Assoc. Prof. Ivaylo Donchev is affiliated with the University of Veliko Tarnovo , specifically the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics . His research focuses on Object-Oriented Programming , C++ , C# , .NET , Functional Programming , and Informatics Didactics . Current projects: "Methodology for Modeling and Development of Information Systems with Artificial Intelligence in Education" (2025) "Digital Accessibility for Visually Impaired in Research/Education" (2023) His publications (2015–2025) emphasize Object-Oriented Programming , Modern C++ , Exception Handling , and Programming Education . Recent work includes optimizations in C# memory handling, AI-driven systems for academic resource management, and accessibility improvements for research platforms. He contributes to STEM education , Software Engineering Methodologies , and Digital Inclusion , with a focus on practical implementations in academic settings.
Dr. Nedelia Kitaeva is an Assistant Professor at the New Bulgarian University , affiliated with the Department of Mediterranean and Eastern Studies . She holds a PhD in Arabic Literature from Sofia University 'St. Kliment Ohridski', where she also earned her Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Arabistics. Her academic career spans roles as a lecturer at the Lebanese School 'Jubran Khalil Jubran' (2000–2003), a part-time instructor at Sofia University (2003–2019), and a permanent faculty member at New Bulgarian University since 2008. PhD in Arabic Literature, Sofia University (2010) MSc in Arabistics with Translation specialization, Sofia University (2000) BSc in Arabistics, Sofia University (1999) Her research and teaching focus on Arabic language, Arab-Muslim literature, and cultural studies , particularly classical and modern works like One Thousand and One Nights . She has directed the Arabic Studies program at NBU (2008–2015) and served as Chair of the Departmental Council (2015–2018). Courses she teaches include Introduction to Arab-Muslim Literature , Modern Arabian Literature , and Consecutive Translation . Dr. Kitaeva has also worked as a translator-editor and speaker in the Arabic section of Bulgarian Radio (2007). Her office hours are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays (13:00–15:00) in Room 406, Korpus Building, at NBU.
Ekateryna Todorova, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Department of Health Care and Social Work, New Bulgarian University. She specializes in developmental dyslexia, speech therapy, and special educational needs. Her career spans over two decades in academic and clinical roles. Research Interests: Dyslexia diagnostics and therapy Articulation and phonological disorders Executive function in learning disabilities Educational technology for special needs Developmental language impairments Inclusive education practices Academic Contributions: She has authored multiple books and chapters on developmental dyslexia and articulation disorders, including Bulgarian adaptations of international diagnostic tools like DDE-2. Her recent research focuses on literacy training for children with physical disabilities using assistive technologies. Professional Roles: Former dean of the Bachelor's Faculty (2016-2020), former director of quality commission, and academic mentor in EU-funded projects like Erasmus+ and Human Resources Development Program.
Prof. PhD Anastasia Nicheva Petrova is a distinguished Professor in the Department of General Linguistics and Old Bulgarian Studies at the Faculty of Modern Languages, University of Veliko Tarnovo ("St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University). With an extensive publication record spanning over three decades, she has established herself as a leading expert in Balkan linguistics, phraseology, and linguistic-cultural studies. Her academic career demonstrates deep engagement with the complex linguistic landscape of the Balkan region, examining both historical and contemporary aspects of language contact and convergence. Prof. Petrova's research interests span multiple dimensions of linguistic inquiry, with particular emphasis on the Balkan linguistic union, phraseology, and the intersection of language with culture and cognition. Her work explores how linguistic structures reflect cultural models, examining everything from semantic fields to the multimodal nature of perception and expression. She has made significant contributions to understanding how Slavic lexical elements have been incorporated into other Balkan languages, the phonetic motivation behind phraseological units, and the mythological programming of everyday language. Her research bridges theoretical linguistics with cultural anthropology, creating a comprehensive framework for understanding the Balkan linguistic space as both a historical phenomenon and a living, evolving system. The analysis of Prof. Petrova's 15 most recent publications (2019-2025) reveals a consistent focus on the intricate relationships between language, culture, and cognition in the Balkan context. Her work demonstrates a sophisticated methodological approach that combines comparative analysis with cultural interpretation. A notable trend is her increasing attention to multimodal aspects of language, examining how perception, emotion, and cultural concepts are linguistically encoded. Her research shows a clear evolution from traditional comparative linguistics toward more integrated approaches that incorporate cognitive science, anthropology, and cultural studies. Prof. Petrova has been actively involved in numerous research projects that strengthen international academic collaboration. She has participated in projects focused on Balkan linguistic and cultural symbiosis, digital humanities, and the development of academic networks across Southeastern Europe. Her work with international teams from universities in Nis, Warsaw, and Craiova demonstrates her commitment to building sustainable academic partnerships that transcend national boundaries. She has also contributed to projects aimed at enhancing doctoral education and research, helping to establish platforms for young researchers to showcase their work.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanka Koeva is affiliated with the University of Veliko Tarnovo (St. Cyril and St. Methodius University) as a faculty member of the Faculty of Modern Languages , specifically in the Department of Methodology of Linguistic and Literary Education . Her academic rank is Associate Professor in the field of German language pedagogy. Her research interests focus on foreign language education , with emphasis on self-assessment , error correction , multilingualism , and pedagogical methodology . She has explored the integration of digital media , intercultural communication , and student motivation in language learning contexts. Key trends in her 15 most recent articles include: Analysis of error correction techniques in pair/small-group settings Development of self-evaluation practices for language learners Challenges in multilingual education and curriculum design Innovations in German language teaching (DaF) Role of technology in modern language instruction Psychological and pedagogical frameworks for language acquisition Contact details: University email: ya.koeva@ts.uni-vt.bg Personal email: j.koeva@outlook.com
Dr. Stela Valerieva Georgieva is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Journalism and Public Relations within the Faculty of Modern Languages at the University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. Cyril and Methodius" in Bulgaria. With a PhD in her field, she has established herself as a prominent researcher specializing in book publishing, intellectual property, and library science with a particular focus on international comparative studies. Her research interests span across multiple dimensions of book studies, with special emphasis on Latin American publishing practices, digital transformation in the book industry, and children's literature. Dr. Georgieva has conducted extensive research on publishing models in Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and Scandinavian countries, examining how different cultural and economic contexts shape book markets and reading practices. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent scholarly trajectory focused on the evolving landscape of book publishing in the digital age. Her work demonstrates particular expertise in comparative international publishing studies, with recurring themes including digital publishing platforms, intellectual property frameworks across different jurisdictions, and the architectural design of library spaces. Her research often bridges theoretical analysis with practical applications in publishing and library management. Dr. Georgieva has contributed significantly to academic discourse through her monograph "Patterns of World Digital Publishing" (2022) and numerous scholarly articles published in reputable Bulgarian academic journals and conference proceedings. Her work has appeared consistently from 2013 through 2024, demonstrating sustained scholarly productivity. Within the academic community at the University of Veliko Tarnovo, Dr. Georgieva participates in various scholarly activities including organizing roundtable discussions on public communications and contributing to the National Children's Book Festival. Her work has helped establish connections between Bulgarian academic research and international publishing practices, particularly with Iberian and Latin American contexts.
Dr. Dmytro Uhryn is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. With a Doctor of Technical Sciences degree (2021) and specialization in Computer Science (12DC No. 029057, 2011), he actively contributes to research in swarm intelligence and geographic information systems . As a member of the Bukovina Information Technology Cluster since 2019, he focuses on intelligent forecasting systems , medical image analysis , and financial data modeling . Education: Applied Mathematics (2003, Chernivtsi National University) and Organizational Management (National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute") Research Interests: Information technologies for decision support, swarm intelligence systems, industry-specific GIS, medical image processing, and financial market algorithms. Recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate expertise in swarm intelligence applications for migration forecasting, medical diagnostics using laser autofluorescence, and financial systems modeling. His 2021 dissertation established foundational methods for swarm intelligence in GIS . Professional development includes certifications in educational programming (Sigma Software University), NATO modeling , and international teaching methodologies (Lyublin Institute, 2023). He collaborates with researchers across Ukraine and Poland on biomedical optics, financial IT, and tourism technology projects.
Iliyana Dimitrova is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Modern Bulgarian Language within the Faculty of Modern Languages at St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo in Bulgaria. She holds a PhD and has established herself as a prominent researcher in Bulgarian linguistics with a specialization in the relationship between language, culture, and cognition. Her research interests span Bulgarian Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, Language and Culture, Second Language Acquisition, Intercultural Communication, Cognitive Linguistics, and Contrastive Linguistics. Dr. Dimitrova's work extensively examines how cultural concepts are encoded in language, with particular focus on the Bulgarian linguistic picture of the world, sociocultural competence in language learning, oral communication patterns, and language contact phenomena, especially between Bulgarian and English. Her research bridges theoretical linguistic frameworks with practical applications in language teaching, particularly for Bulgarian as a foreign language. Analysis of her publication trends reveals consistent focus on conceptual domains like cleverness/intellect, success/failure, hospitality, and collective vs. individual identity in Bulgarian culture. Her work demonstrates sophisticated integration of cognitive linguistic approaches with empirical research on language use, often employing contrastive analysis (particularly Bulgarian-English comparisons) and discourse analysis. A significant portion of her research addresses the challenges of teaching Bulgarian language and culture to non-native speakers, including frameworks for incorporating sociocultural competence into language curricula. Dr. Dimitrova actively participates in research projects including 'Integration of Students and Doctoral Students into Research Initiatives and Practices of the Faculty of Philology at VTU' (2025), 'Oral Communication in the Digital Age – Problems and Perspectives' (2023), and 'Oral Communication – Current Problems and Scientific Solutions' (2020). These projects reflect her commitment to advancing research in linguistic communication, digitizing linguistic resources, and mentoring the next generation of scholars. Through her ongoing involvement in the 'Problems of Oral Communication' conference series and other academic initiatives, she maintains an active role in the Bulgarian and international linguistics community.
Emil Buzov is an Associate Professor of Egyptology at New Bulgarian University's Department of Mediterranean and Eastern Studies, where he has taught since 2004. His academic career includes directing Egyptology programs, leading archaeological excavations in Egypt, and extensive publication in Ancient Egyptian literature and history. He currently teaches courses including History of Ancient Egypt, Classical Egyptian, and Egyptian Archaeology. His educational background includes a Master's in Archaeology from Sofia University (2002) and a Master's in Egyptology from New Bulgarian University (2003), followed by a PhD defended in 2008 on Ancient Egyptian didactic literature. His research focuses on Ancient Egyptian wisdom texts, religious practices, and archaeological investigations of Theban tombs. Buzov's scholarly output reveals consistent focus on textual analysis of Ancient Egyptian literature, particularly didactic and wisdom texts from the Middle and New Kingdoms. His work demonstrates deep engagement with philological methods while connecting literary analysis to broader historical contexts including social structures, royal ideology, and educational systems. Recent publications increasingly incorporate archaeological evidence to contextualize textual findings. Buzov has directed multiple archaeological projects including excavations at Thracian sanctuary near Melnitsa (Yambol region) and serves as deputy director of the Bulgarian Institute of Egyptology's excavations at Theban Tomb 263 in Luxor since 2012. He has organized international conferences including the Fourth International Congress for Young Egyptologists in Sofia (2012) and coordinated research projects funded by UNESCO and the Bulgarian Ministry of Education. His institutional roles include program consultant for the Department of Mediterranean and Eastern Studies, secretary of the Journal of Egyptological Studies, and organizer of traveling seminars in Egypt (2005-2011). He has participated in numerous archaeological surveys across Bulgaria including sites in Sozopol, Silistra, and Central Rhodopes.
Ivan Kolev Koichev is a Professor at the Department of Software Technologies within the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Sofia University 'St Kliment Ohridski'. He serves as the Director of the MSc program in Information Retrieval and Knowledge Discovery and Head of the Department of Software Technologies Education. His research spans Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Information Retrieval. MSc in Applied Mathematics (1988), Sofia University PhD in Computer Science (1998), Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Postdoc Fellowships at GMD Germany (1999-2002) and Robert Gordon University UK (2002-2005) His work focuses on adaptive learning systems, fact-checking, author obfuscation, and community question-answering frameworks. Key publications address concept drift adaptation, political debate analysis, image claim verification, and credible news detection. He collaborates extensively with researchers like Preslav Nakov and Momchil Hardalov. He has contributed to SemEval-2016 Task 3 and developed the LEAF multiple-choice question generation system. His research integrates linguistic analysis, credibility assessment, and algorithmic innovation across multidisciplinary domains.
Siyana Harizanova is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures at New Bulgarian University. Her primary research interests focus on foreign language teaching methodology, early language acquisition, and strategies for fostering critical thinking and independent learning. She has extensive experience in adapting international educational materials for Bulgarian schools and has led numerous teacher training initiatives. Education: English Philology (Moscow State Pedagogical Institute, 1987), Specializations in the UK (York University, Brighton, etc.) Professional Memberships: Member of BETA-IATEFL and Bulgarian Association of English Teachers Dr. Harizanova has authored or co-authored over 30 publications, including textbooks for primary and secondary education, teacher training manuals, and articles on pedagogical strategies. Her work emphasizes the integration of technology in language education and creative teaching approaches. She has been a key expert in national projects such as curriculum standardization and teacher professional development programs. Her involvement in international conferences includes presentations in Poland, Germany, Greece, and the UK, focusing on young learner education and teacher training. She has also moderated online courses and reviewed educational materials for international publishers. Notable contributions include the Teaching English in the Primary Classroom handbook and adaptations of international curricula (e.g., English In Motion , Hopscotch ) for Bulgarian schools.
Assoc. Prof. Mariana Malinova, PhD is a leading scholar in Islamic studies and Arabic literature at New Bulgarian University. She holds academic positions including Department Head of Mediterranean and Eastern Studies (since 2014) and Associate Professor in Arabistics (since 2013). Her research focuses on medieval Islamic intellectual history, translation movements, and Sufi theology. Education: PhD in Arabic Studies (1999), Habilitation on Abbasid Translation Movement (2013) from Sofia University. Completed specialized programs at CSIC Madrid (2006), Tübingen University (multiple DAAD fellowships), Cairo University, and Vienna University. Research interests include: al-Farabi's political philosophy, Ibn Arabi's mysticism, Abbasid-era translation networks, and modern Islamic reform movements. Her 2022 book on Ibn Arabi's symbolism and 2024 work on Al-Farabi's governance theory are landmark contributions. Professional roles: Chief Editor of 'Orientalia' journal, Regional North Africa program consultant (2016-2018), and former Radio Bulgaria Arabic translator (1992-1995). Holds visiting positions at Sofia University and Burgas Free University.
Asst. Prof. Hristo Chukurliev, PhD is a faculty member at the Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures at New Bulgarian University (NBU). He has held multiple administrative roles, including Director of the Central University Administration since 2018, Director of the Faculty for Remote, E-learning, and Continuing Education (2010-2018), and Dean of the Master’s Faculty (2002 onwards). Research Interests : Management models in education and social processes Digital transformation and e-learning technologies Historical evolution of civilizations and religions Future professions and higher education reform Publications & Projects : His work focuses on e-learning platforms (like Moodle), post-pandemic education, blockchain in education, and critical thinking. He led the project "Improving the quality of distance learning at NBU" under the Human Resources Development Program funded by the European Social Fund. Conference Participation : He has presented at international conferences on digital education, plagiarism prevention, and educational innovation (e.g., EDEN, ERUA Summit, GUIDE Conference).
Petko Staynov is an Assistant Professor at the New Bulgarian University (NBU) , affiliated with the Department of Informatics . His career spans academic roles in Bulgaria and France, with expertise in informatics, linguistics, and educational technology. Education : M.Sc. in Applied Information and Communication Technologies in Education and Learning, Louis Pasteur University, Strasbourg, France (2004) B.A. in Philology (Bulgarian Language and Literature), Sofia University "St. Clement of Ohrid" (1982) Dr. Staynov's research focuses on the intersection of computer science , linguistics , and multimedia technologies . His work explores ethnopragmatics , language-cognition relationships , and computer-assisted translation , while developing online courses and national information systems . Publications highlight his contributions to semantic theory , archaeological computing , and pedagogical resource sharing . At NBU, he teaches courses in French for Administration , Professional Correspondence , and Informatics . His professional experience includes directing master's programs (since 1998) and teaching multimedia and internet technologies (since 1997). Earlier roles in France involved new technologies management , advertising analysis , and multilingual engineering projects.
Anzhela Angelova is a Lecturer in the Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures at New Bulgarian University. She teaches German language courses at multiple proficiency levels (A1-C1) and translation-related disciplines, including 'Practical German,' 'Translation of Administrative-Legal Documents,' 'Economic Text Translation,' and 'Written Translation and Editing.' Member of the Society of German Language Teachers in Bulgaria Active participant in annual conferences and qualification seminars, including a Goethe-Institute Bulgaria-sponsored program in Düsseldorf, Germany Contributor to international academic projects, including a conference in Graz, Austria Her research interests center on German language pedagogy , cultural translation , and spiritual/health-related discourse . She specializes in translating Bulgarian philosophical and spiritual texts into German, emphasizing themes of well-being and holistic practices. Key publication trends include: Translation of Bulgarian spiritual works into German Editorial and linguistic adaptation of health-focused literature Collaborative projects with Goethe-Institute Bulgaria Scientific awards: Stipend from Goethe-Institute Bulgaria for qualification seminar 'Europe in German Language Classes'
