Biography.

Vladimir Valkanov obtained a Master’s degree in “Software Technologies” from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Plovdiv University in 2006. In 2013, he successfully defended his dissertation to earn the academic and scientific degree of “Doctor” at the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS).

Since 2011, he has worked as a consultant and programmer for software companies. He began teaching at Plovdiv University “P. Hilendarski” in 2009, giving lectures and practical exercises in both undergraduate and graduate programs. He provides weekly consultations for students.

Dr. Valkanov mentors graduates and has supervised over 70 successfully defended diploma projects. He has participated in 9 research and educational projects, as well as 18 international and national scientific conferences.

Vladimir Valkanov’s interests include software technologies, e-learning, and developing web applications based on Java.

Biography.

Stefan Stavrev has been professionally involved in the design and development of video games, real-time interactive architectural visualizations, artificial intelligence, and intelligent systems for over 15 years. He is the founder of the game studio TRI Soft. Stefan actively participates in international competitions such as the N.A.S.A. Space Apps Challenge, Copernicus, and the Hemus Hackathon.

In addition to his work in the industry, Stefan Stavrev is also active in the academic field. Since 2022, he has been a Senior Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Plovdiv University, where he teaches core and elective courses.

Biography.

Hristo Hristov is a developer, educator, and researcher in software sciences and teaching methodology. His research interests include web design, web programming, web accessibility, software systems design, computer networks, e-learning tools, and the methodology of teaching computer science. He is also an inventor with two patented inventions, an entrepreneur, and an agricultural producer, running his own business in grain production, vegetable farming, and healthy food production.

As a student, he was particularly interested in natural and mathematical sciences, as well as the classics of theology, philosophy, and psychology. This remains a passion to this day, and he defines himself as a researcher of personal culture and progress based on the symbiosis between esotericism, occultism, and rational science.

He completed his secondary education at OTT ‘Nikola Vaptsarov’ in Haskovo, specializing in ‘Electronics and Electrical Engineering.’ He holds a Bachelor’s degree in ‘Informatics’ and a Master’s degree in ‘Informatics. Information Security’ from Veliko Tarnovo University. He also obtained a Ph.D. from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Plovdiv University, specializing in ‘Teaching Methodology in Informatics.

Hristo Hristov is the founder of the School for Gifted Students in Informatics, which he developed in the cities of Veliko Tarnovo, Dimitrovgrad, Haskovo, and Plovdiv between 2003 and 2008. During the same period, he worked as a teacher, first at the “A. S. Popov” High School of Electronics and Electrical Engineering in Veliko Tarnovo, and later at the “Ivan Vazov” Natural Sciences and Mathematics High School in Dimitrovgrad. He has mentored numerous students who participated in regional, national, and international competitions, earning dozens of awards for his contributions. Since 2008, he has been a lecturer at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Plovdiv University, currently part of the Department of Software Technologies. Between 2010 and 2020, he worked as a software developer for several software companies, collaborated with non-governmental organizations, and held management roles in some of them.

Currently, he is dedicated to educational and scientific activities, with a particular focus on studying and researching personal motivation (in students, educators, community leaders, politicians, clergy, etc.) as a stimulus for achieving educational, cultural, and spiritual growth. In his free time, he enjoys sports, admiring the mountains, and is a passionate enthusiast of classical music in its various forms.