Leah Foster

University of Waterloo

Papers

1

Total Citations

6

H-Index

1

About

Leah Foster is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and mental health technology, with a primary focus on developing socially assistive robots for psychological well-being. Her most influential work centers on the co-design of robotic mental well-being coaches, specifically targeting public speaking anxiety—a prevalent issue among university students that can undermine academic success. In her landmark 2023 paper, which has already garnered 6 citations, Foster introduced a novel participatory design methodology that directly involved students in shaping a robot's coaching behaviors, ensuring the technology is both user-centered and clinically relevant. This approach represents a significant contribution by bridging the gap between engineering and mental health intervention, offering a scalable solution to the limited availability of human coaches. Foster's work is notable for its emphasis on co-creation, setting a new standard for developing empathetic, effective robotic systems. Her research not only advances the field of social robotics but also provides practical tools for improving student mental health, making her a leading voice in the emerging domain of robotic mental health support.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

1
H-Index
1
Papers
6
Total Citations
6
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
Co-Design of a Robotic Mental Well-Being Coach to Help University Students Manage Public Speaking Anxiety
6 citations · 2023
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2023 (1 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 5
🏛 Institutions: University of Waterloo

Top Papers

  1. 1

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 10 days ago