An Iterative Path: From IT & Learning to PhD with Xenia

How does a background in teaching and NGO work lead to co-designing robots in a museum, hiking, and continuing to doctoral research? 

It has been an inspiring journey for researcher for Xenia Panayot, who completed the IT & Learning Master’s program in 2024. We recently had a chance to talk with her about what she is doing today, as she forges a research career path as a doctoral student at Jönköping University.

What led her to the IT and Learning programme?

Before her master’s, Xenia worked as a language teacher and as a supervisor for an educational NGO. The IT & Learning program offered a way to bring those experiences together with her growing interest in technology. After family leave, she wanted to "shift" from the classroom, but also to stay connected to learning.

“I wanted something that would combine education with design and technology. The program felt like the right next step... allowed me to build on what I already knew but also challenged me to think differently.”

Shaping the future of learning

Workshops on AI, future scenarios, and big data became highlights of her studies in the IT&L program. They deepened her understanding of the importance of asking critical questions rather than accepting technology “as-is.”

This curiosity led her to Universeum, Sweden’s national science center in Gothenburg, where she carried out both her internship and her thesis project. Her research focused on co-designing an educational robot with children.

“Working with children in a research context was a completely new experience. It taught me so much about how learners interact with technology... Co-design is not just about building a tool, it’s about creating together.”

Design and theory: tools that stick

When asked which parts of the IT & Learning program she continues to rely on, Xenia highlights two essentials:

“Design thinking taught me how to structure and rethink problems, while learning theories gave me the foundation to make sense of what I see in education. Using them together has been incredibly powerful.”

Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities

Her research at Universeum also came with challenges. “Finding English-speaking children at the right age, with a balance of genders, was harder than I expected,” she recalls. Time constraints and holiday schedules added another layer of difficulty.

Still, these challenges turned into lessons in flexibility and creativity. “It forced me to think creatively, not just about the robot, but about how to structure workshops, communicate clearly, and make sure every child could contribute.”

Mentorship also played an important role. Working closely with her supervisor Lena Pareto, Xenia learned to analyze data collaboratively, understand multiple research perspectives, and work across disciplines. “That experience shaped my confidence and approach to research,” she says, reflecting on how this balance of practical design and theoretical grounding continues to guide her work.

Continuing focus on research

After completing her master’s, Xenia spent a year exploring opportunities and preparing for a research-focused path. Pursuing a PhD felt like a natural progression, especially given the growing role of AI in education.

“When it comes to AI in education specifically... I think it's a very good time for research, because there you can ask questions, understand the landscape, and make something different,”

she explains, contrasting research-based AI tools with ready-made solutions from software companies.

Xenia had to adapt to uncertainty. Available PhD positions are scarce, and depend on timing, funding, and matching the student with a project. She quickly learned that knowing the landscape mattered. “Understanding funding cycles, research groups, and ongoing projects helps you make informed choices. Knowing who is doing what, and who to reach out to, even if it feels intimidating, makes the process much more manageable.”

Coping and staying connected

Along with strategic planning throughout the application process, Xenia found strength in community. She and her close friends from the IT & L program continued to meet for hikes and discussions while applying for doctoral positions.

“We’d share what we were doing, proofread each other’s applications, and brainstorm ideas,” she recalls. These friendships provided both encouragement and accountability during what she describes as “a limbo” of waiting, wondering, and planning next steps.

Life as a PhD student

Now based at Jönköping University, Xenia continues to work within the themes she explored during her master’s, particularly as AI develops at a rapid pace. She sees research as the right place to engage with this uncertainty.

Her doctoral project is highly practical in orientation, centered on the development of tools for "work," and grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration. Guided by three supervisors from computer science, sociology, and education, she explores not only what can be built but also how these technologies shape work and learning. Her research examines the changing nature of professional practices and learning in technologically mediated environments, examining technical, social, and educational dimensions.

Final words of wisdom for PhD hopefuls

Xenia offers thoughtful guidance for future researchers navigating the journey through the IT & Learning program:

For applicants: “Think about what excites you, and don’t worry if the program feels broad. There’s plenty of room to discover your own path.”

For current students: “Enjoy the process. Take in the experiences and let yourself explore.”

For graduates: “Embrace uncertainty. It’s not a weakness—it can open doors to opportunities you hadn’t imagined.”

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Xenia’s path shows how experiences in teaching, NGOs, and research can connect in surprising ways. From co-designing robots in a museum to stepping into doctoral work, she illustrates how an iterative approach to learning and design can open up new possibilities. If you're interested in reading more about students who have done research internships, check out this post by co-founders of TechXplore Alice and Sonja!

A child interacts with a social robot.