A globally recognised leader in artificial intelligence and technology education, Dr Mahsa McCauley is Head of Computer and Information Sciences at Auckland University of Technology’s School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, where she combines academic leadership with bold advocacy for equity and innovation in tech.
Mahsa’s journey into computing began at just seven years old, when she helped her father build a computer—an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for problem‑solving and systems thinking. That curiosity led her to doctoral study at Massey University, where she developed a pioneering hybrid machine translation system for English and Persian, integrating statistical and linguistic techniques to significantly improve translation accuracy.
Now an Associate Professor and academic leader at AUT, Mahsa has supervised more than 70 research projects and authored over 80 publications spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity and natural language processing. Her recent work includes the development of the Scaffolded AI Literacy (SAIL) framework, designed to build meaningful AI capability in education, alongside advances in neural networks for sound event detection.
Beyond the university, Mahsa plays a major role in shaping New Zealand’s technology ecosystem. She serves as Chair of AI Forum NZ and holds board roles with NZTech, EdTech and the AI Research Association, contributing to national AI strategy, policy development and research direction. Internationally, she has been appointed Communication and Information Commissioner for the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO and has worked 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 not‑for‑profit organisation dedicated to empowering women and non‑binary people in technology. Under her leadership, She Sharp has grown into a nationwide community of more than 2,000 members, delivering over 80 events in partnership with organisations such as Google, Microsoft and Xero, and helping to reshape who sees themselves reflected in tech leadership.
Her contributions have been widely recognised, with 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 respected public voice on artificial intelligence, ethics and the future of work, Mahsa regularly appears across New Zealand media including TVNZ, The AM Show and RNZ, bringing clarity and nuance to complex technological issues.
Outside of her professional life, Mahsa competes in the Iron Māori triathlon, enjoys home renovation projects, and values restorative time with her family—believing that true innovation is sustained by balance, reflection and wellbeing.
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
Mahsa's engaging, eloquent, and unafraid to speak from what she knows, rather than simply saying what she thinks people expect to hear. That kind of authenticity is powerful. Mashsa is brave, bold, and incredibly insightful, offering perspectives that stayed with people long after the day ended. The feedback has been outstanding, from survey results to Linkedln posts, people have been raving about her contribution and the value she delivered. If you want a speaker who will inspire your audience, elevate your event, and deliver with both substance and heart, Mahsa is exactly who you want in your line-up.
Mahsa's talk was amazing and very pertinent for today. She was absolutely right, as a parent I am both excited but cautious about what AI brings but Im willing to go on that ride and not against it! She speaks very well and with conviction.
