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MAHSA is an AI subject matter expert
Mahsa is a leading expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI). She serves as a Deputy Chair for AI Forum NZ. She is a board member of NZTech, EdTech and AI Research Association, where she influences AI policy and research. As an AI and Machine Learning Subject Matter Expert at academyEx, Mahsa provides strategic insights into the development of AI technologies. Additionally, she serves as an Artificial Intelligence Advisor at Aider, where she guides the application of AI solutions.
MAHSA is an AI subject matter expert
Mahsa is a leading expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI). She serves as a Deputy Chair for AI Forum NZ. She is a board member of NZTech, EdTech and AI Research Association, where she influences AI policy and research. As an AI and Machine Learning Subject Matter Expert at academyEx, Mahsa provides strategic insights into the development of AI technologies. Additionally, she serves as an Artificial Intelligence Advisor at Aider, where she guides the application of AI solutions.
ABOUT HER AI EXPERTISE
"The proven benefits of diversity motivates us to continue to advocate for a better gender balance in AI."
Mahsa is a leading AI expert whose work bridges technology and society. Her journey began with pioneering doctoral research 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. Today, she drives AI strategy in areas like the future of work and digital transformation, serving as a deputy chair for AI Forum NZ and as a board member for NZTech, EdTech and AI Research Association focusing on Diversity and Inclusion, and advises New Zealand SMEs on AI strategy.
ABOUT HER AI EXPERTISE
"The proven benefits of diversity motivates us to continue to advocate for a better gender balance in AI."
Mahsa is a leading AI expert whose work bridges technology and society. Her journey began with pioneering doctoral research 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. Today, she drives AI strategy in areas like the future of work and digital transformation, serving as a deputy chair for AI Forum NZ and as a board member for NZTech, EdTech and AI Research Association focusing on Diversity and Inclusion, and advises New Zealand SMEs on AI strategy.
HER OTHER FIELDS OF RESEARCH INCLUDE
Get in touch- Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing
- Natural Language Processing
- Cybersecurity
- Pattern Recognition and Data Mining
- Computer System Security
- Software Engineering
- Data Structures
- Ubiquitous Computing
- Computer Communications Networks
- Neurocognitive Patterns and Neural Networks
ABOUT HER TEACHING EXPERIENCE
" There is a lot of excitement knowing you are on the forefront of technology research, and also a great sense of achievement in mentoring and guiding students through their pathway to success. "
As an associate professor for the School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences at AUT, Mahsa is renowned for her ability to inspire and empower students, blending her deep expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) with a passion for teaching.
Mahsa’s influence extends beyond the classroom. She has been the general chair for Google Educator Fund initiatives, including CS4HS (Computer Science for High Schools), in Auckland for over a decade. Since 2017, she has established AUT as a partner for these workshops, providing professional development to digital technologies teachers across more than 140 schools in New Zealand. Through these initiatives, Mahsa has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of digital education in secondary schools, ensuring that the next generation is well-prepared for the challenges of the digital age.
HEAR FROM HER STUDENTS
“ I had the privilege of meeting Dr Mahsa McCauley in 2023, shortly after arriving in Aotearoa. As a Master’s graduate in Computer Information Sciences from AUT, specialising in AI, and now working at Entelar Group, I can confidently say that Mahsa’s mentorship has been a cornerstone of my journey. Working as a Research Assistant under her guidance, I quickly realised she isn’t just a mentor, she’s a builder of people. Mahsa has an incredible way of recognising potential and helping you bring it to life, empowering you to achieve more than you ever thought possible. If there’s one word that captures her, it’s “queen”, a queen of knowledge, kindness, and inspiration. ”
Entelar Group
“ Having Mahsa as my 4th-year Industrial Engineering project supervisor was one of the best choices I made. Instead of going with someone from the list, I reached out to her, and I’m so glad I did! She guided me through my project and opened the door to so many amazing networking opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Mahsa isn’t just extremely knowledgeable—she’s also incredibly empowering and thoughtful. She encouraged me to think independently while offering valuable advice and support. Thanks to her guidance, I didn’t just complete my project successfully—I gained valuable connections, new skills, and a clearer sense of direction for my career. I’m so grateful to have had her as my supervisor.”
Vista Group
HER RADIO COMMENTATOR EXPERIENCE
Over the past year, Dr Mahsa have engaged with the professional and general public communities through speaking at over 60 conferences, events and panels, and is a regular periodic science and technology commentator on Radio NZ. Below are some of her recent talks.
LEARN MORETechnology: Will an AI pause be effective? What are digital citizen skills?
Tech: OpenAI's new chatbot, facial recognition in supermarkets
Tech: Targeted ads, Iran & Starlink, laughing robots
Tech: AI sentience, self-drive cars v kids, cameras and phone use
HER DISTINCTIONS & AFFILIATIONS
- Fulbright Scholar - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- Associate Professor - Auckland University of Technology
- Founder and Director - She Sharp
- Deputy Chair - AI Forum NZ
- Board Member - Artificial Intelligence Research Association
- Keynote Speaker - Celebrity Speakers NZ
- Member of Governance Board - Artificial Intelligence Researchers Association
- Board Member, Government and Education Representative - NZTech
- Executive Council - Edtech
- Member of Board Directors - WSA
- National Expert for New Zealand - World Summit Award
- Co-Director - STEM-TEC
- Vice Chair - IEEE Women in Engineering - North Section
- Judge- New Zealand Hi-Tech Award
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Expert - academyEX
- Member MInstD - Institute of Directors in New Zealand
- Member - Global Women
- Industry Liaison Chair - The International Conference on Neural Information Processing (ICONIP)
- Committee Member - New Zealand Robotics, Automation and Sensing (NZRAS)
- Member of Advisory Board - APAC Women in AI Awards
HER CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
- Fulbright Scholar - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- Associate Professor - Auckland University of Technology
- Founder and Director - She Sharp
- Deputy Chair - AI Forum NZ
- Board Member - Artificial Intelligence Research Association
- Keynote Speaker - Celebrity Speakers NZ
- Member of Governance Board - Artificial Intelligence Researchers Association
- Board Member, Government and Education Representative - NZTech
- Executive Council - Edtech
- Member of Board Directors - WSA
- National Expert for New Zealand - World Summit Award
- Co-Director - STEM-TEC
- Vice Chair - IEEE Women in Engineering - North Section
- Judge- New Zealand Hi-Tech Award
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Expert - academyEX
- Member MInstD - Institute of Directors in New Zealand
- Member - Global Women
- Industry Liaison Chair - The International Conference on Neural Information Processing (ICONIP)
- Committee Member - New Zealand Robotics, Automation and Sensing (NZRAS)
- Member of Advisory Board - APAC Women in AI Awards
HER GOVERNANCE ROLES
Founder / Director
She Sharp
Mahsa founded She Sharp in 2014, a non-profit focused on addressing the gender gap in technology by connecting high school girls, female students, and industry professionals. With over 1,500 members, the group helps students explore career options, build industry contacts, and break down barriers in tech. She Sharp has gained support from major organizations like Google, Microsoft, and Xero. Mahsa's work was recognised when she was named a semi-finalist for the 2018 New Zealander of the Year Awards, and She Sharp won the 2019 Small Organisation Excellence Award from Diversity Works. Mahsa also received the YWCA Equal Pay Champion Award in 2019.
Deputy Chair
AI Forum NZ
In her role at the AI Forum, Mahsa bridges the gap between industry and academia in AI, representing the perspectives of tertiary education to the broader industry.
Member of Board of Directors
World Summit Awards
Mahsa serves on the WSA Board of Directors, offering strategic advice on AI and contributing to the development of AI initiatives for education. Since May 2020, she has also been the WSA National Expert for New Zealand, evaluating, shortlisting, and recommending candidates for the World Summit Awards. Her role focuses on recognizing entrepreneurial projects that address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Board Member
NZTech
Mahsa is an education and government representative on the NZ Tech Board, where she offers guidance on the education sector’s perspective on technology use and connects government policy to the tech space.
Member of Governance Board
AI Researchers Association
Mahsa is the AUT representative on the Governance Board of the Artificial Intelligence Researchers Association (AINZ). In this role, she contributes to setting the strategic direction, ensuring the association remains aligned with its vision, purpose, and objectives. Working collaboratively with the Board and the Executive Committee, she helps support and advocate for the AI research community in New Zealand, driving efforts to position the country as a global leader in artificial intelligence.
“
WE NEED TO BE OPEN, AND NOT JUST ACCEPT THE WAY THAT THINGS ARE
”
HER HONORS AND AWARDS
FULBRIGHT NZ SCHOLAR RECIPIENT
UNSUNG HERO 2023
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Local Hero New Zealander of the Year Awards
Small Organisation Excellence Award
Equal Pay Champion Award
Vice‐Chancellor’s Diversity Award
Finalist – NZ Women of Influence Awards, Diversity category
Finalist – New Zealander of the Year Awards 2018
Lenna Visiting Professor Award
aut Design and Creative Technologies Special Dean’s Award for Service
Finalist – New Zealander of the Year Awards 2017
Chief Executive Award for Exceptional Service
Executive Dean’s Award
New Zealand Women of Influence Awards – Emerging Leader category
anita Borg Scholarship
Massey University Doctoral Scholarship
New Zealand International Doctoral Scholarship
