Maria (Madi) Ditmars is an anthropologist and education development specialist at the African Studies Centre Leiden. She coordinates student affairs and curriculum development for the interdisciplinary African Dynamics and Frugal Innovation for Sustainable Futures Leiden-Delft-Erasmus (LDE) minors.

Drawing on extensive experience in both traditional and digital education - from curriculum design and assessment strategies to online/blended learning and quality assurance, she works at the intersection of pedagogy and development. A key strength lies in her ability to enhance 21st-century learning skills by fully harnessing the potential of technology. Her research and practice explore how education drives sustainable human development, ensure epistemic equality, amplify local knowledge, and create meaningful, socially responsible learning environments.