Elevate Your Research
Committed to enhancing collaboration through comprehensive supervision and a focus on academic excellence.
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About Me
Dr Ekaterina Rzyankina
Lecturer | Researcher | Enthusiast for Engineering Education Research
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Lecturing at Department of Maritime Studies, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
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Currently also working at the School of Education, University of Cape Town (UCT)
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Member of the South African Young Academic of Science (SAYAS)
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Passionate about engineering education research, with a focus on transforming teaching and learning in STEM
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Certified Research Methodologist, specialising in qualitative data analysis using ATLAS.ti software
Mission
Education First
At ekaterinarzyankina.com, I strive to foster a collaborative environment where research and project supervision can flourish. My focus is on empowering learners and educators to achieve excellence in their academic pursuits through teamwork and innovation.
Research
Collaborative Effort
Focused on Engineering Education. Cultural Historical Activity Theory which I am writing a book to support researchers in analysing contradictions in activity systems. AI and digital tools in Engineering Education by exploring effective use of AI to enhance learning experiences
Projects
Hands-On Experience
I am aspiring to supervise diverse academic projects, guiding teams to navigate challenges and achieve impactful results. My approach is designed to cultivate critical thinking and practical skills among participants.
Supervision
Guidance Matters
My supervision style and approach -
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Collaborative and supportive
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Interdisciplinary friendly
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Structured guidance
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Growth focused
Collaboration
Stronger Together
By prioritizing collaboration, I encourage the facilitation of an atmosphere where ideas are shared freely, leading to innovative solutions and advancements in research. Our community thrives on collective effort.
Supervision Style & Approach
The organization values teamwork and mutual support, fostering collaboration across disciplines to enhance creativity and problem-solving. It offers structured guidance and prioritizes personal and professional development, creating an environment where individuals can thrive.
Why Work with Me?
Curiosity
You are curious about engineering education research and new methods
Values
You value clear guidance, but also freedom to shape your project
Contribution
You want your research to make a real contribution to education and society
Expertise
My work in qualitative research is grounded in a commitment to rigorous, socially responsive, and contextually meaningful inquiry. With a background that bridges STEM education, engineering, and the social sciences, I specialise in examining complex educational and institutional environments through rich qualitative methodologies.
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I have worked with diverse groups, including students, educators, and academic leaders, to investigate questions of access, identity, pedagogy, and transformation in education. My approach is both analytical and human-centred, attending closely to lived experience, power relations, and the evolving nature of teaching and learning.
Designing and conducting empirical qualitative studies in education, technology, and interdisciplinary settings.
Generating and analysing qualitative data through interviews, observations, document reviews, and reflective accounts.
Mentoring postgraduate students and early-career researchers, particularly those transitioning from technical disciplines into qualitative research
Supporting academic writing and publication, with an emphasis on developing coherent arguments and aligning data with theory and context
I see qualitative research as a dynamic and dialogical process, one that demands intellectual curiosity, ethical sensitivity, and attention to complexity. Whether you are designing a new study, analysing data, or navigating the writing process, I offer thoughtful, experienced guidance tailored to your goals.
Research Design & Proposal Development
Guidance in crafting coherent, methodologically sound qualitative research proposals. This includes help with framing research questions, selecting appropriate methods, aligning theory and design, and clarifying ethical considerations.
Data Collection Planning & Tool Design
Support in developing qualitative instruments such as interview schedules, observation protocols, and reflective journaling frameworks. Assistance in planning fieldwork logistics and securing ethical approval.
Thematic Data Analysis & Interpretation
One-on-one coaching and technical support in coding data (manually or using ATLAS.ti), identifying patterns, and drawing meaningful interpretations rooted in your chosen framework (e.g., CHAT, grounded theory, narrative inquiry).
Supervision Support & Research Mentoring
Mentorship for postgraduate students or early-career researchers navigating supervision, literature integration, and interdisciplinary challenges — particularly those transitioning from engineering or quantitative fields into qualitative work.
Methodological Workshops & Masterclasses
Custom-designed workshops for research groups or institutions on qualitative methodologies, contradiction analysis, CHAT applications, or mixed-methods integration in education research.