Ivey’s PhD Program in Business Administration is a full-time research-based program designed to develop scholars and to place graduates at high-quality research universities around the world. Our PhD candidates are showcased at conferences around the world, and regularly featured in top-tier academic and industry publications.
To help you get to know them, we’ve asked them about their academic and personal interests.
Q&A with Fakhrossadat Ghamkhari, PhD candidate
What is your background and what previous experience prepared you for this program?
I was born and raised in Tehran, the capital of Iran – a city full of contrast, resilience, and energy. I pursued my entire academic journey there, beginning with a focus on mathematics and physics in high school. This led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering (software), followed by a master's degree in IT Management. Over the years, I developed a strong interest in how technology shapes systems, organizations, and societies, which ultimately led me to pursue a PhD.
What attracted you to Ivey’s program?
I was drawn to Ivey’s PhD program because of its strong academic reputation. I had long admired the school based on recommendations from my professors in Iran, who regarded Ivey as a leader in business education – particularly in the field of Information Systems. What ultimately convinced me was the chance to be part of a research community that not only values rigorous scholarship, but also fosters innovation, impact, and academic growth.
What is your research focus?
My area is Information Systems, with a specific interest in the relationship between emerging technologies and society. I’m particularly drawn to how technologies like artificial intelligence intersect with issues of sustainability, identity, and ethics. I hope to explore how innovation can be aligned with values that promote social responsibility and long-term well-being.
Why is that area appealing to you? What big problems/issues need to be addressed?
Emerging technologies are transforming our world at an extraordinary pace. While they bring immense benefits, they also raise critical questions about how we live, work, and relate to one another. I believe the ultimate goal of innovation should be to serve humanity – not the other way around. Yet, in our excitement about technology, we often lose sight of that. We must ask: Are we building a future we truly want to live in? That’s the kind of reflection my research hopes to encourage.
How do you see your research making an impact?
If I have the opportunity to carry out my research effectively, I believe it can make a meaningful contribution to society, businesses, and policy-makers. I hope to contribute to the global conversation around responsible innovation by introducing new perspectives at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and ethics in Information Systems. I want to help create thoughtful strategies for technological adoption that are not only efficient, but also equitable and ethically sound.
How do you see research as an aid to business improvement?
Research is essential for helping businesses navigate technological change in a responsible and sustainable way. By examining how emerging technologies affect people and society, research can offer valuable insights that support ethical decision-making and long-term thinking. This is especially important as businesses face increasing pressure to align with environmental and social sustainability goals. Good research can guide innovation that is not only profitable, but also socially conscious and future-ready.
What previous experience prepared you for this?
I have around 10 years of industry experience as an IT consultant, working across the banking, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. My consulting experience across diverse industries has helped me develop a multidimensional view of technology’s role in shaping organizations and society. It also shaped the way I approach research – I strive to ask questions that are grounded in reality and aim to generate insights that create tangible value in practice.
Where did you grow up and what was it like there?
I grew up in Tehran, the capital city of Iran – a vibrant and dynamic metropolis full of life and energy. It’s a fast-paced environment where people are always striving and pushing forward. What stands out most to me about Tehran is the warmth, resilience, and generosity of its people. Growing up in such a setting taught me to think deeply, solve problems creatively, and remain calm in times of crisis. I believe that difficult environments can shape resilient individuals, and I feel proud and grateful to have been raised in this city.
Who have been your strongest influences in life?
My family has had the greatest influence on my life – especially my parents, who dedicated so much of their lives to supporting me. Along the way, I’ve also been shaped by many teachers, mentors, and friends, each leaving their unique mark on my journey.
More recently, I’ve found myself deeply inspired by my son. Interacting with him and his generation offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on my own beliefs and to re-evaluate long-held assumptions. His views, questions, and reactions to the world around him often stop me in my tracks and make me think about the future we’re building. I believe we’re no longer simply “changing” as a society – we’re transforming, moment by moment. This ongoing transformation is something I witness through him, and it encourages me to stay open, to listen, and to keep learning.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
People are often surprised to learn that while I’m quite introverted and enjoy thinking deeply and writing quietly instead of speaking loudly; I also have a strong love for thrill and adventure. I find peace in reflection and solitude, but I’m also drawn to high-energy experiences. I’m passionate about motorsports – especially Formula 1 – and I love motorcycle riding. I also enjoy hiking and exploring nature in more adventurous ways. It’s a mix that keeps life exciting and balanced for me.
What is the most played song on your playlist as of now?
I truly enjoy traditional Persian music because of its deep connection to literature, poetry, and art – it nourishes my soul and connects me to the rich cultural roots of Iran. Among English-language artists, I’m a big fan of Adele. Her voice, combined with the emotional depth of her lyrics and melodies, captures both pain and power in a way that really resonates with me.
What is your best podcast recommendation?
I’d like to recommend two books that also have excellent audiobook versions. The first is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. This book helped me confront myself in a deeply honest way. It made me pause and ask: What am I carrying that I no longer need? What truly matters in my life? And where should I simply let go?
The second is Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton. It gave me a new lens through which to view society and my place within it. The book explores why we sometimes feel like we’re not enough and how societal expectations can shape our sense of self-worth. Both books were powerful reminders to reflect critically on both internal and external pressures.
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