Vaska Stancheva-Popkostadinova

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About

Dr. Vaska Stancheva-Popkostadinova is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of speech-language pathology and human-robot interaction, whose work is reshaping therapeutic interventions for communication disorders. Her primary research areas encompass the integration of socially assistive robots (SARs) into speech and language therapy, alongside broader investigations into innovative assistive technologies for clinical practice. Her most impactful contribution, the 2023 review "Exploring the Potential of Social Robots for Speech and Language Therapy: A Review and Analysis of Interactive Scenarios" (28 citations), systematically maps the untapped potential of SARs in this domain, proposing concrete interactive scenarios that bridge technological innovation with therapeutic needs. This work has rapidly become a foundational reference for researchers exploring robotic applications in communication disorders. Dr. Stancheva-Popkostadinova’s research demonstrates how carefully designed human-robot interactions can enhance patient engagement and therapeutic outcomes, particularly for children and individuals with speech impairments. Her contributions are notable for translating complex robotic capabilities into practical, clinician-friendly frameworks, positioning her as a key figure in the emerging field of socially assistive robotics for healthcare. Her work continues to inspire interdisciplinary collaborations between engineers, therapists, and cognitive scientists.