Welcome
My research examines how robot design encourages or discourages human emotional attachment and affects operator decision-making. Of particular interest to me are (U.S. military) EOD personnel human-robot interactions; specifically, experiences with robot models used every day, such as PackBot and TALON. Long-term, this research could be used to help improve troop's robotics training; enhance robot development specifications to mitigate mission-dependent risks; and improve warfighter and civilian safety in conflict environments, both foreign and domestic. More broadly, findings can be applied to the development of robots that are effective in human collaborative/team or training situations, especially in stressful conditions (for example, space, defense, and humanitarian relief).
Recent publications include the book chapter Just doesn't look right: Exploring the impact of humanoid robot integration into Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams
for the book Handbook of Research on Technoself: Identity in a Technological Society
(In press.). R. Luppicini, (Ed.) Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
My dissertation, The Quiet Professional: An investigation of U.S. military Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel interactions with everyday field robots,
is expected in 2013.
Keywords used in my research: Chronic Stress, Cognitive Science, Defense, Emotional design, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, Field Robots, Humanoid Robots, Human-Robot Interaction, Human Social Cultural Behavior, Military, Social Robotics, Traumatic Stress, User-Centered Design. Please contact me with any questions about the contents of this site. I welcome your feedback: julie4 at u dot washington dot edu.
Curriculum Vitae
My abbreviated research statement, current research, education, teaching, presentations and publications (available as a PDF).
Bio
A short bio that explains the path to my current research interests.