Shruti Chandra

Chandra, Dr. Shruti

Specially Appointed Visiting Assistant Professor (Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan), Postdoctoral Fellowship (University of Waterloo, Canada), PhD (École Polytechnique Fédérale De Lausanne, Switzerland & Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal)

Assistant Professor
Phone
Office
10-2078
Campus
Prince George

Biography

Dr. Shruti Chandra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in Canada. Her research focuses on leveraging social robots to enhance people’s well-being, with a strong emphasis on current real-world applications.

Prior to joining UNBC, she was a specially appointed visiting assistant professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) in Japan. She was a postdoctoral research fellow at the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab (SIRRL) at the University of Waterloo in Canada. She holds a Joint PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland and Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal.

Research and Expertise

Dr. Chandra's vision is centred on the seamless integration of robots into everyday life, envisioning them as not just tools, but as active facilitators and companions across diverse environments like homes, workplaces, schools, and care-facilities. Her research is deeply rooted in three essential domains: human-centred design, the advancements of autonomous and interactive systems, and the intricate dynamics of social interactions. Her research applications are interdisciplinary and diverse, where she aims to develop robots that can have a real impact on people’s lives.

Research Fields
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Assistive Robotics
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Cognitive Science
  • Health Sciences
  • Human‑centred Design
  • Human‑Robot Interaction
  • Interaction Design
  • Pedagogy
  • Social Robotics
Areas of Expertise
Social robotics, robot-mediated instructions, robot-assistive education, human‑centred design, autonomous and interactive systems, interaction design.
Languages Spoken
  • English
  • Hindi
Currently accepting graduate students
Supervises In
MASc Computer Science
Graduate Supervisor Details
Are you passionate about robotics and eager to make a difference in people's lives? There are a few MASc positions available in the field of Assistive and Social Robotics (HRI).

About the Project: The projects aim to explore innovative solutions utilizing social robots to support older adults and children in real-world scenarios.

Requirements: I am looking for candidates with a background in Computer Science, Robotics, or related fields. Strong analytical skills, independence in work, and a collaborative mindset are essential. Proficiency in Python, C++, and Java coding, along with experience with Robot Operating System (ROS), are highly desirable.

Application Process: Interested applicants are encouraged to review our graduate admissions page (https://www2.unbc.ca/admissions/graduate) for detailed application guidelines. For project details and related inquiries, please reach out to me at chandra@unbc.ca

I am looking forward to work with talented, innovative, and motivated individuals who are passionate about advancing research and creating meaningful impact in the wellbeing of people!