Pursuing doctorates together: A story of academic partnership
June 18, 2025 ·
Contributed by: Natalie Plechinger, Communications Assistant
Share
Information systems PhD graduates, Kimia Ansari (PhD ‘25) and Mahdi Abouei (PhD ‘23), share a personal and academic connection rooted in their mutual interest in information systems. Though their areas of expertise in information systems differ, the pair were able to successfully complete their respective PhD journeys by each other’s side.
Kimia and Mahdi spoke about what inspired their interest in pursuing a PhD, how they were both able to complete it successfully, and what is next.
Why did you decide to pursue your PhD, and why at DeGroote?
“During my master’s degree, I realized that I was really interested in continuing my education in order to become a researcher and an educator,” says Kimia. “I started applying to different universities that aligned with my research and educational background, and I found that the faculty members at DeGroote researched topics that were very closely aligned with my own interests.”
“DeGroote and McMaster are research-intensive institutes, and I knew that if I wanted to stay in academia, it was a very important point I needed to consider,” adds Kimia.
Kimia and Mahdi were both supervised by Maryam Ghasemaghaei, associate professor of information systems.
“I really value higher education, especially the opportunity to pursue the field of information systems. An important part of my decision was that we could have the opportunity to connect with faculty to pursue our research and teaching goals,” explains Mahdi. “I also wanted to study at a university that supports an intensive research environment and has enough resources to help us find new opportunities and collaborate with other faculty members and PhD students.”
What interested you in pursuing information systems?
“I was really interested in conducting research in business and data analytics, and information systems, which, compared to other majors in business schools, is a newer field. You can conduct novel research and projects concerning topics that have not yet been investigated,” explains Kimia.
Kimia’s research focus throughout her PhD primarily dealt with the adoption and use of artificial intelligence and data analytics.
“Information systems is an interdisciplinary field of study. It helps a lot if you have both a technical background in engineering or computer science, as well as business-related experience and education, which was the case for Kimia and I,” says Mahdi. “Information systems is a progressive and very novel area that contributes a lot to business research. Since this field is young, it has a lot of potential for young researchers like us to enter the field and do great things.”
Mahdi focused his PhD research on the implementation of novel technologies, including big data analytics and artificial intelligence, in an organizational and broader social context.
How important was your supervisor’s support and guidance during your time at DeGroote?
“A PhD is not just about taking courses; it is more of a work experience. You are doing a lot of things that are new to you within a short period of time. You also need someone to guide you in the right direction so as not to get lost because there are ups and downs,” says Mahdi. “We were lucky and fortunate to have Dr. Ghasemaghaei’s support and guidance. Her help meant a lot to us, and we will always be thankful to her.”
“Dr. Maryam Ghasemaghaei was incredibly supportive and had a very influential impact on our PhD. During our PhD studies, we felt a lot of pressure, and sometimes we were disappointed, but she was always approachable, understanding and willing to help. I do not know how we can thank her for all her support, but we are always thankful and grateful for her,” adds Kimia.
Kimia and Mahdi with their supervisor, Maryam Ghasemaghaei.
Kimia and Mahdi will both begin new positions at the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba in July.
“What we have been doing for the past few years is our job and shapes our future career. However, we would like to gain more skills and become more capable of doing better research and teaching. We would also like to offer services relevant to the academic community and the broader community that we live in,” explains Mahdi.
How special of a moment is convocation for you and your families?
“That was a very memorable moment, because a PhD takes a lot of time, effort and commitment. It is a new chapter in your life that introduces new avenues for your future career. You feel that you are now qualified to decide about your future with more confidence,” says Mahdi.
“We had the support of our families during this process, and all these years. I think that our achievements and success mean a great deal to them,” adds Kimia. “They are very happy about what we have accomplished so far, and about what we have in front of us. We truly thank them and appreciate all their support, help and sacrifices that they have made during our journey. It is a very memorable moment for us.”
