Shikha Shethia

Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business Information Systems with First Class Honours

For her PhD research, Shikha Shethia is focusing on the experiences of people with visual impairments and their use of digital voice assistants, as well as the impact these devices have on their daily lives.

“I chose this topic because I’m deeply committed to understanding and improving accessibility, and inclusivity in technology. The rapid advancement of digital voice assistants presents vast opportunities for individuals with visual impairments, and I’m driven to explore how these technologies impact people’s lives and enhance their independence.

“My interest in this area comes from a combination of personal fascination with anthropomorphic technologies and a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of visually impaired individuals who rely on these tools. I’m dedicated to contributing valuable knowledge that can drive positive change and enhance the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments.”

Shikha’s doctoral research is supervised by Dr Lena Waizenegger and Professor Angsana Techatassanasoontorn from the AUT Business School.

Well-rounded and forward-thinking
She has always been fascinated by how a business operates, grows and adapts in a constantly changing environment, says Shikha who received a Faculty of Business, Economics and Law scholarship to support her PhD and hopes to pursue a career in academia in the future.

“I had aspirations of starting my own business someday, and I believed that studying business would give me the necessary skills and knowledge to help me achieve my goals and create a meaningful impact in society. I chose to study at AUT because it has an outstanding reputation for fostering innovation.”

She says she would highly recommend the business programmes at AUT to others.

“The programmes offer a well-rounded and forward-thinking approach to business education, and are taught by highly experienced and dedicated staff. I’ve greatly appreciated the supportive network at AUT. The approachable and knowledgeable staff have been instrumental in guiding my research and providing valuable feedback. Engaging with fellow students through academic discussions has also enriched my learning experience and broadened my perspective.

“I’ve also had the privilege of representing AUT at the Australasian Conference on Information Systems (ACIS) doctoral consortium in 2020, and presented a short paper at the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) in 2023.”

Advice for other students
Shikha has some great advice for other students.

“My advice to other students is to fully embrace the opportunities available to you academically. Make the most of internships, networking events and extracurricular activities to gain practical experience and build valuable connections. Find a balance that works for you between your studies, part-time work and your personal life. Engage actively in your classes and university life, and participate in discussions, collaborate with peers on projects and attend events.”

Don’t hesitate to seek support when needed, she adds.

“Whether it’s academic guidance from your faculty, career advice, or personal support from the counselling services or your peers, using these resources can make a big difference in your success and wellbeing. Lastly, challenges are inevitable – use them as opportunities for growth and be persistent.”