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About

Justine Cassell is a pioneering researcher in human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and social robotics, whose work fundamentally redefines how machines can engage with people as social partners. Her key research areas include embodied conversational agents, socially-aware robotics, and the dynamics of rapport in human-agent interaction. Cassell’s major contributions lie in developing agents that are not merely functional but socially intelligent—capable of perceiving and responding to visual, vocal, and verbal cues to build genuine rapport. Her most-cited paper, "Socially-Aware Animated Intelligent Personal Assistant Agent" (2016, 80 citations), introduces SARA, a robot that analyzes user behavior to estimate rapport and adapt its own responses accordingly. This work, along with her influential studies on intersubjectivity and embodiment, has shaped the field by shifting focus from realistic appearance to meaningful interaction. Cassell’s impact is evident in her sustained citation record and her role in defining the agenda for socio-conversational systems. Her notable achievements include leading the design of the first embodied conversational agent and authoring the seminal chapter "Socially Interactive Agents as Peers" (2022), which synthesizes two decades of research. For students and researchers, Cassell’s work offers a compelling vision of technology that collaborates, empathizes, and connects.