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.

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

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. 

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.

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.