uhh · KAAN · shuh
[About me]
I am chiefly a design researcher with a passion for connecting disparate dots. The diversity of my lived experiences—having grown up in 2 continents, raised with three mother tongues, to understanding life in a 3rd—has afforded me the privilege to communicate, understand, share, and advocate as a native.
For those more interested in my more "technical qualifications": I have a background in biology, politics, and digital communications which have greatly served to my advantage by supplying me diverse "schemas of thinking". Subsequently, information synthesis and strategic execution come into existence as my natural fortés. I have yet to come across a context where I am not questioning the status quo.
In my downtime, I like to understand the world —therefore myself—better through music, literature, philosophy, travel, and dance. Currently looking to strengthen my ground game.
[About my thesis]
I completed my Master’s in Digital Experience Design at Teesside University (joint program with Hyper Island Manchester). My thesis topic centered on the needs of parents, service providers, and educators of children on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), alongside of those of the children themselves. Specifically, how might we better align communication between these parties? >
This thesis was accepted into the 2020 International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Conference in Portland. I was also invited to participate and collaborate with professionals, scientists, and members of the autism community to share ideas and identify research opportunities at the 2019 AUTISTICA Summit at the Turing Institute.
My Strengths
The following are my top five talents, i.e. what I naturally do best, as determined by Gallup's CliftonStrengths.
1. Strategic
I quickly weigh alternative paths and determine the best one making me an agile decision-maker.
2. Learner
I have a natural ability to pick up and absorb information quickly and to challenge myself to continually learn more, keeping on the cutting edge.
3. Input
I seek and store information. My pursuit of mastery and access to knowledge empowers me to make credible and well-informed decisions.
4. Individualization
I am intrigued with the unique qualities of each person allowing me to understand how different people can work together productively.
5. Command
Because I am comfortable taking charge and speaking up, I can remove bottlenecks and reassure others in times of crisis.
What others have said about working with me:
"Akanksha is a natural facilitator who is capable of intitiating clever conversations within her team to stir thoughts and make collaborative decisions together"
"A critical mind paired with a voice that is unafraid to speak up, she's helped propel the project by steering us clear of ambiguities. She also proactively stretches her 'comfort zone' by taking on additional responsibilities for the team"
"Akanksha took the lead to guide us during this process several times. Although we had to deal with ambiguity a lot, she had a natural way of leading the team as well as a contagious laugh, that helped to create a positive atmosphere"