Hana Boukricha

Papers

Total Citations

342

H-Index

About

Hana Boukricha is a leading researcher in the fields of affective computing, social robotics, and human-agent interaction, with a particular focus on computational empathy. Her most cited work, "Empathy in Virtual Agents and Robots" (2017, 342 citations), provides a foundational survey that systematically analyzes how artificial agents can both simulate and trigger empathy during interactions with humans. This seminal paper has become a key reference for researchers designing socially intelligent systems. Boukricha’s major contributions lie in defining the mechanisms by which empathic agents can "place themselves" into the position of a user or another agent, bridging the gap between human emotional experience and machine behavior. Her work has significantly advanced the development of more natural, responsive, and socially aware virtual agents and robots, influencing fields from mental health support to education. By mapping out the landscape of computational empathy, Boukricha has helped establish a critical framework for building machines that not only understand but also resonate with human emotions, making her a pivotal figure in the quest for truly empathetic artificial intelligence.