Shamsi T. Iqbal

Shamsi T. Iqbal is the Principal Applied and Data Science Manager for the Microsoft Viva Insights team and the co-director for individual productivity and wellbeing projects within the Microsoft “New Future of Work” initiative. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on human-computer interaction, multitasking, and attention management, with an emphasis on enhancing productivity and wellbeing for individuals and organizations through data-driven and research-supported processes. Her recent work explores productivity definitions in hybrid work environments and strategies for balancing efficiency with employee wellbeing.

• 2020–Present·Microsoft·Principal Applied and Data Science Manager
  • Leads the Microsoft Viva Insights team, focusing on productivity and wellbeing research in hybrid work models.
  • Coordinates productivity and wellbeing projects within the “New Future of Work” initiative.
• 2008–2020·Microsoft Research·Researcher
  • Investigated attention management in multitasking environments. Developed tools and methods to support task continuity and successful task completion for users.

• 2005–2008·University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign·Ph.D.
  • Field: Computer Science
  • Research Focus: Cognitive load management in task interruption and resumption
• 2003–2005·University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign·Master's
  • Field: Computer Science
• 1997–2001·Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology·Bachelor's
  • Field: Computer Science and Engineering