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About

Melissa Sager is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of educational technology and special education, focusing on how social robots can transform one-to-one instruction for students with learning disabilities (LD). Her work addresses a critical challenge: students with LD often require intensive, individualized support to build foundational academic skills, yet they frequently exhibit off-task behaviors that hinder progress. Sager’s major contributions include demonstrating that social robots can serve as effective assistive tools in these settings, helping to maintain student engagement and reduce behavioral barriers. Her most cited papers—each garnering 10 citations—include an initial investigation and a user evaluation of social robots in educational programs, both published in 2022. More recently, in 2025, she explored the integration of assistive technology to support both academic and behavioral instruction, highlighting practical strategies for overcoming implementation barriers faced by administrators and educators. Sager’s work is notable for bridging the gap between cutting-edge robotics and real-world classroom challenges, offering evidence-based pathways for leveraging technology to support some of the most vulnerable learners. Her research is essential reading for educators, technologists, and policymakers seeking inclusive, scalable solutions in special education.