Olha Leshko, PhD, is a Ukrainian applied physicist and STEM education leader committed to advancing science and teacher development. She earned her PhD in Applied Physics and Nanomaterials at Drohobych Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University, Ukraine. Her research focuses on quantum dots, nanostructures, and their optical properties, with applications in biomedicine, photonics, and advanced functional materials. Her academic work integrates theoretical modeling with interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of physics, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications.
Dr. Leshko is a researcher in national research projects supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, contributing to studies on semiconductor quantum dots and nanostructured systems. She is a recipient of the American Physical Society International Research Travel Award (IRTAP-Ukraine), which supported her international research collaboration and academic exchange in the United States.
In addition to her scientific work, she actively contributes to the reform and modernization of STEM education in Ukraine. She serves as the STEM with Ukraine K–12 Coordinator and is a trainer of the New Ukrainian School reform, providing professional development for teachers in natural sciences education and promoting student-centered, inquiry-based, and interdisciplinary learning approaches.
She is an accreditation expert for the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance of Ukraine, evaluating educational programs in natural sciences and applied physics. Dr. Leshko promotes international academic collaboration, interdisciplinary research partnerships, and the resilience and global integration of Ukrainian education during wartime.