Dr. Mahsa McCauley is a globally recognised leader in artificial intelligence, known for her pioneering research, strategic influence, and unwavering commitment to diversity in technology.
Her journey into computing began at age seven, when she helped her father build a computer, igniting a lifelong passion for technology. This early curiosity led her to pursue a PhD at Massey University, where she developed a groundbreaking hybrid machine translation system for English and Persian, combining statistical and linguistic techniques to improve translation accuracy.
As an Associate Professor at Auckland University of Technology, Mahsa blends academic leadership with real-world impact. She has supervised over 70 research projects and authored more than 80 publications across AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and natural language processing. Her recent work includes the development of the Scaffolded AI Literacy (SAIL) framework for education and advancements in neural networks for sound event detection.
Mahsa's influence extends beyond academia. She serves as Deputy Chair of AI Forum NZ and holds board positions with NZTech, EdTech, and the AI Research Association, shaping national AI policy and research. Internationally, she contributes as a Fulbright Scholar at North Carolina A&T State University, collaborating on AI applications in agriculture and cybersecurity.
In 2014, Mahsa founded She Sharp, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women and non-binary individuals in technology. Under her leadership, She Sharp has grown to over 2,000 members and hosted more than 80 events, partnering with organisations like Google, Microsoft, and Xero to inspire the next generation of tech leaders.
Mahsa's contributions have been recognised with numerous accolades, including the 2023 Unsung Hero Award at the Women in Security Awards, the 2020 Massey University Distinguished Alumni Award, and the 2019 YWCA Equal Pay Champion Award.
A sought-after speaker and media commentator, Mahsa has addressed over 60 conferences and events, and regularly appears on platforms like TVNZ, The AM Show, and Radio NZ, discussing topics ranging from AI ethics to the future of work.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mahsa is an avid participant in the Iron Māori triathlon and enjoys home decorating and spending quality time with her family. She believes that taking a complete break from work allows her to return with fresh ideas and perspectives.
Dr. Mahsa McCauley's remarkable leadership, expertise in AI, and unwavering dedication to empowering women in technology make her a highly influential figure in academia and the tech community.
Talking Points
Adapting AI Tools for STEAM exploration
Exploring how AI can be integrated into STEAM education and the benefits of doing soAdapting AI Tools for STEAM exploration
Discussing best practices for developing AI curriculum, including incorporating real-world applications, engaging students in hands-on projects, and collaborating with industry partners
Discussing the impact of AI on the job market and the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven economy
Artificial Intelligence in Real Life
Presentations and discussions to explore the opportunities, challenges, and risks around the use of AI in our digital future.Artificial Intelligence in Real Life
Key themes for strategically applying AI in business include:
• Identifying high-impact use cases. What decisions could be made better, faster, or cheaper with AI than a human?
• Align AI strategy with business strategy to accelerate the biggest opportunities and overcome the biggest threats.
• Start with a small use case but a big goal. For example, 10X improvement. • Fast iterations to maximise learning.
• Integrate AI into workflows and look for system-wide opportunities.
Human Augmentation in the Future of Work and Education
Dr Mahsa Mohaghegh, Director of Women in Technology says AI tools such as ChatGPT will augment learning and speed up the process. However, she emphasised that students will still need the basic knowledge and critical thinking skills to verify the outputs. Creativity will also remain important. Teachers’ jobs aren’t at risk, but they will change, she says. For example, teachers will play a crucial role in guiding students to discern fact from potentially false outputs.Human Augmentation in the Future of Work and Education
“It is undesirable and impractical for AI to replace human teachers - AI doesn’t have empathy.”
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity has rapidly advanced to combat the increasing complexity of digital threats, becoming essential for protecting sensitive information. As technology evolves, its role in safeguarding privacy and maintaining trust in digital systems is more crucial than ever. Over the past decade, Mahsa has researched how technology advancements impact cybersecurity, focusing on how it is evolving to address current and future risks. Her expertise earned her recognition at the NZ Women in Security Awards, winning the Unsung Hero Award in 2023, and nominated finalist for the Most Innovative Educator Award in 2022.
Cybersecurity
Diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are essential as science and technology rapidly evolve, ensuring innovation benefits everyone. Embracing diverse perspectives fosters creativity and addresses complex global challenges more effectively. Since starting her career in science and technology, Mahsa has been among the minority of women in the field, recognizing both the challenges they face and the missed opportunities due to a lack of diversity. By founding She Sharp she has led efforts to support women and dismantle stereotypes, encouraging the next generation to explore this exciting and rewarding career path.
Diversity and inclusion
Science and technology
Science and technology have advanced rapidly, driving innovation and transforming everyday life. Their continued evolution is crucial for addressing global challenges and improving the future. Inspired by a fascination with technology from a young age, Mahsa is deeply passionate about these fields and their potential to create positive change.
Science and technology
Mahsa was such a great speaker and really captivated our audience. She was intelligent, with warmth and humor. The presentation was very informative and delivered in a lively engaging manner ... keep reading Medical Assurance Society New Zealand Limited
