D. Ben Salem

Northumbria University, University of Amsterdam

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About

D. Ben Salem is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, cultural computing, and robotics. Her work explores how technology can reshape human experience, from fostering curiosity to enabling cultural translation. In her highly cited 2010 paper, *"How to behave as Alice in Wonderland–about boredom and curiosity"* (61 citations), she delves into the psychology of engagement, laying groundwork for designing systems that spark wonder. Salem’s landmark 2017 study, *"Applying Virtual and Augmented Reality in Cultural Computing"* (27 citations), introduces a novel framework where VR and AR serve as mediums for subconscious cultural metamorphosis, blending virtual and robotic agents to bridge cultural divides. She also developed **PetRo**, a modular, throwable, self-assembling pet robot (2014), showcasing her talent for translating abstract concepts into tangible, playful technologies. With a career defined by interdisciplinary creativity, Salem’s work has influenced fields from affective computing to interactive art, earning her recognition as a visionary in human-robot interaction. Her research continues to inspire students and scholars exploring how technology can evoke wonder, foster empathy, and transform our understanding of self and society.