Find Academic Supervisors

Lauri Väkevä is a Professor in the Department of Education at the University of Helsinki, specializing in educational sciences with a focus on performing arts, music education, and STEAM pedagogy. He actively supervises doctoral students in the Doctoral Programme in School, Education, Society, and Culture and leads the SKAPA project (2024–2026) on developing study paths in arts education. His research explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, creativity, and multimodal learning environments. Key Affiliations: Department of Education, Sibelius Academy collaboration, Gaudeamus publishing network Research Themes: AI in music education, safe spaces for artistic expression, responsible AI pedagogy, historical evolution of Finnish music institutions Recent Work Highlights : 2025: Generative AI as a Collaborator in Music Education (Action-Network Theory application) 2025: Voicing Responsible AI Pedagogy (Ethical frameworks for arts education) 2024: Changing Role of Sibelius Academy (Historical analysis of Finnish music education) Leadership & Engagement : Project Manager for SKAPA, organizing committee member for the 2024 Ainedidaktinen Symposium, and active participant in AI research events.

• Educational Sciences
• Theatre, Dance, and Music Education
• Artificial Intelligence in Education
• +3 more

Kaiju Kangas is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Education, University of Helsinki, specializing in Technology Education and Maker Culture . He coordinates the CreaTE (Creative Technology Education) initiative and supervises doctoral studies under the Doctoral Programme in School, Education, Society, and Culture . His work focuses on integrating Design Learning into educational frameworks, emphasizing creativity and critical thinking. Research Trends : Recent publications highlight intersections between Artificial Intelligence , Maker Education , and Epistemic Competence . He explores pedagogical infrastructures for Multidisciplinary Technology Education , materiality in maker practices, and teacher perceptions of maker mindsets. Scientific Awards : Behavioral Sciences Dissertation Prize (2014) Projects : Leading initiatives like GenAI: Generation AI (2022–2025) and Maker-Centered Learning (2021–2025), funded by the Strategic Research Council and Academy of Finland. His work bridges formal education with maker culture.

• Educational Sciences
• Technology Education
• Craft Science
• +3 more

Noora Bosch is a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Doctoral Programme in School, Education, Society, and Culture. She actively contributes to research and projects in maker culture, design education, and technology-enhanced pedagogy. Projects: Participated in initiatives like Maker-Centered Learning (2021–2025), INNOKOMP (2017–2019), and Co4-Lab (2015–2019), focusing on collaborative inquiry and design in education. Research Interests: Centered on integrating design thinking and maker practices into educational frameworks, emphasizing teacher roles as learning experience designers and fostering student engagement through participatory design. Activities: Presented at conferences such as ISLS Annual Meeting 2022, IDC '22, and DRS LEARNxDESIGN 2021. Conducted an academic visit at the University of Southeast Norway in 2024. Publications: Explores themes like design empathy, reflective learning, and the interplay between creativity and pedagogy in maker-based environments. Contact: noora.bosch@helsinki.fi

• Educational Sciences
• Maker Culture
• Design Education
• +3 more

Ramy Elmoazen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the School of Computing, University of Eastern Finland (UEF), within the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology. His research focuses on learning analytics, educational technology, and collaborative learning, with a particular emphasis on temporal and social dimensions in collaborative environments. He leads and contributes to projects like BalticSeaBioMed, IGLUE (game-based learning using escape rooms), and Maker & STEM Education initiatives. His work bridges theoretical frameworks like epistemic network analysis (ENA) with practical applications in online education and biomedical learning. Key projects include evaluating technology-enhanced learning in laboratories, exploring barriers and opportunities in STEM education, and advancing methods for capturing student interactions through learning analytics. His doctoral dissertation (2024) emphasized using learning analytics to study social and temporal aspects of collaborative learning. Elmoazen’s interdisciplinary approach integrates quantitative methods, systematic reviews, and educational design, contributing to both academic and applied contexts. He has collaborated on studies ranging from clinical trials in dentistry to large-scale reviews of ENA applications, showcasing his versatility across health education and technology-driven pedagogy. His research highlights the importance of scalable analytics tools and evidence-based practices in modern educational settings.

• Learning Analytics
• Educational Technology
• Collaborative Learning
• +3 more

Aleksi Niittymies is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management Studies . His research focuses on organizational dynamics, international business strategies, and cognitive foundations of decision-making. Key areas include coopetition frameworks, firm internationalization challenges, and gamification in contextual analysis. Research Interests: Coopetition strategies and managerial paradoxes SME internationalization and institutional support Cognitive adaptations in cross-cultural environments Decision-making processes under uncertainty Recent work explores how firms navigate regulatory changes (e.g., Guinness’s political activity) and the role of mental models in foreign market entry. His 2024 publications emphasize paradox theory and strategic framing in coopetition contexts. Earlier studies (2020-2022) analyze heuristic decision-making and temporal dimensions of de-internationalization. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned. He advises no listed PhD/Master’s students. Collaborations include scholars like Reijo Luostarinen (internationalization models) and Kibler/Pajunen (regulatory impact studies).

• Social Sciences
• Coopetition Strategies
• International Business
• +3 more

Pirita Seitamaa-Hakkarainen is a Professor of Craft Studies at the University of Helsinki and Docent at Aalto University. She leads the Co-inquiry, co-design, co-teaching, and co-regulation (Co4-Lab) laboratory and contributes to the Maker@STEAM research group. Her work bridges cognitive theories of design with collaborative learning environments, emphasizing materiality and knowledge building in education. University of Helsinki: Professor of Craft Studies Aalto University: Docent Her research focuses on: Cognitive theories of design processes and expertise development Collaborative learning and social creativity in maker education Role of external representations (sketching, visualization) in design Scaffolding mechanisms in craft and technology education Materiality in digital age pedagogy Knowledge building theory applications Recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate sustained output in collaborative design education, virtual reality learning environments, and STEAM pedagogy. Her work consistently explores intersections between cognition, collaboration, and digital/material artifacts in educational settings.

• Design Processes
• Collaborative Learning
• Maker Education
• +5 more

Senior University Lecturer Hannah Kaihovirta (Docent, PhD, M.A.) holds an academic position at the Faculty of Education of the University of Helsinki , specializing in Swedish-language teacher education with a focus on arts and crafts. She also serves as an Associate Professor at Åbo Akademi University and has held visiting research appointments at NTNU Trondheim . Education : Doctor of Philosophy in Art Education, Åbo Akademi (2009) Master of Arts in Drama Education, Åbo Akademi (2008) Master of Arts in Visual Arts, University of Art and Design Helsinki (2004) Docent in Fine Arts Education, Åbo Akademi (2003) Research interests center on arts-focused learning environments , multimodal/digital/hybrid pedagogy , and diversity in education . Her work explores: Visual methods in teacher training (VISLU project) Arts interventions in special education (EMOS#SOME project) Policy development for multilingual and socially equitable education (DIMISO framework) Materialist ontologies in contemporary art pedagogy Blended learning spaces for creative disciplines Scientific contributions include leadership of three major projects: SKAPA - Strategic visual arts education development (2024-2026) ART INTERVENTION - Arts in comprehensive school reform (2023-2025) VISLU - Visual methods in teacher education (2023-present) Scientific awards highlight her mentorship excellence, including the 2013 Handledarpris . Her supervision extends to master's and doctoral researchers across institutions like Aalto University and Åbo Akademi.

• Arts Education
• Teacher Training
• Diversity in Education
• +6 more

Pertti Huotari is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä. His research focuses on physical activity patterns across lifespan stages, with particular emphasis on adolescent health, cardiorespiratory fitness, and long-term impacts of early-life exercise behaviors. Research Interests His work investigates: Secular trends in youth physical fitness (1995-2020) 45-year longitudinal studies connecting adolescent fitness to adult cardiometabolic health Covid-19 pandemic effects on lifelong exercise patterns Community-based physical activity interventions Project Involvement Principal investigator in the LISE physical activity follow-up study Contributor to the LIITU research program on youth physical activity behavior Methodological Expertise Longitudinal data analysis Cross-sectional population studies Cardiometabolic risk factor assessment Behavioral pattern modeling Collaborations Works with multidisciplinary teams across: Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences (University of Jyväskylä) Governmental sports councils Public health institutions Educational policy makers

• Physical Education
• Sports Science
• Adolescent Health
• +3 more

Kati Sormunen is a Lecturer at the University of Helsinki's Department of Education, specializing in inclusive pedagogy, computational thinking, and maker education. She leads the Helsinki research community of special educational needs (SEN) Leadership in Educational Contexts research group and contributes to the CreaTE - Creative Technology Education initiative. Her work bridges school, university, and industry collaborations through the Innokas Network. Doctoral Programme Supervisor, School, Education, Society, and Culture EU Code Week Ambassador since 2018 Research Focus: Sormunen develops models for invention pedagogy and investigates 21st-century learning in inclusive educational environments. Her research spans computational thinking, digitally supported learning, and methodological approaches to large-scale educational projects. Recent work explores epistemic doubt in AI education and technological competence in maker projects. Collaborations: Active in international academic networks, including the ORCID profile and the ISLS Annual Meeting (2025). Engaged in cross-institutional research with Boston College's Lynch School of Education (2024). Publications and Projects: With over 65 research outputs and 20 projects since 2011, her notable initiatives include the Academy of Finland-funded Playful Learning Center (2022–2025) and the AI & Kids project (2014–2026). She has presented at conferences like CSCL 2024 and contributes to journals such as Journal of Computer Assisted Learning and Frontiers in Education .

• 21st-century learning
• inclusive pedagogy
• digitally supported learning
• +6 more

Erja Sipilä is a University Lecturer and Vice Dean for Education at the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University. She specializes in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of e-textiles, educational technology, and sensor systems. Her work includes developing wearable healthcare devices for swallowing movement analysis and advancing flipped learning methodologies in engineering education. She actively contributes to smart clothing innovation and RFID technology research, particularly in additive manufacturing applications. Her research focuses on practical solutions for healthcare monitoring, user-centered textile sensor design, and improving STEM pedagogy through blended learning systems. Key projects include the Smart Campus Innovation Lab and initiatives to transition traditional teaching to online/digital formats. She has led curriculum development efforts in electronics engineering, emphasizing hands-on project work and anonymous feedback systems to enhance student learning experiences. Erja has organized workshops on educational technology and participated in SEFI conferences, highlighting her commitment to academic networking and educational policy. While no specific awards are listed, her contributions to pedagogical innovation and wearable technology development demonstrate impactful academic engagement.

• E-textiles
• Educational Technology
• Sensor Technology
• +5 more

Heidi Krzywacki is a University Lecturer in the Department of Educational Sciences at the University of Helsinki, where she also serves as a Supervisor in the Doctoral Program in School, Education, Society and Culture. Her work spans multiple dimensions of teacher education, with a particular focus on mathematics didactics, STEAM education, and teacher identity formation. She maintains an active research profile with over 75 research outputs and involvement in 21 projects throughout her career. Dr. Krzywacki's research interests center on educational sciences with specific expertise in mathematics didactics, teacher education across cultural contexts, and the development of teacher identity. Her work explores how teachers navigate professional challenges, develop agency in using curriculum materials, and envision educational futures. She has made significant contributions to understanding strategy flexibility in mathematical problem-solving and the integration of maker culture in STEAM teacher education. Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on teacher identity formation, cross-cultural educational practices, and futures consciousness in education. The trend shows increasing international collaboration, particularly in projects focused on teacher education development in diverse contexts including Somalia. Her work bridges theoretical educational research with practical applications for teacher training programs. Dr. Krzywacki leads several significant projects including the MIDA-FINNSOM III Project for Somali teacher education development, the European Commission-funded 'Teacher education across Europe: Innovative Mobility Opportunities,' and the INSET Training of trainer trainers project. She is actively involved in doctoral supervision and has hosted numerous international academic visitors to the University of Helsinki. Her departmental work includes coordinating the Maker@STEAM Teacher initiative and contributing to the development of future-oriented teacher education programs. She frequently organizes academic events and conferences, with upcoming activities scheduled through 2025 including 'Teacher Education in international perspective: Education in a Digital World.'

• Educational Sciences
• Mathematics Didactics
• Teacher Education
• +5 more

Hanna Maria Kontio is an Adjunct Professor and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Education at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Education. She serves as the vice director and responsible lecturer for the International Master's Programme in Changing Education and is a supervisor for the Doctoral Programme in School, Education, Society, and Culture. She is affiliated with the Maker@STEAM AGORA research centre focused on social justice and equality in education. Dr. Kontio earned her PhD in Education from the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Education in 2014. Prior academic positions include Senior Researcher at the University of Jyväskylä (2017-2020), Assistant Professor at the Eritrea Institute of Technology (2015-2016), and Education Specialist with Finn Church Aid (2015-2016). Her research focuses on internationalisation, partnerships and interculturality in higher education, with specific attention to international programmes, global education, and international partnerships. She examines how educational systems interact across national boundaries and cultural contexts, critically analyzing power dynamics in international educational development. Her work spans educational sociology and development research, emphasizing equitable approaches to global educational cooperation. Recent publications reveal a growing focus on global educational asymmetries, particularly in doctoral education across different national contexts. She has increasingly engaged with home economics education as a site for exploring equality and social justice. Her research consistently applies a critical lens to international educational partnerships, questioning power imbalances and seeking more equitable forms of collaboration. Dr. Kontio leads multiple significant research projects including HEP TED 2024 (as Project Manager, 2024-2026), Global connectedness in higher education (as Principal Investigator since 2013), and Culturally responsive home economics education (as Participant since 2012). She actively supervises Master's and Doctoral theses and has served as co-supervisor for projects on internationalizing higher education through global innovation networks. She serves as Co-Principal Investigator for the AGORA research centre, which brings together scholars examining various dimensions of social justice and equality in educational contexts across multiple institutional settings.

• International Education
• Global Education
• Higher Education
• +4 more

Rami Ratvio is a University Lecturer at the Department of Education , Faculty of Educational Sciences , University of Helsinki . He actively contributes to sustainability education research and urban studies, with affiliations to Teachers' Academy Helsinki , Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science , and Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies . Research Focus Sustainability competences in higher education Urban spatial dynamics and social mixing Pedagogical approaches for transformative learning Community-driven urban development Key Contributions His work explores faculty/staff sustainability agency, change-maker education, and digital assessment reforms. Recent publications include frameworks for sustainability integration in university curricula and analyses of urban violence patterns in Nordic welfare states. Scientific Recognition Recognized as Member of Teachers' Academy Helsinki since 2015 Active in Sustainability Research and Urban Regional Studies Academic Leadership Coordinates the Doctoral Programme in School, Education, Society, and Culture . Participates in EU Erasmus+ projects like Una.Futura and national initiatives including AAKE: Professional Growth in Natural Sciences Education .

• Social and Economic Geography
• Sustainability Competences in Education
• Urban and Regional Studies
• +2 more

Wilhelm Barner-Rasmussen is a Professor at the School of Business , Åbo Akademi University , focusing on International Business , B2B Marketing , and Multilingualism . His research explores how language ideologies , sensemaking , and social capital influence multinational corporations and small international firms . Current Projects : Principal Investigator for Cosmopolitan life, identity and future of work (Academy of Finland, 2022–2026) Co-Investigator in EU-VALUES: EU Research and Education Network on Foreign Policy Issues (2023–2026) Research Trends : Recent publications analyze language choice dilemmas in SMEs, gendered identity in entrepreneurship, and sensemaking in B2B marketing . His work intersects UN Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., Reduced Inequalities, Quality Education). Activities : Visiting Professor at the University of Strasbourg (2019) Keynote speaker on knowledge sharing and language in international business (2018) Pre-examiner for PhD thesis at University of Pretoria (2019)

• International Business
• B2B Marketing
• Sensemaking
• +5 more

Sofia Pantouvaki is a Professor of Costume Design for Theatre and Film at Aalto University's Department of Film. Her research focuses on performance costume, particularly in opera and dance, costume technology, sustainability, and educational applications. She founded the Costume in Focus research group and led the Academy of Finland-funded 'Costume Methodologies' project (2014–2018). Her work bridges artistic practice and academic research, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical material practices. Education: PhD in Scenography from the University of the Arts London (2008). Research Interests: Costume materialities, sustainable design, historical costume analysis (e.g., WWII concentration camps), and educational uses of costume in youth integration. Her awards include the Gold Medal PQ2015 for Best Exposition and curatorial leadership in international events like the Prague Quadrennial. She has supervised 7 theses and contributed to over 139 research outputs, including exhibitions, conference papers, and books like Performance Costume: New Perspectives and Methods . Current projects include the EU Horizon-funded 'Technological Innovations in Costume Practice' (TICP). Grants & Projects: TICP (2024–2025), Costume Methodologies (2014–2018). Labs/Teams: Leads the Costume in Focus group and collaborates internationally on material innovation and sustainability.

• Costume Design
• Performance Costume
• Opera and Dance Design
• +7 more