Florina Uzefovsky
Papers
1
Total Citations
119
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Florina Uzefovsky is a leading researcher in the neurobiology of social behavior, with a particular focus on the roles of oxytocin and touch in human connection and well-being. Her work bridges social neuroscience, psychology, and human-robot interaction, exploring how both human and robotic touch can influence physiological and emotional states. In her highly cited 2020 study, which has garnered 119 citations, Dr. Uzefovsky demonstrated that touching the social robot PARO not only reduces pain perception but also elevates salivary oxytocin levels in healthy young adults—a groundbreaking finding that links robotic interaction to a key neuropeptide associated with bonding and stress relief. This research has significant implications for the development of therapeutic technologies and our understanding of social touch. Dr. Uzefovsky’s contributions are shaping how we think about the intersection of technology, biology, and mental health, offering new avenues for non-pharmacological interventions in pain and mood regulation. Her work continues to inspire students and researchers interested in the science of social connection and its applications in robotics and clinical settings.
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Top Papers
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