Jarka is a Professor of Chemical Engineering Education at Newcastle University. She graduated from the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, and following her PhD studies at Newcastle University, she became a lecturer and then a reader at the School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials at Newcastle University.

Jarka is actively involved in the Education and Accreditation Forum as an Experienced Executive team member with responsibility for educational development and the EFCE Working Party on Education. Her pedagogical research centres on active methodologies, such as immersive technologies, in developing core knowledge and professional skills. Authentic assessment and feedback represent an important part of this process and as the Pedagogical Development Lead in the School of Engineering, Jarka ensures innovative approaches are developed and adapted across all engineering disciplines.