Dr. Areej Mawasi, is an Assistant Professor and director of the “Co-Design and Interactive Learning Lab” in the Faculty of Education in Science and Technology at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Areej studies learners’ engagement and designs learning environments with objects and tools like technologies, games, and hands-on artifacts. In her research, she focuses on the intersection of learning sciences, technologies and digital media, design-based methods, AI in society, and critical Science and Technology education.
In her design-based research work with educators and learners, Areej examines: (1) how critical and ethical exploration of technologies and digital media among teachers and learners support their thinking of technology role in society, its sociopolitical and ethical implications, and re-imagination of technologies; (2) learners interactive engagement in transdiciplinary learning environments; (3) sociocultural and political dimensions of learners engagement within STEM environments. Areej’s recent research focus is centered around AI literacies and developing learning materials for examining sociocultural dimensions of technologies.
Areej was a Research Associate in the NSF National AI Institute for Student-AI Teaming (iSAT) at Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder. Areej completed her PhD in Learning, Literacies, and Technologies at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University in 2021. She was a Fulbright Scholar at ASU and a member of the ASU Center for Science and the Imagination. In her free time, she hikes, writes, takes photos, and explores new local places.
Email: areej.mawasi at technion.ac.il
Jool Farraj, Researcher & Instructional Designer
Jool Farraj is a Master’s research student in history and theory at the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Technion. His work explores spatial theories and justice, focusing on the intersections of architectural historiography, preservation, and socio-political processes. He analyzes architectural spaces through the lens of spatial theory, politics, and ethics. At the “Co-Design and Interactive Learning Lab”, Jool explorers ways to support Arab youth engagement with critical perspectives of AI and Digital Media through co-designing of transdisciplinary learning activities.
Nir Navon, Master’s student
Nir Navon is a Master’s student and a math teacher at GHIS, the International School in Givat Haviva. Nir is passionate about math education and dedicated to developing innovative teaching approaches that resonate with students. Nir has a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from the Technion. In addition to his academic pursuits, Nir is a proud parent, raising three children with Naomi, his partner. Previously, Nir had the privilege of serving as a laughter yoga instructor in medical centers, promoting wellness and positivity.
Dr. Osnat Atias, Postdoctoral fellow (2023-2025)
Dr. Osnat Atias is a post-doctoral fellow at the “Co-Design and Interactive Learning Lab” at Technion’s Faculty of Education in Science and Technology. She is also holding a post-doctoral position at the “Taking Citizen Science to School” research initiative through the University of Haifa’s Faculty of Education. Her research interests combine educational co-design theory and practice, specifically regarding science and technology education, and participatory methods for public engagement with science and technology. In her research Osnat examines how joint work across professional, cultural, generational and other types of boundaries can lead to mutual learning, educational improvement, and societal advancement. When she’s not doing research Osnat would usually be found with her family, consisting of her partner and three children.
Shir-Yam Paska, Master’s student (graduated)
Shir-Yam Paska is a master’s student in education for mechanical engineering. She has a BSc. Mechanical Engineering from Technion. Currently she is a lab engineer at Technion and interested in education. Her experience in education includes teaching assisting at Technion and teaching at elementary school. She is interested in integrating advanced technologies with teaching and educational content. She is raising a boy and a dog, with her partner. Shir is also a travel blogger at her own blog called Check-in-out.