At the Forefront of AI: Dr. Mahsa McCauley’s Global Mission to Shape the Future of Technology and Education
Dr. Mahsa McCauley isn't just talking about the future of AI; she's actively building it. This respected leader in artificial intelligence and digital equity just wrapped up an unforgettable six months as a Fulbright Scholar in the United States. She spent her time diving into cutting-edge AI innovation and forging crucial connections across academia and industry.
Her journey took her to 17 states and 10 top-tier universities, from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, to Johns Hopkins, UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, and NC A&T. Each stop offered unique insights into how AI is reshaping our world, and importantly, how we can ensure it does so ethically and inclusively.
“Exploring these institutions with my daughter by my side was one of the most meaningful parts of my journey,” Mahsa shares. “I loved watching her eyes light up as she discovered the limitless possibilities that education can offer. I hope this experience plants the seeds of curiosity and ambition for her own future.”
Leading Innovation Through Collaboration
During her U.S. journey, Mahsa led workshops and delivered talks on AI's role in the future of work, digital equity, and the often-overlooked importance of self-promotion in the tech industry. Her sessions skillfully blended technical expertise with a human touch, exploring how AI can drive opportunity, innovation, and positive change without leaving anyone behind.
She also continued her global advocacy for women and underrepresented groups in STEM, a fundamental part of her mission to build a tech industry that genuinely reflects the diversity of the world it serves.
AI for Good: From Beehives to Boardrooms
Mahsa's work extends far beyond lecture halls. A standout highlight of her time in the U.S. was her involvement in North Carolina A&T's innovative Bee Doctor Project. This project cleverly uses AI and machine learning to analyze acoustic signals from beehives, diagnosing hive health and detecting diseases early—an innovation with powerful implications for sustainable agriculture and our food systems.
Fully embracing this project, Mahsa even stepped out of her comfort zone to become a certified beekeeper, completing a Master Beekeeping course. It was, she says, “a hands-on lesson in patience and the interconnectedness of life.”
Shaping the Global AI Conversation
Mahsa’s leadership also extends to the world of academic publishing. She recently served as Lead Guest Editor for a special issue of the Journal of Quality Assurance in Education, delving into AI’s impacts on teaching, assessment, and educational equity. Her work directly helps steer global discussions on how to integrate AI into education while preserving core human values and fairness.
Why She’s One to Watch
With a career spanning research, innovation, public speaking, and advocacy, Dr. Mahsa McCauley is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most influential voices in AI. Her ability to demystify complex technologies, tackle ethical questions head-on, and inspire audiences makes her a highly sought-after speaker worldwide.
Whether she's addressing C-suite executives, educators, or students, Mahsa’s talks are thought-provoking, future-focused, and consistently grounded in the belief that technology must serve humanity—not the other way around.
If your organisation or event is looking to explore how AI is reshaping our world—and how we can shape it for good—Dr. Mahsa McCauley is the ideal person to lead that conversation.
