Meet Mahsa Nasri | Extended Reality Designer and Researcher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mahsa Nasri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mahsa, how do you think about risk?
For me, taking risks has always been about embracing the unknown. Every major step I’ve taken—whether in engineering, AI, or art—has involved some level of uncertainty, and I believe that growth happens beyond your comfort zone.

I started in engineering, where structured problem-solving was at the core. But then, when I found my passion at the intersection of art and technology, I took a big risk and changed my major to animation. For me, animation was also about design thinking and finding the best way to narrate a story. Even after that, I didn’t stay in conventional 2D animation. Even though I had some success in 2D animation, it wasn’t fulfilling for me. So, I moved to an area where I could merge everything I had learned—from engineering and programming to art and design. I decided to explore virtual reality as a medium and studied VR aesthetics for my master’s thesis.

At some point, I realized that I wanted to see the impact of my work on real life and real people, so I took another risk and started developing VR applications with additional sensors, such as heart rate monitors or interactive devices like bicycles. I designed an exergame for women suffering from MS, and seeing them enjoy the VR app was a joy—a reward that came from the risks I took.

Wanting to amplify the impact of my work, I pursued a PhD in the Interdisciplinary Design and Media program, bridging the gap between computer science and VR design.

Now, I continue taking risks by pursuing new domains like AI, neuroscience, and biometrics. I don’t see disciplines as rigid labels; instead, they are fluid, especially in our current society, where adaptability is key. Each time I step into an unfamiliar area, I learn, grow, and bring something valuable back to my work.

I believe that risk-taking isn’t about recklessness—it’s about trusting that discomfort leads to growth. Every challenge I’ve faced has shaped who I am today, and I wouldn’t be here without embracing the unknown.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work lies at the intersection of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and biometrics. I focus on creating immersive and adaptive experiences that respond to human emotions and cognitive states. What sets me apart is my interdisciplinary approach—combining engineering, design, and AI to build VR systems that don’t just simulate reality but adapt to the user in real time.

My journey has been anything but easy. I started in engineering, then took a risk to switch to animation and design, and later found my way back into technology through virtual reality. Transitioning between these fields was challenging, especially since they required different mindsets and skill sets. However, I am grateful to have found an interdisciplinary space where I truly belong.

Creativity has always been central to my work. One of the most exciting projects I explored was a VR experience with four hands, where I delved into body extensions and how users perceive and adapt to additional limbs in virtual environments. 

As my work evolved, I became fascinated with emotion detection. I explored eye tracking to detect the feeling of awe, understanding how gaze behavior can reveal profound emotional responses. This research laid the foundation for my continued exploration into adaptive VR systems.

Building on these experiences, I am developing an adaptive VR training for advanced manufacturing. While different in application, at its core, it shares the same principle—adapting the experience to the user’s cognitive and emotional state. By incorporating real-time biometric feedback, I aim to create training environments that enhance learning, reduce cognitive overload, and improve user engagement.

The biggest challenge was navigating an unconventional career path. Many people expect specialists to stay within their domains, but I saw the value in blending multiple disciplines. I overcame these challenges by seeking out mentors, continuously learning, and trusting that my perspective would allow me to innovate in ways that specialists alone could not.

Along the way, I’ve learned that curiosity and adaptability are more important than rigid expertise. I’ve also realized that taking risks—whether switching fields, starting new projects, or pursuing ideas without a clear roadmap—is essential for growth.

What I want the world to know about my work is that technology should be human-centered. In the world we live in today, with the challenges we face, the most important aspect is to remain sensitive to our humanity and be conscious of our products and their impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I would want to give them an experience that captures the city’s charm, history, and vibrant culture.

To start, I would take them to the Charles River to watch the sunset or enjoy the ocean breeze near Columbus Park. There’s something incredibly peaceful about these spots. One of my favorite places to visit is the North End, where the lively streets and incredible Italian restaurants create a truly memorable dining experience.

For a perfect coffee break, I would take them to Café Vittoria, a charming and historic café where we could enjoy an espresso or cappuccino while chatting in a cozy atmosphere.

A must-visit is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum—my favorite museum in Boston. Its stunning architecture, lush courtyard, and fascinating art collection make it feel like stepping into another world.

There’s so much to see and do, and I know that even a week wouldn’t be enough to explore everything—but we’d make the most of every moment!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my family—especially my mother, who is water, and my father, who is earth, nurturing me so I may grow. To my kind sister and my supportive brothers, who have always embraced my unconventional path. Although we are apart, my heart beats for all of you, echoing your kindness and unwavering love.

Website: https://mahsanasri.wixsite.com/mahsanasri

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masa.n27/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahsa-nasri/