Team members
The STUDIES-DIG team comprises a diverse and highly skilled group of researchers and innovation staff members from both academic and non-academic sectors. Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise from fields such as technology, economics, social sciences, management, law, and linguistics, enabling us to approach digital transformation comprehensively.
We are committed to promoting gender equality, with 50% of our team being women, including our project coordinator. This balanced representation reflects our dedication to inclusivity and creating an equitable research environment. Our members hail from various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, spanning Europe, Africa, and Asia, which enriches our perspective and enhances our ability to address the complexities of digitalization in a global context.
Each member plays a vital role in the project, from conducting empirical research and developing innovative digital strategies to designing educational content and facilitating knowledge transfer. By collaborating closely across disciplines and sectors, the STUDIES-DIG team fosters an environment of creativity, mutual learning, and impactful research, working together to shape a digital future that is sustainable, inclusive, and accessible to all.
Dr. Ersin Kara
Dr. Ersin Kara is a Lecturer/Researcher at the Distance Education Application and Research Center, METU, specializing in multimedia design and development with over a decade of experience. During his nine-year tenure as a research assistant at METU, his research focus centered on the application of e-textiles in education. His resultant Ph.D. dissertation led to the publication of scientific articles in high-impact journals. Dr. Kara actively contributes to various educational projects, serving as a mentor and instructor. He plays a significant role in the Digital Teachers initiative, utilizing online courses to enhance the digital proficiency of in-service teachers. His expertise spans technology in education and educational material development. Additionally, he has a background in human-computer interaction. In his pursuit of advancing learning experiences, Dr. Kara combines academic rigor with practical application, demonstrating a commitment to innovative approaches in technology-enhanced education.
Dr. Funda Alptekin
Dr. Funda Alptekin obtained her doctoral degree in 2018 from the Middle East Technical University (METU) Department of Secondary School Science and Mathematics Education with the thesis titled “A Modeling Study on the Barriers Faced with Physics Teachers in Microcomputer-Based Laboratory Applications in Anatolian Teacher Training High Schools.” Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience in developing various educational materials, including online modules, online teaching management systems, simulations, and AR projects, in different institutions. She worked as an educational designer and team leader on various projects and class levels (Preschool, primary school, secondary school, high school) in diverse subjects (Science, Mathematics, Geography, Social Sciences, English, Turkish). Her responsibilities included product analysis, curriculum analysis, and designing multimedia learning objects (animations, videos, games, simulations, and online experiments). After eight years in the field, she acquired sufficient knowledge and experience in designing games, simulations, and online experiments, incorporating 3D models into these learning objects, and designing environments considering user interactions. Subsequently, Dr. Alptekin worked as an instructional designer team leader and project manager in various computer-supported learning projects. She actively participated in determining software and system requirements, overseeing production stages according to these requirements, and managing the testing process. In her current position as an Instructor at the METU Distance Education Application and Research Center, Dr Alpteekin actively involved in research on the advancement of educational technologies and the integration of artificial intelligence into education.
Dr. Zornitza Mladenova
Dr. Zornitza Mladenova is a Senior Future Leader included in the program of the Foundation for Global Community Health, Las Vegas, USA, an organization with experts from 70 countries in sports science, medicine, the leisure and arts industry, digitization in the film industry, education and security (since 2014). The representative for Bulgaria of the First Global School Educational Program based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals supported by the Foundation for Global Community Health, Hopsports Inc., and the Global Sustainable Index Institute Foundation. From 2020 she has been a member of the international expert forum Secure Digital Future 21 (2017) for joint research and shared expertise between business, science, and politics, with the participation of over 60 countries worldwide.
Dr. Mladenova holds a Ph.D. degree in Sport Sciences, Physical Education, and Sports Tourism from the National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”. She has completed her postgraduate education in Economy and Management of Tourism at the University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria. He majored in German literature for 2 years at the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
She has over 15 years of experience organizing and conducting research and practical implementation in sports tourism, special events, and digital marketing and communications, wellness, and public health. Special accent in her practical and scientific work is given to: implementation of the digital platform of HOPSports Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solutions and investigation of the impact of the digital learning and teaching in the area of physical activities, mental health, and wellbeing. She is the author of more than 20 scientific papers published in international journals.
Prof. Dr. Ömer Delialioğlu
Prof. Dr. Ömer Delialioğlu received his Ph.D. degree in the field of Computer and Instructional Technologies at Middle East Technical University (METU) conducting a study on the factors affecting hybrid learning environments. He conducted post-doctoral research on the use of games and simulations in education, systemic change in education, and the worldwide impact of the Cisco computer networks academy at the Department of Instructional Technology at Indiana University. He was awarded the title of Associate Professor in 2013 and the title of Professor in 2019 in the METU CEIT department, where he still is a faculty. Between 2017-2018, he took part in research projects at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign related to Creative Computing and the use of Minecraft in education with a Fulbright researcher scholarship. He has several international articles and proceedings on hybrid/blended learning environments, computer networks and information security, mobile learning, technology-supported learning environments, and spatial thinking skills, the use of technology for special education, and technology integration in education. He works as the Rector’s Advisor in charge of distance education, quality, and strategy, at METU.
Prof. Dr. Perihan Savaş
Perihan Savaş is a Professor of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at the Faculty of Education, Department of Foreign Language Education, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Distance Education Application and Research Center at Middle East Technical University (METU) in Türkiye where she resides. She received her Ph.D. degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a major in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), a cognate in Educational Technology, and a minor in Educational Administration from the University of Florida, USA. For her doctoral dissertation, she conducted research on the university faculty support systems in distance and blended education environments. She has worked as an instructor, teacher trainer, and researcher in different national and international universities. She has also worked as a coordinator, editor, and author in the development of national English curricula and English coursebooks for high schools and preparatory schools in collaboration with Turkish Ministry of National Education. She has participated in the organization and delivery of in-service EFL teacher training sessions on technology use, curriculum design, and coursebook design. She has carried out research and authored articles on computer-mediated communication, the use of technology in training language teachers, the use of augmented reality in training pre-service English teachers, online games for language learning, telecollaboration, and intercultural competence. Her research interests include integrating technology into EFL curricula, material/task design for blended/online learning environments, mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), and teacher training/faculty support in online education.
Prof. Dr. Jivko Draganov
Jivko Draganov is professor at the Law Faculty of the University of National and World Economy – Sofia. His research and teaching is focused in the areas of Intellectual Property Law and European Union Law. Currently he is Head of Department of International Law and EU Law and Director of the Institute for Postgraduate Studies at the UNWE. In the period 2015 – 2019 Jivko Draganov served as Dean of the Law Faculty of UNWE. He has been Director of the Regional Centre for Distance Learning of UNWE in Haskovo (2011 – 2019). Since 2018 he is member of the Board of the European Law Faculties Association (ELFA). Jivko Draganov was member of the Standing Committee on Post-Accreditation Monitoring and Control of the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency in Bulgaria (2014-2015). He has been guest lecturer in more than ten universities in different states in Europe and had specialized in Belgium and in Japan. Jivko Draganov is member of the editorial/advisory boards of one national and two international journals – Eastern European Journal of Transnational Relations (EEJTR), Poland and Private and Public Law, Ukraine. He is author or co-author of more than ten books and of more than 60 scientific publications in the area of IP law, EU law and the protection of fundamental rights. His research works are published in Bulgaria, Belgium, Greece, Romania and Poland.
Rafet Çevik
Rafet Çevik, an accomplished researcher at the Distance Education Application and Research Center at Middle East Technical University (METU), brings a wealth of academic expertise to the table. Having graduated from METU’s Philosophy Department and currently pursuing postgraduate studies in the Department of Radio-Television and Cinema at Ankara University, Rafet is a distinguished professional in the realms of new media, cinema, design, video shooting techniques, e-learning material design/development, and animation. With a remarkable career spanning over 13 years as an e-learning developer, Rafet Çevik consistently demonstrates his proficiency in creating high-quality e-learning materials, producing captivating video content, and facilitating the seamless integration of technology in educational contexts. His professional journey encompasses the comprehensive design and development of educational materials, rigorous quality testing of educational content, and adept management of learning management systems at METU, ensuring optimal user experiences. Rafet Çevik has actively contributed to various initiatives, including content development, MOOC portal projects, and film/documentary endeavors. His multifaceted involvement underscores a steadfast commitment to advancing educational methodologies and harnessing innovative technologies to elevate learning outcomes.
Dr. Şenol Bakay
As a Lecturer and researcher at the Distance Education Application and Research Center, METU, Dr. Şenol Bakay brings a wealth of experience to his role. His prior academic journey includes six years as a research assistant at METU and an additional two years at Istanbul Medeniyet University.
Dr. Bakay’s doctoral thesis centered on the development of a mobile learning environment tailored for English vocabulary acquisition. His primary areas of interest lie in mobile learning and distance education, reflecting a dedication to exploring innovative approaches within the field.
Notably, Dr. Bakay played a key role in the transition from face-to-face to distance education at Istanbul Medeniyet University following the COVID-19 pandemic. Within this context, he was actively involved in organizing seminars and creating multimedia content. Additionally, he prepared written guidelines for both instructors and students, focusing on the effective utilization of digital tools such as web conferencing tools and learning management systems during the distance education period.
Dr. Bakay continues to contribute his expertise to the academic community, with a commitment to enhancing the educational experience through practical applications of technology in distance education.
Dr. Ventsislava Stoyanova
Dr Ventsislava Stoyanova is an assistant professor at the Statistics and Econometrics Department at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE). She holds BA degrees in Statistics and Econometrics and Accountancy and Control, a MA degree in Statistics and Econometrics, and a PhD degree in Statistics and Demography, all from the UNWE.
Her research interests are in the fields of demographic statistics and application of statistical methods for sustainable development assessment.
She has taught courses in statistics, data analysis and demography statistics in bachelor’s program.
Beside this academic experience, she also has 20 years practical experience in the field of statistics, particularly in the application of statistical methods in marketing researches and in demographic statistics. Dr Stoyanova worked for the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria for 8 years, and for 5 of them she was Head of Population and Housing Fund Department. During this time, she had participated in many Working Groups in demographic statistics organized by Eurostat.
She has taken part in many national and international conferences in statistics.
Dr. David Ferraz
David Ferraz holds a PhD in Public Policy from ISCTE-IUL (2018), a master’s degree in Administration and Public Policy (ISCTE-IUL – 2008) and a degree in Public Management and Administration (ISCSP-UTL – 2004). He is graduated from the Advanced Studies Course in Public Management (CEAGP-2006), specialization in Organizational Development, Leadership and People Management and from the INA Public Management Training Course (FORGEP-2012).
He is an integrated researcher on Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia (CIES-Iscte), Lisboa
He was Secretary General of the Economic and Social Council until March 2022. Between 1999 and 2004 he held positions in several private sector companies. He worked in the Research and Consulting Unit of the Instituto Nacional de Administração, I.P. (2006-2010) and was head of the Training Unit in Management and Public Administration (2010-2012), was head of the INA Recruitment and Selection Division, providing this U.O. support to CRESAP (2012-2017). He was also head of the Human Resources Department at IHRU, I.P. (since September 2017). He is a guest researcher at the Center for Administration and Public Policies (CAPP) of the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences (ISCSP-UTL), integrating the Research Group on Administration Science. Since 2004, he has been teaching in various courses at INA and ISCTE-IUL (CAGEP; FORGEP; CADAP; Design, Implementation and Evaluation of Public Policies; Specialization Diploma in Public Management; Specialization Diploma in Public Policies; Reform and Modernization Administrative – 6 ECTS). He was invited to give lectures at HSE-Moscow (High School of Economics, School of Public Administration) in the areas of Management and Public Administration. He has participated in working groups and presented scientific communications at conferences of international organizations such as: the American Society for Public Administration, the Centro Latino Americano para el Desarollo, the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration, the Public Administration Theory Network. He is author and co-author of several publications, national and international, in the areas of Management, Administration, Public Policies or Human Resources Management.
Dr. Luben Boyanov
Born in Sofia, Bulgaria and graduated Sofia Technical University as BSc and MSc in Computer science. Worked for two years in the Central Institute of Computing, Sofia Research associate/research fellow designing and developing hardware IT products. During the period 1988-1996 completed a MSc and PhD in Computer Science at the University of Manchester. The topics of his work and research were transputers, parallel systems and algorithms for parallel simulation.
During the period 1996-2014 he was research fellow, research associate and associate professor at the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences working on parallel systems and high performance computing. In 2008 was responsible (acting director) for the first Bulgarian supercomputer at the State Agency for telecommunications.
Since 2014 he is associate professor and full time professor at the University of National and World Economy, Department of Information Technologies and Communications. For the last 7 years he is Vice-dean for Quality and International Cooperation at the Faculty Applied Informatics at UNWE.
Luben Boyanov is lecturing on the following subjects: Computer Architectures, Computer networks and communications, Internet of Things, Cybersecurity and Informatics. His research interests are in digitalization and digital transformation in education and logistics, smart homes, bitcoin and blockchain, big data, etc.
Dr. Polya Katsamunska
Dr. Polya Katsamunska received her BA (Hons) in English and
Bulgarian Languages from “Konstantin Preslavsky” University, Shoumen, BG (1995) and her MD in International Business from “D. А. Tsenov” Academy of Economics, Svishtov, BG (2000). She was awarded Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), Sofia, BG in 2006, where she has been a full-time professor at Public Administration Department, Faculty of Management and Administration since 2017. Dr. Katsamunska has been a member of the Faculty Council at the Faculty of Management and Administration, UNWE (2023-Present), (2015 – 2019) and (2011-2015) and served as Vice-dean in International Relations and Quality at the Faculty of Management and Administration, UNWE (2015- 2019).
Dr. Polya Katsamunska is one of the most prominent scholars of public administration in Bulgaria and has published in several highly regarded books and journals that have been well received internationally. She has been invited to lecture at prominent universities in Western Europe, Latin America and the United States. She was a member of the Publications Committee of American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) (2014-2015) and (2015-2016).
For the period 2016-2020 she was awarded the honorary title for Distinguished Senior Research Scholar by the Institute of Public Management and Community Services in Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University (FIU), Miami, Florida, USA.
In 2023 at the 8th Venus International Women Awards (VIWA 2023) Dr. Katsamunska was awarded for Outstanding Woman Researcher in Public Administration in Humanities and Social Sciences by the Venus International Foundation, Chennai, India.
Dr. Katsamunska serves as a member of the International Commission on Accreditation of Public Administration Education and Training (2013-2019), (2020-Present), which is based on the standards set by the United Nations Public Administration and Development Management Department and has participated in a number of accreditation programs offered by the most prominent schools and departments all over the world. She is also a principle representative and member of NISPAcee in Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Dr. Nicolae Urs
Nicolae Urs is Associate Dean of the College of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. He is interested in everything related to technology. More specifically, he has been studying and researching the way in which public institutions employ new technologies, the changes that the new social networks brought about in communication, the opportunities provided by “big data” and the way in which visualizing statistical data can help understand social trends. He was a Fulbright Senior Scholar at University of Georgia, Athens, focusing on e-government. He teaches courses related to e-Government, to the use of new technologies, and to online communication. He is actively involved in public institutions’ digitization projects, both at the level of the city of Cluj-Napoca, as well as at a national level; he also coordinated or took part in a number of strategic development plans for municipalities around Romania. He was one of the coordinators of the Digital Transformation Strategy of Cluj-Napoca. He is a member of Code4Romania and co-chair of the Central and Eastern European e|Dem and e|Gov Days, coordinator of the Digital Government Working Group at NISPAcee, as well as a member in the editorial board of two scientific publications.
Dr. Dorin Spoaller
Dorin Spoaller serves as a lecturer at the Faculty of Political, Administrative, and Communication Sciences at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca and holds a Ph.D. in strategic online communication. His areas of specialization encompass a broad range of expertise in digital and strategic communication.
He possesses in-depth knowledge of social media communication, with a focus on the strategic utilization of digital platforms to influence public perception, drive engagement, and shape effective messaging frameworks. His proficiency is also in search engine marketing and optimization (SEM and SEO), which emphasizes the development of content strategies that enhance digital visibility and optimize search rankings for organizations and brands.
Dr. Spoaller is also skilled in online marketing, with a particular emphasis on crafting data-driven strategies to increase brand awareness and implement impactful digital advertising campaigns. His expertise in institutional marketing involves advising on methods to enhance the public image and outreach efforts of various organizations through comprehensive communication planning.
In addition, he specializes in devising and implementing online strategies that leverage emerging technologies to maximize organizational impact. His work in institutional strategy includes providing guidance on effective communication structures that align with strategic organizational objectives and foster robust stakeholder engagement. Dr. Spoaller’s scholarly approach is informed by a deep understanding of the continuously evolving digital communication landscape and over 15 years of client-based expertise.
