Blueskyy International Polytechnic Institute
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Faculty Profiles

Dr. Aneta Marinova – Professor of Robotics

Academic and Professional Background: Dr. Aneta Marinova earned her M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Sofia in Bulgaria and her Ph.D. in Robotics from ETH Zurich in Switzerland. She specialized in autonomous robotic systems during her doctoral research and later conducted postdoctoral work at the German Aerospace Center’s robotics lab. Before joining Blueskyy International Polytechnic Institute, Dr. Marinova worked as a robotics engineer in the automotive industry, where she developed robot-assisted manufacturing processes and honed her expertise in industrial automation.

Research Interests and Expertise:

  • Autonomous robotic systems and control
  • Human–robot interaction
  • Industrial automation and manufacturing robotics
  • Swarm robotics and multi-robot coordination

Notable Publications:

  1. Adaptive Control in Autonomous Drones (2018) – Robotics and Automation Journal, Vol. 34, No. 2.
  2. Human–Robot Collaboration in Manufacturing (2020) – International Journal of Robotics Research, Vol. 42, No. 5.
  3. Swarm Robotics for Smart Cities (2022) – Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 110, No. 9.

Summary: Dr. Marinova has spearheaded the development of the Robotics Laboratory at Blueskyy, securing state-of-the-art equipment for student research and hands-on projects. She is known for her interactive teaching style, guiding students in building and programming robots to solve real-world problems. Drawing on her industry experience, she mentors students in practical engineering challenges and frequently collaborates with tech companies to create internship opportunities. Dr. Marinova’s approach to teaching and research emphasizes innovation, teamwork, and the application of robotics to address global challenges.

Dr. Annika Lehtinen – Professor of Artificial Intelligence

Academic and Professional Background: Dr. Annika Lehtinen earned her M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence at Aalto University in Finland and her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Imperial College London, where her research focused on machine learning and natural language processing. She subsequently worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the MIT Media Lab, concentrating on cognitive computing applications in smart systems. In addition to her academic work, Dr. Lehtinen has contributed to several international AI projects and consulted on ethical AI policy initiatives in the tech industry. She brings a strong interdisciplinary background to Blueskyy International Polytechnic Institute’s AI department.

Research Interests and Expertise:

  • Deep learning and neural network algorithms
  • Natural language processing for multilingual systems
  • Artificial intelligence ethics and policy
  • Cognitive computing and intelligent systems

Notable Publications:

  1. Deep Learning for Medical Diagnosis (2019) – Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, Vol. 64, No. 2.
  2. Contextual NLP for Multilingual Systems (2021) – Computational Linguistics Review, Vol. 28, No. 3.
  3. Ethical AI Frameworks in Education (2022) – AI Ethics Journal, Vol. 7, No. 1.

Summary: At Blueskyy, Dr. Lehtinen leads the Institute’s Artificial Intelligence research group, fostering collaborative projects that apply AI to real-world problems. She integrates cutting-edge AI tools into her courses, encouraging students to work on hands-on projects such as developing machine learning models and conversational bots. Dr. Lehtinen is a strong advocate for ethical AI practices, ensuring that discussions about societal impact and responsibility are central in her curriculum. Her innovative teaching style helps students gain practical AI skills while understanding the broader implications of technology, preparing them to become conscientious innovators in the field.

Dr. Pilar de la Fuente – Professor of International Business

Academic and Professional Background: Dr. Pilar de la Fuente completed her bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Barcelona and earned an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid. She then obtained her Ph.D. in International Business from the London School of Economics (LSE), where her research focused on global trade policy and multinational management strategies. Before transitioning into academia, Dr. de la Fuente worked as a financial analyst for several multinational corporations and later as a consultant on international trade development projects with the European Union. Her blend of high-level academic training and real-world business experience informs her teaching at Blueskyy International Polytechnic Institute.

Research Interests and Expertise:

  • Global trade and foreign direct investment
  • Cross-cultural management and negotiation
  • International marketing strategies
  • Emerging markets and development strategies

Notable Publications:

  1. Foreign Direct Investment Trends in Latin America (2015) – International Business Review, Vol. 24, No. 4.
  2. Cross-Cultural Negotiation in Europe and Asia (2018) – Journal of International Business Studies, Vol. 49, No. 2.
  3. Global Supply Chain Resilience (2021) – Global Strategy Journal, Vol. 11, No. 2.

Summary: Dr. de la Fuente has been instrumental in forging partnerships between Blueskyy and international businesses, as well as establishing exchange programs for business students. In the classroom, she emphasizes real-world case studies and cross-cultural simulations to prepare students for the complexities of global markets. She frequently leverages her professional network to invite industry experts as guest speakers and to secure internship opportunities abroad for students. Dr. de la Fuente’s applied approach to teaching and research ensures that theoretical knowledge is tied to current international business practices, equipping students with the global mindset and skills needed in today’s economy.

Dr. Spyros Laskaris – Professor of Entrepreneurship

Academic and Professional Background: Dr. Spyros Laskaris earned his B.B.A. from the University of Athens in Greece and an MBA with a specialization in Entrepreneurship from Stanford University. He went on to complete his Doctorate in Business Administration at INSEAD in France, where he researched the success factors of startup ecosystems and innovation hubs. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Laskaris is a successful entrepreneur himself: he founded two tech startups in the fintech sector – one of which was acquired by a major firm – and later served as an advisor to venture capital firms, guiding new enterprises across Europe. This combination of scholarly insight and hands-on startup experience shapes his role at Blueskyy International Polytechnic Institute.

Research Interests and Expertise:

  • Startup development and business incubation
  • Venture capital and entrepreneurial finance
  • Social entrepreneurship and community impact
  • Innovation management in organizations

Notable Publications:

  1. Innovative Startup Ecosystems (2016) – Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Vol. 40, No. 3.
  2. Venture Capital in Emerging Markets (2019) – Journal of Small Business Management, Vol. 57, No. 1.
  3. Social Entrepreneurship and Community Impact (2021) – International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 27, No. 5.

Summary: At Blueskyy, Dr. Laskaris leads the Entrepreneurship Center and has established a startup incubator program that provides mentorship and resources for student ventures. He employs an experiential approach to teaching—his students develop real business plans, participate in pitch competitions, and engage with local startup founders as part of their coursework. Drawing on his own startup journey, Dr. Laskaris emphasizes practical methodologies like lean startup practices and effective investor relations. His dynamic mentorship style has helped cultivate a vibrant entrepreneurial culture on campus, empowering students to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.

Dr. Bram de Wilde – Professor of Creative Technology

Academic and Professional Background: Dr. Bram de Wilde received his B.Sc. in Computer Science from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and an M.Sc. in Interaction Design from Eindhoven University of Technology. He earned his Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, specializing in user experience design and interactive media. Before joining the faculty at Blueskyy, Dr. de Wilde worked as a creative technologist for a design studio in Amsterdam, where he developed interactive installations and digital exhibits for museums and public spaces. His interdisciplinary background in both engineering and design positions him uniquely at the intersection of art and technology.

Research Interests and Expertise:

  • Human–computer interaction and UX design
  • Interactive media and installation design
  • Virtual and augmented reality applications
  • Creative coding and digital storytelling

Notable Publications:

  1. Interactive Installation Art and Technology (2017) – Digital Creativity, Vol. 28, No. 1.
  2. User Experience Design Principles (2019) – ACM Transactions on Computer–Human Interaction, Vol. 26, No. 4.
  3. Designing Technology for Social Good (2021) – Journal of Creative Technology, Vol. 15, No. 2.

Summary: Dr. de Wilde has been key in integrating arts and technology within Blueskyy’s curriculum. He founded the institute’s Creative Technology Lab, a space where students from different disciplines collaborate on interactive projects ranging from mobile apps to VR experiences. His teaching approach is studio-based and project-driven: students in his courses build prototypes of smart devices, immersive installations, and other tech-infused creations, learning by doing. Dr. de Wilde actively encourages interdisciplinary teamwork by pairing engineering students with art and design students to spur innovation. Through his emphasis on blending creativity with technical expertise, he has enriched the institute’s culture and produced graduates adept in both coding and creative problem-solving.

Dr. Thibault Dubois – Professor of Digital Arts

Academic and Professional Background: Dr. Thibault Dubois studied fine arts at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and earned an M.A. in Digital Media from Sorbonne University. He obtained his Ph.D. in Digital Arts from the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin), where he researched the intersection of art and technology in immersive installations. As a digital artist and curator, Dr. Dubois spent a decade creating interactive artworks and curating exhibitions. His installations have been showcased at major venues – including the Ars Electronica Festival in Austria – and in galleries across Europe. This rich artistic background now informs his academic role at Blueskyy, where he bridges creative practice with scholarly insight.

Research Interests and Expertise:

  • Interactive art installations and immersive media
  • Digital animation and visual effects
  • Virtual reality and mixed-media art
  • New media art theory and aesthetics

Notable Publications:

  1. Digital Aesthetics in Interactive Media (2016) – Leonardo, Vol. 49, No. 1.
  2. Cultural Heritage and Virtual Reality Art (2019) – Journal of New Media Art, Vol. 10, No. 3.
  3. Generative Art and Design Techniques (2022) – International Journal of Art & Technology, Vol. 15, No. 4.

Summary: Dr. Dubois launched the Digital Arts program at Blueskyy and established an on-campus digital gallery where student work is regularly exhibited. He fosters collaboration between the arts and technology departments, often guiding projects that pair visual arts students with computer science students to create cutting-edge multimedia installations. In his classes, Dr. Dubois emphasizes creative experimentation and critical discussion about technology’s role in art, encouraging students to push boundaries and develop their own artistic voice in digital mediums. His interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research has enriched the institute’s cultural life and inspired students to explore new frontiers of creative expression in the digital age.

Dr. Éva Farkas – Professor of Educational Psychology

Academic and Professional Background: Dr. Éva Farkas earned her B.A. in Psychology from Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest and an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from the University of Amsterdam. She then completed her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at the University of Vienna, where her dissertation focused on motivation and learning strategies in adult education. Before joining Blueskyy International Polytechnic Institute, Dr. Farkas worked as a school psychologist and served as a consultant on several European Union educational innovation projects. These experiences in real-world educational settings continue to inform her research and teaching practice.

Research Interests and Expertise:

  • Learning motivation and student engagement
  • Cognitive development in educational settings
  • Instructional design and assessment methods
  • Educational technology integration in the classroom

Notable Publications:

  1. Motivation in Adult Learners (2015) – Journal of Educational Psychology, Vol. 107, No. 3.
  2. Impact of Technology on Classroom Engagement (2018) – Learning and Instruction, Vol. 53, No. 1.
  3. Cognitive Development in Multicultural Classrooms (2021) – European Journal of Educational Psychology, Vol. 36, No. 2.

Summary: Dr. Farkas has played a pivotal role in enhancing teaching practices and student support at Blueskyy. She introduced evidence-based pedagogical workshops for faculty, ensuring that the institute’s instructors employ the latest research in learning science. In her own classes, Dr. Farkas emphasizes student-centered learning and frequently integrates educational technology and interactive activities to boost engagement and retention. Her commitment to creating a positive, inclusive learning environment has improved student outcomes and well-being across the institute. Through her guidance, Blueskyy continually adopts innovative approaches to education that benefit both students and teachers.

Dr. Markus Hoffmann – Professor of Global Leadership

Academic and Professional Background: Dr. Markus Hoffmann earned his Master’s degree in International Relations from Sciences Po in Paris and a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Munich, with a specialization in organizational leadership and cross-cultural management. His doctoral research examined how different leadership styles impact organizational change in global corporations. Prior to joining academia, Dr. Hoffmann spent over a decade in industry as a management consultant and leadership development coach for multinational companies. In those roles, he designed executive training programs and advised corporate leaders around the world, gaining extensive practical insight into effective leadership practices.

Research Interests and Expertise:

  • Cross-cultural leadership and communication
  • Organizational change management
  • Leadership development and executive coaching
  • Corporate social responsibility in global companies

Notable Publications:

  1. Leading Multicultural Teams (2014) – Journal of International Leadership Studies, Vol. 8, No. 1.
  2. Strategic Leadership in Global Corporations (2018) – The Leadership Quarterly, Vol. 29, No. 4.
  3. Corporate Social Responsibility and Leadership (2020) – International Journal of Business Leadership, Vol. 17, No. 2.

Summary: At Blueskyy, Dr. Hoffmann directs the Global Leadership Initiative, which offers leadership training workshops and international mentorship programs for students. He brings his professional experience into the classroom through case studies of real-world leadership challenges and interactive simulations that build students’ decision-making skills. Dr. Hoffmann places a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and cultural intelligence, preparing students to become socially responsible leaders in a global context. His vision and expertise have helped shape Blueskyy’s commitment to developing well-rounded, globally minded graduates who are ready to lead in diverse environments.