Zala Zupanc graduated in 2023 with a degree in English and Geography from the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana. In 2026, she completed her master's degree in Geography at the same institution, specializing in Environmental and Physical Geography, and Tourism Geography. During her studies she completed practical training and student work at the Anton Melik Geographical Institute. Following her graduation, she joined the Department of Human Geography as an assistant.
Zala Zupanc prepared her master's thesis on recreational ecosystem services in the Pohorje Regional Park. While working on her thesis, she attended the first Robert de Groot ESP Summer School on Ecosystem Services Valuation and Mapping in Aveiro, where she gained knowledge from leading experts in the field. In addition, she collaborated with Dr. Grazia Zulian, one of the main authors of the ESTIMAP model for assessing ecosystem services in Europe. At the Anton Melik Geographical Institute, Zala is involved in a project aimed at reducing daily mobility needs in Slovenia. She is interested in areas like environmental protection, ecosystem services, and sustainable development.