Kaisa Pihlainen

I work as an assistant professor in the Department of Special Education where I research learning and participation from the lifelong learning perspective. My latest research has focused on studying digital skills of older adults, peer interaction of children on the autism spectrum as well as student teachers´ well-being. I utilize versatile research methods, emphasizing visual and participatory research methods. I have participated in many transdisciplinary research projects both nationally and internationally. Currently I am researching in PEICAS – Peer Interactions involving Children with Autism Spectrum disorder in inclusive classrooms -project, funded by the Research Council of Finland. I have worked as a visiting scholar in Queensland University of Technology in Australia, Karlstad University in Sweden, and Siegen University in Germany. Along with research, I teach and supervise master´s and doctoral students. I have a title of Docent in lifelong learning in University of Lapland.