Minkush Manuja
Papers
1
Total Citations
10
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Minkush Manuja is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and developmental psychology, with a primary focus on designing socially intelligent robots that can serve as peer learning companions for young children. Her most cited work, "Towards Social & Engaging Peer Learning: Predicting Backchanneling and Disengagement in Children" (2020, 10 citations), addresses a critical challenge in educational robotics: children only trust and engage with robots that exhibit natural, interpersonal behaviors. Dr. Manuja’s major contribution lies in developing predictive models for backchanneling cues and disengagement signals, enabling robots to dynamically adapt their interactions to maintain children’s attention and foster authentic peer-like learning experiences. This work bridges computational modeling with real-world classroom applications, offering a framework for creating more responsive and trustworthy social robots. Her research has been recognized for its potential to transform early language development tools, making them more engaging and effective. By tackling the nuanced social dynamics between children and machines, Dr. Manuja is helping to shape the next generation of interactive educational technologies that feel less like tools and more like genuine companions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1