Mina’s doctoral research at the Wellington School of Business and Government looks at how digital humans, such as avatars or virtual assistants, can help people collaborate more effectively with AI systems.
“Digital humans are used in areas like healthcare, education, business, and other contexts,” she says, “and my goal is to understand what roles they play, how they interact with people, and what make those interactions successful or challenging? It's really fascinating how fast this area is evolving.”
Mina’s work with LitMaps, a literature review platform that helps researchers discover academic papers in a more visual way, compliments her doctoral research, and vice versa. “I work on content strategy and marketing for LitMaps,” Mina says, “but a lot of it involves understanding how researchers think and what they struggle with. That overlaps with my PhD, where I explore how people interact with digital tools. So the two roles really fit with each other.”
Although it was challenging juggling the PhD and LitMaps work at the beginning, Mina says she felt supported and included by staff and fellow students. “It gave me a pathway to apply my research skills in the real world and helped me connect with people in both academia and industry. As an international student it made a big difference.”
Mina is from Iran, where she completed her Master of Engineering in nanotechnology at Amirkabir University of Technology. She came to New Zealand in October 2024 for her PhD. “I was looking for somewhere open, peaceful, and supportive,” she says. “I’d heard people here are really welcoming and kind, so coming to New Zealand felt like the right choice.”
She began working with LitMaps in January this year and appreciates the opportunities provided by integrating work and learning. “When I'm studying and I'm working, I can decide what I want to choose. For now, I'm open to both academia and industry. I love research, but I also really enjoy working in a startup where ideas move fast. I think it's like a bridge between research and real-world impact, and maybe to research product development.”
LitMaps is based at the Taiawa Wellington Tech Hub, a vibrant co-working space hosted by the University on Pipitea campus in conjunction with the Wellington City Council.
Mina says PhD students usually have some work experience to bring to their studies, and the Taiawa Wellington Tech Hub is helpful for students who want to find jobs that combine both their work experience and their research skills. “For example, I have six years of experience in the marketing field, and now I'm combining what I'm learning in my PhD with my LitMaps work.”
Mina believes Taiawa is an ecosystem that benefits everyone. “The University can support students’ career development, and the companies get access to smart and research-driven talent. Students gain real world experience that connects with their academic journey.”