Mahsan Nourani

Research Professor

  • PhD in Computer Science, University of Florida 
  • MSc in Computer Science, University of Florida 
  • BE in Information Technology (Computer Engineering), University of Tehran — Iran

Mahsan Nourani is a research assistant professor in the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University, based at the Roux Institute in Portland, Maine.  

Nourani’s research focuses on people's interactions with and understanding of AI and machine learning systems — specifically those used for AI-assisted decision-making — with the goal of enabling the creation of human-centered and responsible AI. Standing at the intersection of human–computer interaction, artificial intelligence and machine learning, the social sciences, and psychology, Nourani explores how people with varied experiences and backgrounds use AI, and how their differences influence the potential harms associated with AI systems. Her research also turns outward, exploring the transformative impact of AI on societies while scrutinizing the harms it may introduce.

Before joining Khoury College in 2023, Nourani held various research positions and internships at the University of Florida, Texas A&M University, Apple, and Microsoft Research’s Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics in AI team. She received an honorable mention award at ACM IUI in 2021 and has presented or published in AAAI HCOMP, IEEE TVCG, IEEE CG&A, ACM IUI, and ACM TIIS. 

In her free time, Nourani loves engaging in outdoor adventures, playing video games, gardening, and practicing aerial circus arts.