Doctoral Candidate

Name: Zoyia Konstantopoulou

email: zoi.konstantopoulou@durham.ac.uk

Research Project: Blockchain Organizations & Governance Mechanisms II (DC-10)

Biography

Zoyia Konstantopoulou is a Doctoral Candidate (DC) at Durham and NTNU in Information Systems, focusing on emerging technologies and their implications for organizational governance. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from California State University Long Beach and an MSc in Business Management from Durham University. Zoyia served as a Project Officer at the Cyprus Institute of Research and Innovation, managing projects at the Water, Energy, and Environment Research Department. Her research interests include the adoption of blockchain technology, particularly in enhancing transparency and traceability in public sector governance.

Motivation for the PhD

Zoyia’s motivation to pursue a PhD is inspired by her intrigue to explore the connections between humanity, the environment, and technological advancements. She is drawn by the complexity and unpredictability found in the social sciences and has a hopeful vision for a safer and more equitable digital future. She is driven by the challenge of understanding how we can effectively govern the digital commons. The governance of technology, particularly in the context of emerging tools like Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), is at the core of her research interests.

Why DIEM

Zoyia joined the DIEM consortium to leverage the opportunity to work with high-level research institutions and diverse industry partners. As an MSCA project, DIEM is a one-of-a-kind initiative for early-stage researchers to cultivate interdisciplinary and cross-border professional experience. The governance of technology, particularly in the context of emerging tools like DLT, is at the core of her research interests.

Doctoral Candidate Journey & Lessons Learned

Be Less Furious and More Curious:
Zoyia has learned to approach challenges with curiosity rather than frustration.

Science is About Being Less Wrong:
She understands that science is about refining ideas and being less wrong over time.

Ask for Help:
Zoyia has realized the importance of asking for help and not being afraid to ask “dumb” questions.

Fail Forward and Be Patient:
She has learned to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and to be patient with the research process.
Research is Amazing: Zoyia finds immense joy and fulfillment in the research journey.

Personal Interests & Fun Fact

Personal Interests
Zoyia enjoys beach volleyball, music, and being active outdoors.

Fun Fact
She is a former Cyprus National Team athlete in beach volleyball and is currently trying to get better at playing the piano.