Meet Mahsa

We were lucky to catch up with Mahsa recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mahsa, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I have always wanted to do something great—something that would have an impact on the people around me and improve their lives. Art and technology have fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I wanted to create, to bring ideas to life, and to make something meaningful.

As a child, I was good at math. Naturally, I followed that and eventually pursued electrical engineering. It was a great experience—I learned a lot and built some exciting projects with microcontrollers. But something was missing. I didn’t feel the impact I was craving. I wanted to do something more creative, something that truly resonated with me.

That’s when I decided to follow my passion for art. Animation fascinated me because it is a fluid art form, capturing storytelling, sketching, and, most importantly, imagination and creativity. Changing my major was difficult, and in my country, where education follows a more traditional path, interdisciplinary transitions are not always encouraged. But something deep inside me told me this was the right decision. I trusted my instincts and pursued it, believing that it would open new doors.

And it did. Animation led me to interactive technology, and soon, I found myself immersed in the world of virtual reality during my master’s studies. At that time, I was unfamiliar with the concept of human-computer interaction. I was looking at VR through the lens of aesthetics and media. However, the more I explored, the more I realized that VR was the perfect medium to bridge my love for technology and art. I knew in my heart that this was the field in which I wanted to specialize.

Determined to push further, I started learning Unity to develop VR experiences. That was another turning point. I combined my engineering background with my VR projects, integrating sensors like heart rate monitors and even connecting VR to a bicycle’s speed to create immersive, interactive experiences. It was challenging, but my hunger for learning—especially for new and unexplored territories—kept me moving forward.

I’ve always followed my heart. I know it sounds cliché, but it has guided me well. In the end, every decision I made shaped who I am today, and that, in turn, shaped my purpose. But purpose is not just about career choices—it has a deeper, spiritual meaning for me. True purpose, I believe, lies in happiness—not just my own, but in serving and uplifting others. Because the joy of making a real impact lasts far longer than any personal success.

In a way, my purpose found me. I simply let it happen, trusted the flow, and stayed open to where life was leading me. And now, I find myself doing what I am passionate about—creating experiences that inspire, challenge perspectives, and ultimately, improve people’s lives.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Sure! I work at the intersection of virtual reality, game design, artificial intelligence, and biometric sensors. That may sound like a lot of technical jargon, but at its core, my work is about creating virtual reality applications that understand human emotions and adapt to the environment based on their needs.

Imagine someone undergoing exposure therapy—one of the most critical aspects of treatment is carefully managing their stress levels. If the exposure is too intense, it can cause further trauma instead of healing. With emotionally adaptive VR, the system can monitor the user’s stress and adjust the experience in real time, ensuring a safe and effective therapeutic process.

Or consider a classroom setting—every student learns at a different pace, and information flow can sometimes be overwhelming or too slow. Now, imagine an intelligent learning environment that detects when a student is feeling stressed or lost and dynamically adjusts the lesson, making it easier to follow and more personalized.

I’m incredibly excited about this field because of its vast applications—from healthcare and therapy to education and interactive experiences. My goal is to make virtual environments more human-centered, responsive, and emotionally aware, ultimately enhancing how we interact with digital spaces and making technology work for people rather than the other way around.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, there are a few things that have shaped me the most.
First and foremost, I thrive on learning. It’s not just a habit; it’s my passion. There’s something deeply fulfilling about acquiring new skills, diving into unfamiliar fields, and expanding my understanding of the world. I believe that learning isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about transformation. Every new skill I’ve picked up, every challenge I’ve tackled, has reshaped me in some way, opening new doors and broadening my perspective.

Then there’s courage. Following your own path requires a kind of quiet bravery—to trust yourself when the future is uncertain, to take risks even when they don’t guarantee success, and to believe that your unique story and personality have value. It’s about having faith—not just in yourself but also in something greater, whether that’s a form of God, destiny, or the simple belief that things will fall into place. Courage has been my anchor, reminding me that even in uncertainty, there is growth.

And then, there’s the sense of fun. I’ve realized that in ambition and responsibility, playfulness is just as essential. Life is meant to be lived, not just endured. A sense of humor, a lighthearted approach, and the ability to find joy even in small moments—these things make the journey worthwhile. I am still working on this, reminding myself that taking life too seriously can drain the magic out of it. The real challenge isn’t just achieving something great but also enjoying the process of getting there.

To those just beginning their journey, my advice is simple: keep going. Create a toolbox for yourself—things that keep you afloat during difficult times. I deeply believe in a verse from Hafez, the great Persian poet:

“If today does not go in your favor,
Worry not, for time is ever-changing.
The wheel of fortune never spins the same way twice.”

When life feels stagnant or challenging, persistence is what carries you through. Trust that good days will follow. We tend to put too much emphasis on our minds, believing that our brains can fully comprehend life, but in truth, the mind is designed for survival, not for seeing the full picture. Don’t rely only on logic—listen to your inner voice, the part of you that knows what truly matters.

And above all, do what must be done. Whether it’s learning a new skill, changing your field, stepping away from something that no longer serves you, or saying no to a project that doesn’t align with your values, trust yourself to make the right decisions. Your journey is yours alone, and the choices you make shape not just your future but the person you become along the way.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is turn to nature. I stop whatever I’m doing and step outside—into the nearest park, under the open sky, anywhere I can reconnect. Hugging a tree, listening to birds sing, and feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin—these simple moments work like magic. Nature has a way of reminding me that everything is part of a greater rhythm and that whatever is weighing on me will pass.

Movement is another powerful tool. I’ve found that dancing is incredibly freeing—letting go of thoughts and just moving with the music shifts my energy almost instantly. When I need something more structured, I head to the gym, focusing on strength and movement to clear my mind. Exercise isn’t just about the body; it resets my thoughts, bringing a fresh perspective when I return to my work.

Cooking has also become one of my favorite ways to regain balance. Preparing a meal for myself, something nourishing and filled with the flavors I love, is a small but significant act of self-care. The process of chopping, stirring, and creating something delicious reminds me that I’m alive, and life is beautiful.

One habit that has made a profound difference is journaling. Every night before bed, I write to my future self—reflecting on the day, my thoughts, and my emotions. It’s not just a way to process what’s happening, but a way to track my growth and remind myself that challenges come and go. Seeing past entries, especially from tough times I’ve already overcome, gives me perspective and reassurance that I’ll get through whatever I’m facing now.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, my advice is simple: step into nature, move your body, nourish yourself, and take a moment to reflect. Life has its ups and downs, but when you give yourself space to breathe, you’ll find that clarity and strength always return.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mahsanasri.wixsite.com/mahsanasri
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masa.n27/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahsa-nasri/