Mladen earned a doctoral degree in Educational Technology and Learning Design at Simon Fraser University in 2019. Before joining the Faculty of Information Technology, he worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In his research, Mladen harnesses methods in learning analytics and artificial intelligence to advance scholarly understanding of how students self-regulate their learning in complex learning tasks that involve reading and writing. Based on that understanding, Mladen has designed and developed technology-enhanced learning environments that provide automated and personalised support to students.

Mladen has collaborated with national and international research teams, and has been awarded competitive research grants in roles including Primary Chief Investigator, Chief Investigator, and Partner Investigator.