Marika Apostolova

Marika Apostolova serves as a professor in the computer science and engineering department at the University of Texas at Arlington. She joined UTA in 2023 after 18 years at Southeast European University in North Macedonia, where she advanced from assistant to associate professor and held positions including director of computer centers, pro-dean, dean, and chair. With more than 20 years in academia, she now directs undergraduate computer science studies and the student success center while chairing the international employee network. Her primary focus remains teaching programming courses, where she integrates emerging technologies such as AI to enhance student engagement and prepares graduates for the evolving labor market. She has published more than 60 research papers in international conferences and journals, often collaborating with her students, and maintains active involvement in professional organizations as an IEEE member, organizer for the CCMC conference, and reviewer for the Mediterranean Conference. Apostolova holds a PhD defended in 2020 along with Microsoft certification and has earned best paper, best student paper, and outstanding employee awards. She also contributes through workshops and trainings in schools and NGOs as well as donations to local community initiatives.