy in Second Level Master “Tecniche avanzate in chirurgia orale e rigenerativa”.
Dr. Med. Science Nilena Eriksen (Nasi) graduated from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Dental Medicine University “Carol Davila” in Bucharest in 2001. In 2005, after finishing her postgraduate studies, she received the title of the Specialist Doctor in General Dentistry, and in 2007 received the title Doctor of Medical Sciences, Department of Pedodonty, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, where she defended the PhD thesis entitled “Contributions to clinical framework and treatment of complicated caries in level of temporary molars “.
In 2008-2010, she has been engaged as an external lecturer at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Albanian University to return to 2013 as a full-time lecturer for the Pediatric Dentistry and Nutrition cources. Since 2018, she is in charge of the Department of Dentistry Department of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Albanian University.
Dr. Med. Science Nilena Eriksen is the author of two publications in Romanian, as well as a co-author of various scientific articles, published in Albania and abroad. In addition she has participated in many National Dental Scientific Conferences.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gilberta Hadaj is graduated in Albanian language and Literature, Master of Science in Modern Language and obtains a Doctoral Degree in Linguistics at the Faculty of History and Philology, University of Tirana, in September 2017. From 2012 onward she has been involved as full-time lecturer on the Albanian Language course at the Department of Education and English, Albanian University.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gilberta Hadaj has participated as author and co-author at numerous conferences, seminars and other national and international scientific and academic activities. She is a collaborator in international projects as well as author of many articles published in scientific journals at home and abroad. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gilberta Hadaj is currently in the process of publishing at the Albanian Academy of Sciences a monography titled “Impacts in Albanian Wordforms”.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kleva Shpati completed her studies at the University of Tirana, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacy. In 2003, at the Faculty of Medicine, she completed her postgraduate studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences and in 2013 earned the “Doctor” degree at the same University with the thesis “Biopharmaceutical Aspects of the Use of Statins in our Country”. In 2007, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kleva Shpati completed the “Insitute Francais de Gestion” Master Degree at the University of Bordeaux in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Since 2007, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kleva Shpati is a full-time professor at the Department of Pharmacy, Albanian University, and since March 2018 up to date holds the position of Head of Pharmacy Department. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kleva Shpati is the author of several publications of scientific articles and participant in national and international conferences, as well as co-author of the book for the students of medical sciences and pharmaceuticals “Bio-pharmacy and Pharma-concientics”.
Assoc. Prof. Dr.. Valbona Ribaj Cinaj is an academic and Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Economics at Albanian University.
Assoc. Prof. Dr.. Valbona Ribaj Cinaj has extensive experience in the fields of statistics, risk management, insurance, research methods, information systems, etc. With a considerable number of citations in her scientific works, she is a well-known figure in the academic community. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valbona Ribaj Cinaj has a rich and diverse career in the academic and research field. In addition to her position as Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Economics at Albanian University, she has a significant impact on the international academic community. She is known for using advanced statistical methods and econometric models to address real-world problems, demonstrating advanced and innovative thinking.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valbona Cinaj Ribaj completed her Ph.D. in information systems at the University of Tirana. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valbona Ribaj has over 20 years of work experience in the academic field as a lecturer at public universities and recently also in private ones for subjects related to statistics, research methods, econometrics, and information systems. She is the author of scientific articles published in journals indexed with Scopus or other indexes. She has participated as an author in many international scientific conferences and congresses. In the field of credit information systems, which is also the topic of her Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valbona Ribaj Cinaj has researched how these systems can reduce asymmetric information between lenders and improve the performance of the credit market. This work is particularly important for financial inclusion and market efficiency. She is the author of a series of academic books on advanced research methods and econometric models, statistics, and MIS, providing a comprehensive guide to using modern software tools in economic research and beyond. These academic books are innovative in integrating technology with traditional econometric techniques. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valbona Ribaj also has a strong commitment to financial education, working to improve financial literacy among students. Professor Ribaj believes that financial education is key to good personal finance management and helping families make better financial decisions.
With over 12 years of experience in the Albanian financial market and specifically in insurance companies, with experience in risk management, compliance, statistics, and corporate governance, Professor Ribaj has been concreting and effective in imparting knowledge for healthy financial education to the new generation.
Mrs. Fatmira Kola holds the scientific degree of “Doctor of Science in Finance and Banking” awarded by University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, where her doctoral thesis was highly estimated due to its scientific value.
She completed the Master of Science “Financial Intermediary, International Finance and Risk Management” at the University of Rome with excellent results 110/110. At the same time, she completed the Bachelor studies in “Banks, Insurances and Financial Markets”.
Since 2012, she is engaged as a Lecturer in the profile Banking and Finance in the Albanian University, where she is also as a member of the Quality Evaluation Group at basic level and Head of Internal Evaluation Group. Since, 2012 Mrs. Kola is a member of the Scientific Committed and part of Reviewing Committee of International Scientific Conference on Economic and Social Development. Mrs. Kola has a 6-year experience in the banking sector, in particular focused on risk management. Since 2018, she is engaged at ASPA as curricula drafter and trainer.
She attended conferences and trainings in Albania, Italy, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Slovenia, France, Luxembourg, Cyprus and United States of America. She is the author and co-author of many publications in scientific journals and conference with an impact factor. Some of her works are presented to Bank of Albania, Central Bank of Macedonia, Central European Bank, European Bank of Investments, London School of Economics and Political Science and other local and foreign universities.
Fatmira is certified also as a trainer of Alpha Software and has a very good knowledge in Stata Software. Mrs. Kola speaks English, Italian and French.
Hivzi Muharremi, am a professor at “Albanian University,” Faculty of Applied Sciences and Economics, in the Department of Art Design. I started my doctoral studies in 1995 in Belgrade and defended it in Pristina. The topic of my dissertation was the History of Modern Art, a field that has always been at the center of my academic interests and studies.
In 1986, I completed my Master’s degree in the History of Modern Art in Belgrade, after an in-depth education at the Faculty of History of Art, which i graduated from in 1973, also in Belgrade. My academic career began very early, establishing art and its history as my primary field of study and research.
Before starting my university studies, I graduated from the Gymnasium in Peja in 1963, which was the first step towards my academic and professional development.
Throughout my career, I have contributed to the development of the field of art and design, leading and mentoring students in their studies.
Mrs. Valbona Loshi Softa is a lecturer in the public and non-public higher education industry since two decades (2003-2024). She graduated from Faculty of Foreign Languages in English Language in 2003, UT. Later on, she attended second cycle of studies in the profile “Education-Pedagogy”, (2009-2011), as well as she completed the doctoral school in the field of “Research in Education” at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, (2011-2013), where she obtained the scientific degree Doctor of Science (2016). Mrs. Loshi gained the academic title “Associated Professor” in September 2023.
Regarding professional engagement, she was employed at the University of Tirana, as a part-time lecturer for the subjects of “English as a Foreign Language”, “Assessment in Education, “Educational Psychology”, (2003-2017). Mrs.Loshi held leading positions in scientific research structures at the non-public higher education institution `Wisdom` University College and at the same time was a member of the Academic Senate (2009-2023). In the framework of her academic and scientific profile, she has been member of the Editorial Board of several periodical scientific journals, as well as Organising and Scientific Committees of national and international conferences.
Since 2019, she is an external evaluator of the Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education (ASCAL).
Actually, Assoc.Prof. Valbona Loshi Softa is the head of Office for Coordination of Scientific Research and Academic Publishings in the “Albanian University”, as well as part of the academic staff of Department of Education and English, where she is the head professor for the subjects: “Class Management” and “Assessment” in the study programs of Bachelor in “Primary Education Teaching” and “Pre-school Education Teaching”.
Lecturer in Psychology since 2004 with a prior academic experience in disciplines such as Psychopathology, Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychological Assessment and Testing, Family Therapy. Member in several ad-hoc and permanent committees for institutional evaluation at university. Author to a number of publications and scientific articles in psychology.
Since 2016 she is a “Doctor of Science” in Psychology. From 2006-2008 she completed postgraduate studies in “Psychological Counseling”. In the period of time from 2000-2004 she graduated in Psychology, University of Tirana as a “Clinical Psychologist”.
Dr. Dhurata Lamçja is a lecturer at Albanian University in the the Department of Education and English. She has broad academic and professional experience in the fields of teaching, literature, and psychology, actively contributing through scientific research and institutional engagement.
She holds a Doctorate in Literature Studies from the University of Tirana and has completed postdoctoral studies at the European Scientific Institute, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Organizational Psychology from the Mediterranean University of Tirana. Beyond her academic career, Dr. Lamçja has a long-standing background in pre-university education, particularly at “Luigj Gurakuqi” High School in Elbasan, where she led and implemented important educational and innovative projects.
Since 2022, she carries out the role of an external evaluator for the Agency of Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ASCAL), contributing to the improvement of academic standards and the development of higher education institutions in Albania.
Dr. Lamçja has a broad activity in the framework of scientific research and publications, with numerous articles and studies published in national and international scientific journals in the fields of education, literature, and psychology. She is part of editorial boards and a peer reviewer for various international academic journals and conferences.
In addition to her academic and research commitments, Dr. Lamçja is actively involved in educational and developmental projects and has considerable experience in teacher training and education policy development. She is a strong advocate of innovation in education and enhancement of pedagogical practices through a research-based and contemporary approach.
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