Ruchi Sembey
Ruchi Sembey joined the HumaniSE Lab as an Emerging Technologies PhD Researcher in 2021. Her PhD research explores effective human-centred approaches to use emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Extended Reality technologies (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality) to better design technology and enrich computing education. She has a multidisciplinary background in Electronics and Telecommunication engineering, UI/UX design and education and she has worked in utilities, retail, not-for-profit, higher education, and Australian public service sectors.
Ruchi is an experienced academic in IS, Human Computer Interaction and Design Thinking courses for over 15 years at Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology and international study programs in Vietnam, Hong Kong & Italy. Her passion for teaching has been recognised through multiple teaching excellence awards, most recently the Dean’s Education Excellence Award at Monash in 2023.
She has served as an advisory board member for the Software Industry Student Group at Swinburne and Women in STEM groups and delivers talks and panel discussions on a wide range of topics related to emerging technologies as a passionate science communicator. She is a certified first-aider, mental health first-aider, advocate for Women in STEM, and an active volunteer at marathon and athletics events, school education programs and community networks.
For more information, read Ruchi's PhD journey and Ruchi’s Research Project.
Some highlights from her PhD candidature so far:
2025
- Received the Monash Institute of Medical Engineering (MIME) Women in STEMM Student Leadership Award for her leadership to enact positive change and research in empathy-driven innovation using emerging technologies such as VR and AI
- A special feature spotlighting Ruchi's IT projects for social good in the HumaniSE Lab Report 2024 (p.12-13)
2024
- Awarded Vice Chancellor's Excellence Award (Special Commendation) for her contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion at Monash and in the broader community.
- Received the Dean’s Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for engaging the wider community to foster inclusion or support for marginalised groups.
- Led an international study tour to Italy for a global immersion program on sustainability, circular fashion and mass-tourism
- Faculty of IT Ambassador award for facilitating Superbots program at Monash Tech School for Year 7-9 school girls
- Conducted a VR Lab Tour and discussion of VR research for industry guests from Amazon Web Services with FIT Dean Prof. Nicholson and Monash Advancement Team
- Publication on Emerging Technologies in higher education
- Awarded the Advance HE (UK) Fellowship that recognises professional teaching experience and educational leadership
2023
- Interview in B&T Magazine, Driving Change for Women in Higher Education
- Education Excellence Award at Monash University in the Faculty of IT
- Faculty of IT Student Ambassador Award for facilitating Superbots program as a part of IT Industry Immersion Day for schoolgirls
- Participated in Italy PhD Interdisciplinary hackathon aimed at solving global challenges
- Undertook an Industry PhD internship with Australian Government (Department of Education) working on the implementation of the $1.6 billion Australian Economic Accelerator
- Panel speaker on Ada Lovelace Day event discussing the past, present and future of women in computing
2022
- 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Monash International Finalist, Monash Faculty of IT 3MT Winner, HumaniSE Lab 3MT Winner
- Panel speaker on the future of Metaverse panel at The Australian XR in Education Network
- Monash India Tour visiting high schools as a panel speaker and competition judge for #ChangeIt challenge targeted at solving global challenges with science and technology knowledge and skills
2021
- PhD researcher in the first cohort to participate in the esteemed South Korea-USA ELIS Women Leadership Program, along with 33 international women scientists
- Grace Hopper Conference attendance Scholarship