About me

Hi, I'm Neesha

I've worked and consulted on EdTech since 2013. In that time, I've worked on curriculum design, game design, data analytics, software development, product (and project) management, writing business plans, QA testing and more. I cofounded an EdTech company (Alieo Games) and have worked and consulted for other EdTech startups.

I have a strong background in CS (PhD) and a passion for learning and education. I am a quick learner (all those years in school did pay off) and I really enjoy (and excel at) problem solving. I love to work with companies and on projects that encourage students to develop a love of learning and to take control of their own learning journey. I believe the best EdTech focus on delivering quality content/curriculum, have high standards for privacy protection, and most of all, create engaging, high quality, fun learning experiences.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been really interested in computers and technology. I was in my first computer club in grade 2 (1991-92!) and I have fond memories of taking apart a walking My Little Pony toy I had to see how it worked. One of my earliest role models was Lex from Jurassic Park (a movie that is still one of my favourites to this day).

Jurassic Park gif - 'It's a UNIX System.'

I’ve always been a huge fan of puzzles (all kinds) which may help explain why I love programming and computer science – it’s just a puzzle in another form. I started learning to code in high school by seeking opportunities outside of my school (as we had none) and have been coding ever since (going on 20 years now!).

I have a PhD in Computing Science from the University of Alberta where I focused on comparing techniques to make non-player video game characters more believable and emotional.

It was during grad school that EdTech really became a passion area of mine. Between TA-ing and watching my oldest niece start school, I began to more closely examine how EdTech is used in the classroom and got interested in the connection between education and technology. There are so many possibilities when you combine the two. Learning can come both from using technology others have built, but I find it's even more powerful when you empower students to use technology to create something new. I was lucky enough to take a grad class from the Department of Educational Psychology on EdTech which further opened my eyes.

A 2013 trip to the Grace Hopper Conference was the catalyst that started my entrepreneurship journey, leading to the co-founding of Alieo Games with a few friends.