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I grew up in rural Austria, helping in my family’s mountain restaurant from a young age. Meeting tourists from around the world sparked my curiosity about people and places beyond our village, and books became my way of exploring them. That love of learning led me to university, international research, and eventually a PhD. Today, I teach at all levels of higher education, supervise research, lead interdisciplinary teams, and serve as Director of the Centre for Digital Transformation in Tourism (DigMy), where I explore how technology can shape more human, connected futures in an AI-powered world.

I am also a mum to two remarkable daughters who learn in very different ways. One follows a traditional path with ease; the other thrives with additional support. They have reinforced my belief that learning isn’t about ability — it’s about access and opportunity. Every child can thrive when learning fits the way they understand the world.

Yet education systems still prioritise grades over growth. In a future shaped by AI, academic achievement alone won’t be enough. We will need human skills — communication, emotional resilience, problem solving, and collaboration — to succeed in school, work, and life.

That belief is why I founded ConnectPlayWise — to create playful, research-led experiences that help children build social-emotional skills and real-life confidence through story, play, and meaningful connection. My mission is simple: no child should be limited by the way they learn and life-skills are more important than ever for our wellbeing and a healthy society.

I grew up in southern Italy, where curiosity and perseverance were part of everyday life. I was always drawn to understanding how things work — from natural systems to human-designed ones — a fascination that led me towards science and, eventually, computing.

A turning point in my academic journey came during my years in Finland. Immersed in a culture that values rigour, equality, and quiet innovation, I learned to see research not only as a pursuit of knowledge but as a way of improving how we think and collaborate. That experience profoundly shaped my approach to both science and leadership.

Since then, my career has developed across several countries and disciplines, focusing on artificial intelligence, evolutionary computation, and machine learning. Over the years, I have built research teams, supervised young scientists, and published extensively, always aiming to translate technical excellence into real societal impact. I have also been fortunate to contribute to international education and research partnerships that connect people and institutions across borders.

Today, my work centres on fostering innovation-led education and research environments that empower both students and staff to thrive globally. Whether through transnational initiatives such as the Surrey International Branch Campus in GIFT City or through collaborative projects in Europe and Asia, I aim to help institutions grow in ways that reflect openness, excellence, and integrity.

Because I believe education and research are among the most powerful forces for positive change, I am committed to helping shape communities where ideas can flourish and knowledge serves the common good.

Serial Entrepreneur, Consultant & Board Advisor: Impact Investment, Value Creation and Digital Transformation.

Build, nurture, scale and drive impact in digital engagement across Education tech, HealthTech, ‘built for purpose’ AI, Blockchain (services) and digital.

Previously Director Apple Education EMEA, then China/AsiaPAC. Built Education Podcasting, iTunes U, APP Store, SEED CSR.

Currently; Director/Trust Architect ASI.Tech + VP MyASI.com portfolio Ai agents. Director Nudgyt, Singapore. Director Gaston Ai. Director ConnectPlayWise. UNI Kosovo – Professor of Practise & Director Innovation Lab UNI+. Fellow, Deeptech Labs, Cambridge. Advisor/Mentor Village Capital, FF/Tech Nation. Keynote speaker & technology evangelist.

Author of The Seventh Level, engagement strategist.

I’ve always been curious about what truly engages people, what makes them light up, learn, and connect. That curiosity started early, as a teacher designing lessons that helped students see their own potential, and it’s guided every step of my career since.

A turning point for me came when I realized that engagement isn’t just about attention, it’s about meaning. That insight inspired me to dedicate my work to building tools, stories, and systems that help people, especially young learners, find purpose in what they do.

Over the years, I’ve built and led projects that bridge education, technology, and storytelling from founding creative communities and advising startups, to co-creating learning ecosystems that reach learners and their guardians across the world.

Today, I’m focused on helping individuals and organizations reimagine learning through Future Frequency, LearningFREQUENCY and LearnLand where we personalize education and empower people to own their growth. My work combines research, design, and storytelling to turn learning into a lifelong, joyful experience.

Because I believe every learner, no matter their background should feel seen, capable, and connected to their own potential.