European Laboratory for Pedagogical Research and Student centered Learning ERG, EUt+ at Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Romania.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Lia Maria Pop is a Romanian educator, psychologist, and researcher specializing in inclusive education, psychopedagogy, and special needs support. With a strong academic foundation and over 15 years of diverse experience in education and psychology, she has established herself as a committed academic and practitioner in the field of educational sciences. Based at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, North University Centre Baia Mare, she plays an instrumental role in teaching, research, and curriculum development. Her career has been defined by her advocacy for students with learning disabilities and her efforts to bridge theory with real-world educational practices.
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🎓 EducationÂ
Dr. Lia Pop holds a PhD in Educational Sciences from the University of Bucharest, where her research focused on the efficiency of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) in supporting students with severe learning disabilities. She also possesses a Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in behavior development, and three Bachelor’s degrees—in Psychology, Pedagogy for Primary and Preschool Education, and Management. Her academic journey reflects a deep interdisciplinary interest and a commitment to both cognitive and administrative dimensions of education. Additionally, she holds a technical qualification in accounting and finance from the Nicolae Titulescu Economic College.
đź’Ľ ExperienceÂ
Dr. Pop is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, where she teaches a wide array of subjects including Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, Inclusive Education, and Psychopedagogy of Learning Difficulties. Her career also spans over a decade in the Romanian special education system, working directly with children who have moderate to severe impairments, including autism spectrum disorders. She has provided psychological counseling, speech therapy, and specialized educational interventions. Her experience in clinical psychology and psycho-pedagogical counseling enriches her academic work with practical relevance.
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Pop’s primary research interests center on inclusive education, especially the role of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) in supporting students with severe learning difficulties. Her doctoral research included comparative case studies in six countries (UK, Luxembourg, Hungary, Germany, Turkey, and Spain), making it both locally grounded and internationally informed. Her work examines the effectiveness of educational tools and policies for marginalized learners, promoting inclusive strategies in both theoretical and applied educational contexts. She also actively contributes to research in educational equity and pedagogical frameworks in higher education.
🏆 Honors & Awards
Dr. Pop has participated in and contributed to various national and international conferences and workshops. These include the International Conference on Civil Society and Social Assistance (Timisoara), the Autism Baia Mare Conference, and multiple events organized by the Technical University of Cluj and BabeČ™-Bolyai University. While formal awards are not listed, her ongoing engagement with projects funded by ERASMUS+, the European Commission, and national education programs reflects her recognition and credibility as a trusted educational expert.
Top Noted Publications:
A Circular Pedagogy for Higher Education
Authors: L. Morales, J.H. Coetzer, N. Barkoczi, L. Pop, C. Marian, P. Flynn
Citations: 21
Index: Technological University Dublin
Year of Publication: 2022
Technology and Education as Drivers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Through the Lens of the New Science of Learning
Authors: I. Stefan, N. Barkoczi, T. Todorov, I. Peev, L. Pop, C. Marian, C. Campian, …
Citations: 10
Index: International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, pp. 133–148
Year of Publication: 2023
Enhancing Human Security by Transforming Education Through Science, Technology, and Innovations
Authors: J.H. Coetzer, L. Morales, P. Flynn, L. Pop, N. Barkoczi, S. Munteanu, …
Citations: 9
Index: Cadmus 21 (1), p. 7
Year of Publication: 2023
Education to Navigate Global Power Dynamics and Conflict Through the Lens of Caring
Authors: L. Pop, L. Morales
Citations: 8
Index: Peace Review 35 (4), pp. 724–735
Year of Publication: 2023
Circular Pedagogy for Smart, Inclusive and Sustainable Education
Authors: L. Pop, N. Barkoczi, L. Morales, J.H. Coetzer, C. Marian, P. Flynn
Citations: 7
Index: Technological University Dublin
Year of Publication: 2022
Conclusion:
Assist. Prof. Dr. Lia Pop exemplifies dedication to inclusive, evidence-based education. Her academic versatility, teaching commitment, and hands-on experience with special education mark her as an asset to both academic and applied educational domains. With ongoing participation in research networks and European projects, she continues to impact educational strategies for learners with special needs. Her career reflects a unique balance of research excellence, social empathy, and educational innovation, making her a strong candidate for honors such as the Best Researcher Award.