Dea Zyruku is an environmental biologist who graduated from the Faculty of Natural Sciences in Tirana, Albania. During her studies, she actively participated in several student exchange programs abroad, and following her graduation, she completed a one-year research fellowship in Germany. 

She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Potsdam. Her research focuses on ecosystem resilience within the dynamic spatiotemporal landscape of the Vjosa River in Albania. She investigates how changes in the river’s flow regime and land use change impact biodiversity, with a particular focus on bird populations and aquatic macroinvertebrates. 

Previously, Dea worked as a conservation specialist at the National Agency of Protected Areas in Albania. She also worked as an ornithologist and project manager at PPNEA, the BirdLife partner organization in Albania, where she led a cross-border project aimed at improving spatial and land-use planning in the Balkan Green Belt.In addition to her research and conservation work, Dea enthusiastically leads birdwatching tours for Naturetrek across Albania and the Balkans, sharing her deep passion for birds and biodiversity with others.