Nimra Ahmed

Short Bio

Hi there! I'm Nims, currently doing my Fast Track PhD under Prof. Dr. Elaine May Huang at the People and Computing Lab.  I have previously completed my Bachelor's Degree in Informatics at the University of Zurich, where I wrote my thesis, "Designing Technology for People Affected by Forced Marriage", which was awarded the UZH Impact Award in 2022. You can read more about my work in the OEC magazine here. If you are further curious about me and my research, you can read this lovely portrait by the OecMagazinhere.

In March 2023, I received funding for my project "Supporting People Affected by Forced Marriage through Digital Transformation" from the DIZH. In the fall of 2023,  I joined the DSI through their PhD Excellence Program.

Starting August 2024, I will be the new Junior Researchers Representative Deputy at the ifi, where I will work together with Daan to create a strong and supportive community for junior researchers. I will also be representing the ifi at the faculty board and assembly with the support of Daan.   If you have any concerns or suggestions, need support or want to chat please do not hesitate to contact us.

Research

I am particularly interested in Feminist HCI and Social Justice. Specifically, I focus on the design and development of digital interventions for vulnerable and marginalized communities. Currently, my work focuses on the topics of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and forced marriages. I use trauma-informed and participatory design approaches, which will help the participants in my research gain a sense of agency and ownership in the technologies that emerge from the project.  You can read more about it here.

While the previously highlighted topic is my main research area, I also am interested in researching other interdisciplinary topics; currently, I am also researching in the space of (mental) health,  diversity, and culture, where I explore how to create and design culturally sensitive mental health technology.

I am always happy to supervise topics around social justice, feminist HCI, or mental health. If you are interested in working with me or curious about my research areas, please contact me.