MAHSA is an AI subject matter expert

Mahsa is a leading expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a recognised AI subject matter expert. She is the Communication and Information Commissioner for the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO. She is also a board member of EdTech and the AI Research Association, where she contributes to AI policy, education, and research. As an AI and Machine Learning Subject Matter Expert at AcademyEX, Mahsa provides strategic insights into the development and application of AI technologies. Additionally, she serves as an Artificial Intelligence Advisor at Aider, guiding the practical application of AI solutions.

MAHSA is an AI subject matter expert

Mahsa is a leading expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and serves as the Chair of the 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 expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and has played a significant role in advancing AI education, policy, and research in New Zealand. She served as Chair of AI Forum NZ for six years, providing leadership on AI policy, governance, ethics, and innovation in New Zealand. She is the Communication and Information Commissioner for the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO and a board member of the EdTech and AI Research Association, where she contributes to shaping AI policy and research. For over a decade, she led Google’s CS4HS (Computer Science for High Schools) initiative in Auckland, supporting digital technology teachers across more than 140 New Zealand schools.

ABOUT HER AI EXPERTISE

"The proven benefits of diversity motivates us to continue to advocate for a better gender balance in AI."

HER OTHER FIELDS OF RESEARCH INCLUDE

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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

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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 Head of the Department of Computer and Information 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

“ 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.”

Alyssa Pausanos

Software Engineering Graduate
Vista Group

“ 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. ”

Sara Ghafoor

Project Support Specialist
Entelar Group

“ This is regarding sessions with industry experts - I am enjoying Dr Mahsa 's sessions as they are designed by her to help us understand the technology better, its purpose, and various uses... Her method of teaching is fantastic, and we can remember things for a long time.... i feel myself more comfortable, at least now having knowledge and understanding of the technologies...”

Student at AcademyEX

“ I just wanted to thank you for all of the support you've given me over the last five years - you've been an amazing mentor, and have taught me so much about advocating for women in STEM! You've helped me to grow into a much more confident person by pushing me through She Sharp, and I've learnt so much from you!”

Emily Caldelari-Hume

Microbiology PhD Student and Researcher at the University of Auckland

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.

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13 April 2023

Technology: Will an AI pause be effective? What are digital citizen skills?

AI expert Dr Mahsa Mohaghegh of Auckland University of Technology joins Susie to talk about the pause that's been called for in the development of AI - is it too soon to be calling for safety systems at this stage when the technology is so new? Meanwhile AI has been doing the job of TV anchors. And as technology infiltrates all manner of subjects at school, do students need to be taught how to be good digital citizens?

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8 Dec 2022

Tech: OpenAI's new chatbot, facial recognition in supermarkets

Technology correspondent Dr Mahsa Mohaghegh joins Kathryn to discuss the latest mind-blowing AI chatbot from OpenAI, the use by Foodstuffs of facial recognition technology in North Island supermarkets to address security concerns and why Raspberry Pi would make a great Christmas present.

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13 Oct 2022

Tech: Targeted ads, Iran & Starlink, laughing robots

Technology correspondent Mahsa Mohaghegh joins Kathryn to talk about targeted advertising; how it works, what the difference is between first and third-party cookies and Google's cookie-replacement developments.She'll also talk about efforts by Elon Musk to activate Starlink in Iran to help combat an internet ban amid mass protests. And why are researchers are teaching robots to laugh?

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18 Aug 2022

Tech: AI sentience, self-drive cars v kids, cameras and phone use

Technology correspondent Mahsa Mohaghegh looks at artificial intelligence use in natural language processing and how close it is to being sentient. She'll also look at how safe pedestrians are from self-driving cars after a campaign group claimed the software was potentially lethal to children. Cameras are being used to detect errant mobile users while driving and the first female-led hackathon is due to be held next month.

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HER DISTINCTIONS & AFFILIATIONS

Communication and Information Commissioner - UNESCO
Former Chair - AI Forum NZ
Fulbright Scholar – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Head of Department of Computer and Information Sciences – Auckland University of Technology
Founder and Director – She Sharp
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 of 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

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HER CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

Communication and Information Commissioner - UNESCO
Former Chair - AI Forum NZ
Fulbright Scholar – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Head of Department of Computer and Information Sciences – Auckland University of Technology
Founder and Director – She Sharp
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 of 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

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HER GOVERNANCE ROLES

Chair

AI Forum NZ

During her tenure as Chair of the AI Forum NZ, Mahsa played a key role in strengthening connections between industry and academia, bringing together diverse perspectives to support the growth and development of AI in New Zealand.

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.

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.

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.

Commissioner to New Zealand National Commission

UNESCO

Dr Mahsa McCauley has been appointed by the Minister of Education as the new Communication and Information Commissioner. She is recognized for her exceptional expertise in artificial intelligence, digital futures, and technology leadership. Her extensive experience across AI, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion is expected to play a significant role in advancing UNESCO’s initiatives and the National Commission’s work across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

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).