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About

Maria Perifanou is a leading researcher at the intersection of educational technology and human-robot interaction, with a focused expertise in the pedagogical integration of telepresence robots. Her major contributions center on systematically evaluating how mobile telepresence robots can transform learning environments, particularly for remote and hybrid education. Through the TRINE (Telepresence Robots in Education) project, she has pioneered frameworks such as the "TRINE 4D Pedagogical Model," which provides educators with structured methodologies for designing effective teaching scenarios using these technologies. Her work critically examines both the strengths—such as increased student engagement and accessibility—and the limitations, including technical challenges and social presence issues. With her most cited paper, "TRINE: Telepresence Robots in Education" (2022) accumulating 22 citations, Perifanou’s research has quickly become foundational in this emerging field. She has also conducted user experience studies and focus groups that offer rich qualitative insights into how students and teachers perceive these robots. Her notable achievement includes co-developing a comprehensive strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and challenges (SOWC) analysis, which serves as a practical guide for institutions considering telepresence robot adoption. Perifanou’s work is essential reading for anyone exploring the future of inclusive, technology-mediated education.