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About

Amy O'Connell is a researcher at the forefront of socially assistive robotics (SAR), human-robot interaction, and accessible AI education. Her work explores how intelligent robotic systems can meaningfully support vulnerable and underserved populations, including college students with ADHD, older adults experiencing cognitive decline, and individuals with mental health challenges. O'Connell's most-cited contribution (20 citations) introduces an innovative in-dorm robot study companion designed to help college students with ADHD manage attention and focus, moving SAR research beyond brief lab settings into real-world environments. She has further advanced the field by investigating how large language models can enhance SAR capabilities, contributing a well-regarded survey (15 citations) and demonstrating LLM-powered robots for elder cognitive health monitoring (13 citations). Beyond assistive technology, O'Connell is committed to broadening AI literacy through open-source, accessible educational modules (17 citations), empowering K-12 and college students to engage meaningfully with AI. Her work on mindfulness delivery and augmented reality robot visualization further reflects her interdisciplinary range. Across her growing body of research, O'Connell consistently bridges technical innovation with human-centered design, making her an emerging and impactful voice in assistive and educational robotics.