Rhianna Lee

University of Southern California

Papers

4

Total Citations

167

H-Index

3

About

Rhianna Lee is a leading researcher in socially assistive robotics (SAR), with a focus on creating long-term, in-home robotic interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Her work addresses a critical gap in the field: the transition from short-term, lab-based studies to real-world, longitudinal deployments. Lee’s most cited paper (133 citations) demonstrates the feasibility of personalizing a social robot for sustained, in-home use, showing that these systems can effectively augment social and educational development over time. She also explores the design principles necessary for such long-term interaction, emphasizing user-centered and iterative development. Beyond ASD, Lee has innovated in telepresence robotics, developing feedback systems to improve speech intelligibility for homebound K-12 students attending class remotely—a timely contribution to inclusive education. Her research is characterized by rigorous, in-the-wild studies that prioritize ecological validity and practical impact. With a growing citation record and a clear trajectory toward deploying assistive technologies in everyday environments, Lee is shaping the future of human-robot interaction for vulnerable populations.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

3
H-Index
4
Papers
167
Total Citations
42
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
Long-Term Personalization of an In-Home Socially Assistive Robot for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
133 citations · 2019
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2019 (2 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 18
🏛 Institutions: University of Southern California

Top Papers

  1. 1
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  4. 4

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 13 days ago