Kaleen Shrestha

Papers

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About

Kaleen Shrestha is an emerging researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction, artificial intelligence, and social wellbeing, with a particular focus on socially assistive robots (SARs) and their applications for vulnerable and underserved populations. Her work explores how intelligent systems can deliver meaningful, personalized support to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, older adults, and those facing mental health challenges. Shrestha's highly cited 2024 survey on large language models and socially assistive human-robot interaction — already garnering 15 citations — has positioned her as a thoughtful synthesizer of cutting-edge AI capabilities and their real-world potential in assistive contexts. Her 2025 study on peer mediation robots demonstrates a creative expansion of this work into K-12 education, investigating how SARs can teach conflict resolution skills to elementary school students in schools lacking formal peer mediation programs. Across her research, Shrestha consistently champions accessibility and equity, designing robot-mediated interventions that reach populations who might otherwise lack adequate support. Her growing body of work signals a promising trajectory in developing compassionate, AI-powered tools that address genuine human social and developmental needs.