About me
I am an educational scientists specializing in Artificial Intelligence in Education, with an academic background in Psychology and Interactive Media. I currently serve as Director of Education and Research at Sparkli, an educational technology startup dedicated to the development of AI-driven learning experiences for primary education. My work lies at the intersection of educational research, human-centered AI design, and the practical implementation of artificial intelligence in real-world learning contexts.
I completed my doctoral studies at the Zurich University of Teacher Education (Centre for Education and Digital Transformation) and the University of Zurich (Institute of Education). My PhD research focused on Artificial Intelligence in Education, with particular attention to how future teachers perceive, interpret, and approach AI and digital technologies in educational contexts. This work aimed to better understand the motivational, reflective, and professional factors shaping teachers’ engagement with AI during their initial training.
My academic trajectory has been shaped by an interdisciplinary and international perspective, further strengthened through research stays at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Oxford. These experiences contributed to a comparative understanding of how digital transformation in education unfolds across different cultural, institutional, and policy contexts.
In parallel to my academic career, I work as an independent academic, offering training and consultancy in Artificial Intelligence for research and education. My work focuses on AI-supported research practices, the use of AI agents, and the design of human-centered approaches to artificial intelligence that foster critical thinking, reflective practice, and responsible innovation in educational and research settings.
My Story
I have always been driven by curiosity and a strong motivation for self-directed learning. I began my academic path with a degree in Psychology, where I developed the conceptual foundations that led me to recognize the central role of education in shaping how individuals think, learn, and construct knowledge. During this period, I became particularly interested in how teaching practices influence learners’ ability to build coherent understanding and sustainable mindsets.
Alongside this interest, my growing engagement with technology revealed its potential to enhance human capabilities across multiple domains, including education. This realization led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Cognitive Systems and Interactive Media. Through this program, I explored the expanding possibilities of digital and interactive technologies in learning environments and developed a strong interest in the pedagogical implications of emerging technologies.
These experiences ultimately led me to pursue a PhD in the field of Artificial Intelligence in Education. I was particularly interested in understanding how future teachers make sense of AI, how they position themselves in relation to technological change, and to what extent AI and digital technologies play a role in their professional motivation and identity formation. This focus allowed me to connect psychological theory, educational research, and technological development within a single research agenda.
My goal is to contribute to the ongoing transformation of education by advancing research and practice that position AI not merely as a technical tool, but as a socio-educational phenomenon that shapes professional roles, learning processes, and educational values.
Academic Trajectory
Throughout my academic career, I have had the opportunity to engage with diverse research communities across multiple countries, gaining valuable perspectives and learning from leading scholars in education and technology. These experiences have played a key role in shaping my interdisciplinary approach and my commitment to connecting theory, research, and practice.
The map below provides an overview of the places where I have conducted academic work and research activities.