Shruti Mahajan joined Union as the Mary H. and Richard K. Templeton Assistant Professor of Computer Science shortly after earning her doctorate.
“I moved to the U.S. to explore human-centered technology, even though I did not know the formal name for it at the time. I just knew I wanted to be a ‘robopsychologist’ like Dr. Susan Calvin from the movie ‘I, Robot,’” Mahajan said. “I received my PhD from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2024; my dissertation was focused on accessible interfaces for American Sign Language.”
Shruti Mahajan, the Mary H. and Richard K. Templeton Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Before coming to the United States, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Cummins College of Engineering for Women in Pune, India.
“Attending an all-women's college provided a unique, empowering environment that sparked my interest in tech,” she said. “I carry that strong sense of community and peer support with me as I mentor students at Union.”
On campus, Mahajan leads the Computers and People (CAP) Research Lab. Her work focuses on human-computer interaction, and much like the “robopsychology” that first inspired her, she is dedicated to making the next generation of human-centered interfaces more inclusive.
“My students and I design and prototype digital environments specifically intended to support emotional well-being, reduce social anxiety, promote safety and inclusion and interfaces that increase privacy awareness while using AI,” Mahajan explained. “Ultimately, my goal is to create technology that serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a source of stress.”
In the classroom, she likes helping students bridge the gap between back-end logic and front-end experience, so they can create tools that are both functional and accessible. Her goal is to make them think critically about how their code affects the people who use it.
When she is not in Steinmetz Hall (or Wold), she is usually balancing life between two home bases in Albany and Waltham, where her husband works.
“My weekends are a competitive mix of high-stakes board game nights or simply hanging out with friends, heading out to catch a hockey game or movie marathon,” Mahajan said. “My husband and I are also incredibly serious about our food and usually start planning our next meal before we have even finished the current one.”
“We have our restaurant visits mapped out weeks in advance,” she added. “Our latest favorite is Zaffron Kitchen.”
Between starting a new faculty position and managing life in two different cities, finding a rhythm that works has been a work in progress.
“I think it is important to be honest about that reality, and it takes real effort to prioritize time away from the office,” she explained. “I have not mastered the art of being ‘stress-free’ yet. I try to make that downtime count and find that balance one day at a time.
“Having supportive colleagues and great friends helps -- shout-out to all Computer Science faculty.”
FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING: The Weather app, mostly to see if Upstate New York has decided to deliver all four seasons on a single Tuesday or if I need to prepare for a random mid-week blizzard.
WHAT ARE YOU READING? "Nenchim (नेनचिम)," which is a Marathi science fiction novel by Narayan Dharap. My dad recommended it to me after a research project I am working on reminded him of this book. Thanks for the recommendation, Dad!
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING? I am currently on the hunt for a new show. I spent a long time following the drama of “Formula 1,” but I think I have officially hit my limit on pit stop strategies for now. These days, I am mostly waiting for the next season of “Foundation” to drop. I love a good epic sci-fi that makes me think. I usually find myself on a YouTube deep dive. I have a soft spot for “Smosh.” It’s the perfect way to unplug and laugh after a long day.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU RECEIVED: “Girl… you got this.” My mom and sister say it almost every day, and honestly, it’s more effective than any other intellectual advice I’ve ever read or received.
ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD: Being conversationally fluent in all the languages I have learned in school or picked up from friends and family. It’s nine languages!
THREE DINNER PARTY GUESTS (living or deceased): My first thought is my grandmothers and their mothers. I want to show them the life I have in the States -- a life they literally couldn’t have imagined -- and then immediately get roasted for spending $7 on “chai tea.” Or I’d invite Ada Lovelace, Alysa Liu and Mindy Kaling.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU: I have lived in seven different cities across three different countries. To be honest, my answer to “Where are you from?” depends on how much time we have.
FAVORITE UNION MEMORY/EXPERIENCE: A tie between two very different but equally rewarding days. One was being asked by one of my students, Sara Da Silva ’28, to wear her jersey at the Faculty Appreciation hockey game. It was such a fun way to support the team. The other was my first Steinmetz Day, watching the culmination of all the hard work students put into their research. The energy, enthusiasm, passion and interdisciplinary nature of the day was electric and inspiring.
ONE THING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Whatever sweet treat I can get my hands on. Desserts. I can’t live without desserts.
WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? My husband, because he makes the best butter chicken.