Women in Science: Lidia Feklistova, Lecturer in Informatics

From 9-15 February 2026, the University of Tartu will host a themed week to celebrate the "Women in Science" day. During this week, we aim to highlight the work and achievements of our researchers and have invited them to answer three questions. This time, Lidia Feklistova, Lecturer in Informatics shares her thoughts.

Please describe briefly your field of research.

I work in a research group that focuses on the intersection of informatics and pedagogy – how to make learning and teaching technology meaningful for different target groups. Our research focuses on the needs of learners, professional support for teachers, and practical solutions for the classroom. For me, informatics didactics is not just theory, but a practical tool for supporting both learner development and teacher professionalism.

In recent years, I have been researching two key topics. First, how students solve tasks that require computational thinking, what factors support success, and what motivates teachers to use such tasks in their teaching. Second, I focus on the potential of artificial intelligence in education, seeking answers to the question of how artificial intelligence can be a reliable partner for teachers in assessing work and providing feedback.

What do you especially like about being a scientist?

In my research work, I value the freedom to focus on and delve deeply into topics that truly speak to me. I consider it a privilege to contribute to the development of key 21st-century skills—critical thinking and the conscious use of artificial intelligence.

At the same time, science does not exist in a vacuum. I highly value the direct exchange of experiences with colleagues; fresh ideas, success stories, and lessons learned from seminars and conferences are the fuel that inspires and sharpens my next research questions.

Who have you looked up to, and why?

My greatest role model is my mother, who worked at a school for over 40 years. Her systematic and consistent approach, warm attitude, and belief in her students' abilities showed me that a great teacher can combine empathy with high standards. She created a safe environment and sparked curiosity in her students.

I have also been influenced by Kalev Tarkpea, a lecturer at the University of Tartu, who was able to explain complex physical phenomena in a lively and understandable way. Through him, I understood that the foundation of good teaching is real-life examples and visualizations, but also the ability to answer students' questions calmly and with humor. Kalev Tarkpea built up knowledge gradually, while encouraging discussion, experimentation, and learning from mistakes. I have come to understand that the values mentioned above are not limited to the classroom – a scientist is also a teacher by nature. Just like a good teacher, a scientist must be able to ask interesting questions and communicate their discoveries clearly and comprehensively.

Maintaining curiosity, taking a systematic approach, explaining complex issues in simple terms, and seeing mistakes as a natural part of the discovery process are qualities that make both teachers and researchers stand out.

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From 9 to 15 February, the University of Tartu will hold a theme week "Women in Science". During this week, we would like to highlight the work and achievements of our women scientists. The Day of Women in Science has been celebrated in Estonia at the initiative of the University of Tartu and the Estonian Young Academy of Sciences (EYAS) since 2021. The day aims to underline the role of women and girls in science, break stereotypes and encourage women to pursue a career in science.

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