Franklin Nyairo
Franklin Nyairo is a project manager and doctoral researcher with a cross-disciplinary background in educational sciences, instructional design, and digital transformation in vocational and maritime education. He currently serves as Project Manager in the Sustainable Shipping RDI Unit at Novia University of Applied Sciences, where he coordinates international research collaborations focused on simulation-based maritime training, routine maritime communication and maritime instructor capacity development.
Franklin holds a Master of Arts in Educational Sciences from the University of Turku and a Master of Arts in English Philology from the University of Helsinki. He is completing his doctoral studies in education at the University of Helsinki, with a focus on technology-enhanced teacher education and competency-based learning frameworks. His professional work integrates educational theory with digital practice, aligning simulation pedagogy with international maritime standards and lifelong learning.
On-going projects
Franklin leads and contributes to multiple transnational RDI initiatives, including:
- iMASTER: Integrating Adaptive Learning in Maritime Simulator-Based Education and Training (2022–2026), focused on intelligent learning systems and multimodal analytics.
- DigiMar: Enhancing Maritime Communication through Chatbots and Video-Based Training (2023–2026), focusing on standardized VHF procedures and intercultural communication.
- IMPACT for Kenya TVET: A 22-month capacity-building partnership for sustainable maritime training and dual TVET development in Mombasa, Kenya, funded by GIZ.
Areas of expertise
Instructional design, simulation-based training, digital pedagogy, AI in education, maritime education, curriculum innovation, capacity-building.
Research interests
Franklin’s research explores the intersection of competency-based teacher education, artificial intelligence in vocational learning systems, ethical AI deployment in simulation assessments, and transnational knowledge co-creation in maritime education.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spaceandortime
Master’s theses
- University of Helsinki (2019): English Subject Teachers’ Attitudes Towards Using Computer-assisted Language Learning Tools in Finland
- University of Turku (2013): The nature of communication structures of university students in an international web-based computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) course.
Franklin Nyairo
Project Leader