About Me

I am a researcher specializing in human-robot interaction (HRI), with a focus on real-world deployments. My research interests include social, affective, and political dimensions of our interactions with robots in everyday settings.

My academic journey spans multiple disciplines, shaping my approach to HRI. With a background in semiotics and cultural studies, I am particularly attuned to meaning-making in human-technology relations. In addition, I hold a degree in cognitive science from the University of Vienna, where I also took extensive coursework in philosophy of technology and Science and Technology Studies (STS).

In 2025, I completed my PhD under the supervision of Professor Astrid Weiss in the Human-Computer Interaction group at TU Wien, Austria. My thesis investigated human-robot interactions in public spaces, using Starship delivery robots as a case study to understand how these technologies integrate into urban communities. Building on this work, my current research focuses on the concept of "publicness"—how public spaces are constituted, who is included or excluded, and how robots reconfigure these dynamics.

Methodologically, I primarily work with qualitative approaches such as ethnographic observations and interviews. Through my involvement in the transdisciplinary Care Robots/Robotic Care project—designing meaningful technologies for elderly care—I have gained extensive experience in participatory design. At the same time, I strongly believe that methods should follow the research question, not the other way around. When a study calls for it, I also integrate traditional HRI toolkits, including quantitative approaches, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of human-robot interactions.

I deeply value interdisciplinary collaborations. I believe that through dialogue and shared passion we can push boundaries and develop more relevant insights into human-technology relations. For this reason, I also aspire to foster an academic community built on trust, genuine curiosity, and open dialogue.

I remain critically open to the reality that, in some cases, no matter how well-designed a robot is, it may not be the right solution to a complex societal problem. This is why I consider questions of ethics and responsibility—understood as the mutual responsibility of multiple actors, including academics—to be an integral part of my work.