Nimra Ahmed

Short Bio

Hello! I'm Nimra, but you can call me Nims. I’m currently pursuing a Fast Track PhD under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Elaine May Huang  at the People and Computing Lab. My academic journey includes a Bachelor's Degree in Informatics from the University of Zurich, where my thesis on "Designing Technology for People Affected by Forced Marriage" earned the UZH Impact Award in 2022. You might have seen my work featured in OEC magazine – if you missed it, you can read more about it here and here.

 In March 2023, I received funding for my project "Supporting People Affected by Forced Marriage through Digital Transformation" from the DIZH, and I joined the DSI PhD Excellence Program in fall 2023. Starting August 2024, I will serve as the Junior Researchers Representative Deputy at the ifi, alongside Daan, to foster a supportive community for junior researchers. I'm also an active voice in the faculty board and assembly. If you have any questions, need support, or just want to chat, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Research

My research is rooted in Feminist HCI and Social Justice, with a strong focus on creating digital interventions for vulnerable and marginalized communities. I primarily work on issues related to domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and forced marriages, employing trauma-informed and participatory design approaches to empower participants with agency and ownership over the technologies developed. Additionally, I explore interdisciplinary topics within (mental) health, diversity, and culture, aiming to devise culturally sensitive mental health technologies. If you’re passionate about social justice, feminist HCI, or mental health and are interested in working with me (thesis, independent study, master project) or learning more about my research, please reach out.