Faculty Directory

Our Esteemed Faculty

The University of Marist Eastbay is proud to host a distinguished body of academics, researchers, and practitioners from across Europe and beyond. Our faculty members are leaders in their respective fields, dedicated to innovative teaching, groundbreaking research, and fostering an intellectually stimulating environment for our students. Below, we introduce some of the key academic staff shaping the minds of future leaders at our Zürich campus.

Professor Dr. Elina Kallas

Head of the Faculty of Global Commerce & Economic Sciences

Education:

  • PhD in International Finance, University of Helsinki, Finland
  • MSc in Economics, Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden
  • BSc in Business Administration, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia

Areas of Expertise: International financial markets, corporate governance in emerging economies, sustainable finance, Fintech innovation, and European economic integration.

Biography: Professor Kallas joined the University of Marist Eastbay after a distinguished career in both academia and financial consultancy. With over two decades of experience, her research focuses on the nexus of financial stability and technological disruption. She is a strong advocate for practice-based learning and has been instrumental in developing several of UME’s industry-linked programmes. Professor Kallas is committed to mentoring postgraduate students and fostering a research ethos that addresses real-world economic challenges. She has served on advisory boards for several European financial institutions and contributes regularly to policy discussions on financial regulation.

Selected Publications:

  • The New Architecture of Global Finance: Regulation, Resilience, and Reform. UME Press. Publication ID: GCE-BK-97801 (2023)
  • “Fintech Adoption and Regulatory Sandboxes in Pan-European Markets.” Journal of European Financial Innovation. Publication ID: JEF-ART-305A (2022)
  • “Corporate Governance Dynamics in Baltic States Post-EU Accession.” International Review of Economic Policy. Publication ID: IRE-ART-112B (2020)

Dr. Tiago Almeida

Associate Professor, Faculty of Creative Industries & Digital Futures

Education:

  • PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal
  • MA in Digital Media Arts, University of the Arts London, UK
  • BA in Communication Design, University of Porto, Portugal

Areas of Expertise: User experience (UX) design, interactive storytelling, immersive technologies (VR/AR), digital ethics, and speculative design.

Biography: Dr. Almeida is a leading voice in the field of interactive design and digital ethics. His research explores how emerging technologies shape human experience and narrative forms. Before joining UME, he was a senior researcher at a prominent European digital arts lab and has collaborated on numerous award-winning interactive installations. At Marist Eastbay, Dr. Almeida teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, encouraging students to critically engage with technology and develop innovative, human-centred design solutions. He is particularly interested in the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in creative practices.

Selected Publications:

  • “Narrative Cartographies: Designing Meaning in Virtual Environments.” Journal of Interactive Media & Design. Publication ID: JIMD-ART-774X (2024)
  • Ethics for a Digital Age: A Designer’s Handbook. UME Creative Press. Publication ID: CIDF-BK-97802 (2021)
  • “The Empathetic Interface: Fostering Connection through Haptic Feedback.” Proceedings of the European Conference on Tangible Interaction. Publication ID: ECTI-CONF-P015 (2019)

Professor Dr. Janis Berzins

Professor of Sustainable Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Technologies

Education:

  • Dr.-Ing. in Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Germany
  • MSc in Renewable Energy Systems, Riga Technical University, Latvia
  • BEng in Mechanical Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania

Areas of Expertise: Renewable energy technologies, circular economy models in manufacturing, life cycle assessment, sustainable building design, and climate change mitigation strategies.

Biography: Professor Berzins is a highly respected expert in sustainable engineering and renewable energy systems. His work focuses on developing and implementing technologies that reduce environmental impact and promote resource efficiency. He has led numerous international research projects funded by European grants and has extensive experience collaborating with industry to implement sustainable practices. At UME, Professor Berzins is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of engineers to tackle global environmental challenges, emphasising a systems-thinking approach in his teaching and research supervision.

Selected Publications:

  • “Advanced Life Cycle Assessments for Photovoltaic Systems in Northern European Climates.” Journal of Sustainable Energy Engineering. Publication ID: JSEE-ART-049K (2023)
  • Circular Economy for Engineers: Principles and Applications. Springer Nature. Publication ID: EAT-BK-SPRINGER01 (2021)
  • “Integration of Decentralised Renewable Energy Grids in Urban Planning.” Energy Policy Review. Publication ID: EPR-ART-207C (2019)

Dr. Sofia Papamichael

Senior Lecturer in Marketing & Consumer Behaviour, Faculty of Global Commerce & Economic Sciences

Education:

  • PhD in Marketing, University of Cyprus, Cyprus
  • MSc in Consumer Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • BSc in Economics and Marketing, Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece

Areas of Expertise: Digital marketing strategies, consumer decision-making in online environments, branding in multicultural contexts, neuromarketing, and sustainable consumption.

Biography: Dr. Papamichael brings a wealth of knowledge in contemporary marketing practices and consumer psychology to UME. Her research investigates how digital platforms influence consumer choices and how brands can effectively communicate in diverse cultural landscapes. She has worked with several international brands on developing their marketing strategies and is passionate about translating academic insights into actionable business solutions. Dr. Papamichael is known for her engaging teaching style, incorporating real-world case studies and interactive workshops into her modules.

Selected Publications:

  • “The Influence of Social Media Endorsements on Luxury Brand Perception among Gen Z.” Journal of Digital & Social Media Marketing. Publication ID: JDSMM-ART-008F (2024)
  • “Neuromarketing Insights into Cross-Cultural Advertising Effectiveness.” Consumer Psychology Review. Publication ID: CPR-ART-511G (2022)
  • Branding in a Borderless World: Strategies for Global Marketers. Routledge. Publication ID: GCE-BK-ROUT03 (2020)

Dr. Luka Horvat

Lecturer in Applied Data Science, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Technologies

Education:

  • PhD in Computer Science (Machine Learning), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • MSc in Data Science, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
  • BSc in Informatics, University of Zagreb, Croatia

Areas of Expertise: Machine learning algorithms, big data analytics, natural language processing, predictive modelling in industrial applications, and ethical AI development.

Biography: Dr. Horvat is an emerging scholar in the field of applied data science, with a strong focus on developing robust and interpretable machine learning models. His doctoral research explored novel algorithms for anomaly detection in large-scale industrial datasets. At UME, Dr. Horvat teaches foundational and advanced courses in data science and AI, aiming to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to leverage data for innovation. He is actively involved in collaborative research projects with industry partners, focusing on the application of AI in smart manufacturing and sustainable resource management.

Selected Publications:

  • “Interpretable Deep Learning Models for Predictive Maintenance in Energy Systems.” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics. Publication ID: IEEE-TII-ART-932H (2023)
  • “Bias Detection and Mitigation in Natural Language Processing for Financial Services.” Proceedings of the European Workshop on AI Ethics. Publication ID: EWAI-CONF-P042 (2022)
  • “Scalable Anomaly Detection using Unsupervised Learning in Streaming Data.” Journal of Big Data Research. Publication ID: JBDR-ART-105J (2021)

Professor Dr. Zuzana Molnár

Professor of Organisational Behaviour, Faculty of Global Commerce & Economic Sciences

Education:

  • PhD in Organisational Psychology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
  • MA in Sociology, Central European University, Hungary
  • BA in Psychology, Masaryk University, Czech Republic

Areas of Expertise: Leadership development, team dynamics in multicultural organisations, organisational change management, employee well-being, and cross-cultural communication in business.

Biography: Professor Molnár is an acclaimed expert in organisational behaviour and leadership. Her extensive research examines how leadership styles and organisational cultures impact employee engagement and performance, particularly in diverse, international settings. She has consulted for numerous multinational corporations on strategies for improving team cohesion and managing organisational transitions effectively. At UME, Professor Molnár leads modules on leadership and organisational psychology, drawing on her rich international experience to provide students with practical insights into managing modern workplaces.

Selected Publications:

  • Leading Across Cultures: A Practitioner’s Guide to Global Management. Palgrave Macmillan. Publication ID: GCE-BK-PALM05 (2022)
  • “The Impact of Remote Work on Team Cohesion and Innovation: A Longitudinal Study.” Journal of Applied Organisational Psychology. Publication ID: JAOP-ART-661M (2021)
  • “Fostering Psychological Safety in Multinational Teams.” Harvard Business Review (European Edition). Publication ID: HBR-EE-ART-019N (2019)

Dr. Clara Vella

Senior Lecturer in Digital Arts & Animation, Faculty of Creative Industries & Digital Futures

Education:

  • PhD in Visual Cultures, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK
  • MFA in Animation, Gobelins, l’école de l’image, France
  • BA (Hons) in Fine Arts, University of Malta, Malta

Areas of Expertise: 2D and 3D animation techniques, experimental filmmaking, motion graphics, visual storytelling for interactive media, and the history of animation.

Biography: Dr. Vella is an accomplished animator and academic whose work bridges traditional animation techniques with contemporary digital practices. Her creative portfolio includes award-winning short films and contributions to major animated productions. Before joining UME, Dr. Vella taught at several renowned art and design institutions across Europe. She is passionate about nurturing students’ creative voices and technical skills, encouraging experimentation and innovation in visual storytelling. Her research interests include the role of animation in social commentary and interactive narratives.

Selected Publications:

  • “Animating Affect: Emotional Resonance in Experimental Short Films.” Animation: An Interdisciplinary Journal. Publication ID: AIJ-ART-332P (2023)
  • The Digital Canvas: Exploring New Frontiers in Animated Storytelling. UME Creative Press. Publication ID: CIDF-BK-97804 (2020)
  • “From Zoetrope to VR: A Century of Motion and Illusion.” Journal of Visual Culture Studies. Publication ID: JVCS-ART-808Q (2018)

Dr. Andrejs Ozoliņš

Associate Professor of Financial Technology (FinTech), Faculty of Global Commerce & Economic Sciences

Education:

  • PhD in Information Systems (Financial Applications), University of Manchester, UK
  • MSc in Finance and IT, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
  • BSc in Computer Science, University of Latvia, Latvia

Areas of Expertise: Blockchain technology in finance, cryptocurrency markets, algorithmic trading, RegTech solutions, and cybersecurity in financial institutions.

Biography: Dr. Ozoliņš is a specialist in the rapidly evolving field of Financial Technology. His research delves into the transformative potential of technologies like blockchain and AI in reshaping financial services, whilst also addressing the associated risks and regulatory challenges. He has prior experience working in the FinTech startup sector, bringing valuable industry perspectives to his academic role. At UME, Dr. Ozoliņš teaches courses on FinTech innovation and digital finance, preparing students for careers at the intersection of finance and technology.

Selected Publications:

  • “Decentralised Finance (DeFi): Opportunities, Risks, and Regulatory Futures.” Journal of Financial Technology. Publication ID: JFT-ART-005R (2024)
  • “The Role of AI in Algorithmic Trading: Performance and Ethical Considerations.” International Journal of Finance & Economics. Publication ID: IJFE-ART-417S (2022)
  • Blockchain and the Future of Money: A Practical Guide. Wiley Finance. Publication ID: GCE-BK-WILEY07 (2020)

Professor Dr. Anne Faber

Professor of Architectural Design & Urbanism, Faculty of Creative Industries & Digital Futures

Education:

  • Dr. sc. ETH in Architecture, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
  • MArch in Urban Design, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands
  • Dipl.-Ing. in Architecture, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Areas of Expertise: Sustainable urban development, smart city design, contemporary architectural theory, digital fabrication in architecture, and public space design.

Biography: Professor Faber is a distinguished architect and urbanist whose work explores the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social equity in the built environment. She has led several award-winning urban design projects and is a frequent commentator on contemporary architectural trends. Before her current role at UME, she held academic positions in the Netherlands and Switzerland. Professor Faber’s teaching encourages students to think critically about the role of design in shaping future cities, emphasising collaborative and research-driven approaches.

Selected Publications:

  • The Responsive City: Design, Technology, and Urban Life. Birkhäuser. Publication ID: CIDF-BK-BIRK06 (2023)
  • “Digital Craftsmanship: Rethinking Materiality in Parametric Architecture.” Architectural Design Review. Publication ID: ADR-ART-119T (2021)
  • “Public Spaces for a Resilient Future: Integrating Green Infrastructure and Social Interaction.” Journal of Urbanism and Placemaking. Publication ID: JUP-ART-072U (2019)

Dr. Petras Jankauskas

Lecturer in International Business Law, Faculty of Global Commerce & Economic Sciences

Education:

  • PhD in Law (International Trade), King’s College London, UK
  • LLM in European Union Law, Leiden University, Netherlands
  • Magister Iuris, Vilnius University, Lithuania

Areas of Expertise: International trade law, European competition law, intellectual property rights in global commerce, dispute resolution, and corporate social responsibility.

Biography: Dr. Jankauskas brings a strong background in international and European law to the University of Marist Eastbay. His research focuses on the legal frameworks governing global trade and investment, with a particular interest in the challenges posed by digitalization and sustainability concerns. He has experience advising businesses on navigating complex regulatory environments. At UME, Dr. Jankauskas teaches courses on international business law and EU law, aiming to provide students with a solid understanding of the legal dimensions of global commerce.

Selected Publications:

  • “The Governance of Global Value Chains: Legal and Ethical Dimensions.” Journal of World Trade Law. Publication ID: JWTL-ART-034V (2023)
  • “Digital Platforms and EU Competition Law: Navigating the New Regulatory Landscape.” European Law Review. Publication ID: ELR-ART-291W (2022)
  • “Intellectual Property Protection in Emerging Markets: Challenges for International Businesses.” Global Business Law Journal. Publication ID: GBLJ-ART-009X (2020)

Dr. Katarina Novak

Senior Lecturer in Robotics and Automation, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Technologies

Education:

  • PhD in Robotics, Imperial College London, UK
  • MSc in Mechatronics, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic
  • BEng in Electrical Engineering, University of Maribor, Slovenia

Areas of Expertise: Human-robot interaction, autonomous systems, industrial automation, assistive robotics, and control systems engineering.

Biography: Dr. Novak is an expert in robotics and automation with a focus on creating intelligent systems that can interact seamlessly and safely with humans. Her research has explored applications in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Before joining UME, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher on EU-funded robotics projects. Dr. Novak is passionate about hands-on learning and project-based education, guiding students in developing innovative robotic solutions to real-world problems.

Selected Publications:

  • “Adaptive Control Strategies for Collaborative Robots in Dynamic Manufacturing Environments.” Robotics and Autonomous Systems Journal. Publication ID: RASJ-ART-722Y (2024)
  • “Sensor Fusion for Enhanced Perception in Assistive Robotics for the Elderly.” IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering. Publication ID: IEEE-TNSRE-ART-153Z (2022)
  • Fundamentals of Human-Robot Interaction: Design and Ethics. UME Engineering Press. Publication ID: EAT-BK-97808 (2021)

Professor Dr. Martin Schmidt

Professor of Strategic Management, Faculty of Global Commerce & Economic Sciences

Education:

  • Dr. oec. publ. in Business Economics, University of Zurich, Switzerland
  • MBA, INSEAD, France/Singapore
  • Lic. oec. HSG, University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland

Areas of Expertise: Corporate strategy, competitive analysis, innovation management, strategic alliances, and business model transformation in the digital era.

Biography: Professor Schmidt is a leading authority on strategic management, with extensive experience advising multinational corporations and SMEs on developing and implementing successful growth strategies. His research examines how firms can achieve sustainable competitive advantage in rapidly changing market environments. He combines academic rigour with practical relevance in his teaching, challenging students to think strategically and make sound business decisions. Professor Schmidt also directs several executive education programmes at UME. (Note: Schmidt is a common German name, but appropriate for a Swiss-German academic).

Selected Publications:

  • The Strategist’s Toolkit: Navigating Complexity in Modern Business. Oxford University Press. Publication ID: GCE-BK-OUP11 (2023)
  • “Business Model Innovation in Incumbent Firms: Overcoming Organisational Inertia.” Strategic Management Journal. Publication ID: SMJ-ART-991AA (2021)
  • “The Dynamics of Strategic Alliances in High-Technology Industries.” Journal of Business Strategy. Publication ID: JBS-ART-048BB (2019)

Dr. Beatriz Costa

Lecturer in Game Design & Development, Faculty of Creative Industries & Digital Futures

Education:

  • PhD in Creative Technologies, University of Aveiro, Portugal
  • MSc in Computer Game Engineering, Newcastle University, UK
  • BSc in Informatics Engineering, University of Coimbra, Portugal

Areas of Expertise: Game mechanics design, level design, serious games and gamification, player psychology, and agile development methodologies for games.

Biography: Dr. Costa is a passionate game designer and researcher focused on the innovative application of game design principles beyond entertainment. Her work explores how games can be used for education, healthcare, and social change. She has industry experience as a game developer and has contributed to several independent game projects. At UME, Dr. Costa teaches courses in game design, development, and critical game studies, encouraging students to create engaging and meaningful interactive experiences.

Selected Publications:

  • “Designing for Engagement: Gamification Strategies in Educational Platforms.” International Journal of Serious Games. Publication ID: IJSG-ART-027CC (2023)
  • “The Role of Player Psychology in Balancing Game Mechanics.” Journal of Game Design & Development Research. Publication ID: JGDDR-ART-113DD (2022)
  • “Agile Methodologies in Indie Game Development: A Case Study Analysis.” Proceedings of the European Conference on Game-Based Learning. Publication ID: ECGBL-CONF-P088 (2020)

Dr. Ivan Kovač

Associate Professor of Materials Science & Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Technologies

Education:

  • PhD in Materials Science, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland
  • MSc in Chemical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia
  • BEng in Materials Engineering, University of Zagreb, Croatia

Areas of Expertise: Advanced functional materials, nanotechnology, biomaterials, polymer science, and sustainable materials development.

Biography: Dr. Kovač is a materials scientist whose research focuses on designing and synthesising novel materials with tailored properties for applications in energy, healthcare, and environmental technology. He has published extensively in leading scientific journals and holds several patents related to innovative material compositions. Dr. Kovač is committed to interdisciplinary research and collaborates closely with colleagues in chemistry, biology, and engineering. In his teaching at UME, he emphasizes the fundamental principles of materials science and their application in solving real-world engineering challenges.

Selected Publications:

  • “Self-Healing Polymer Composites for Enhanced Durability in Aerospace Applications.” Advanced Functional Materials. Publication ID: AFM-ART-605EE (2024)
  • “Nanostructured Biomaterials for Targeted Drug Delivery Systems.” Journal of Materials Chemistry B. Publication ID: JMCB-ART-921FF (2022)
  • Introduction to Sustainable Materials Engineering. Elsevier. Publication ID: EAT-BK-ELSEV09 (2021)

Dr. Rasa Vaitkus

Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Faculty of Global Commerce & Economic Sciences

Education:

  • PhD in Entrepreneurship, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania
  • MSc in Innovation Management, Lund University, Sweden
  • BA in Economics, Vilnius University, Lithuania

Areas of Expertise: New venture creation, SME growth strategies, social entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, and corporate venturing.

Biography: Dr. Vaitkus is an expert in entrepreneurship and innovation, with a particular focus on how new ventures can drive economic growth and social change. Her research explores the factors that contribute to entrepreneurial success and the development of supportive innovation ecosystems. She has mentored numerous startups and is actively involved in fostering entrepreneurial talent within the UME community. Dr. Vaitkus teaches courses on entrepreneurship, business planning, and innovation management, inspiring students to develop their entrepreneurial mindset and skills.

Selected Publications:

  • “The Role of Incubators and Accelerators in Fostering Tech Startups in Emerging European Economies.” Journal of Small Business Management. Publication ID: JSBM-ART-376GG (2023)
  • “Social Entrepreneurship: Balancing Mission and Market in Hybrid Organisations.” Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. Publication ID: ETP-ART-812HH (2021)
  • The Lean Startup in Practice: A Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs. UME Press. Publication ID: GCE-BK-97815 (2020)