With an academic background that spans sociology, urban studies, and interdisciplinary research on mobility and crisis Ilya's work explores how crises, such as war and economic instability, influence mobility patterns and shape public discourse on transportation. Currently, his doctoral research examines the role of bicycle cultures in Ukraine amidst crisis, employing a media studies approach to analyze societal perceptions and infrastructural changes. His research interests encompass mobility cultures, urban resilience, and the role of civil society in shaping sustainable transport policies.

Ilya holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and a Master's degree in Sociology - European Societies from Freie Universität Berlin, where he conducted a comparative study on cycling cultures. As a PhD candidate, Ilya is supervised by Prof. Dr. Hans-Liudger Dienel -  Chair of Work, Technology and Participation at the TU Berlin. 

Since 2018 Ilya has been actively engaged in international research projects, such as the RISMUz and SUMRICA initiatives, which explore sustainable mobility solutions in Central Asia. His expertise includes project coordination, third-party funding acquisition, and transdisciplinary collaboration. In the ZTG he has also worked on the conceptualization and execution of participatory research methods, facilitating collaborations between researchers, policymakers, and end users of digital technology. During his time in the TU Berlin Ilya has contributed to publications on sustainable mobility, urban transformation, and the socio-political dimensions of transport infrastructure. Beyond academia, he has contributed to science communication and public engagement by organizing workshops, conferences, and public discussions on sustainable approaches to the economy, society, and the city.