Elizabeth Phillips

Elizabeth Phillips is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at George Mason University, specializing in Human Factors and Applied Cognition. She directs the ALPHAS Lab and co-directs the GMU Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Lab. Her research focuses on human-robot interaction, autonomous systems, and applications of augmented/virtual reality. Phillips holds a Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida and completed post-doctoral work at Brown University's Humanity Centered Robotics Initiative.

• Education: B.S. and M.A. from University of Central Florida; Ph.D. in Applied Experimental and Human Factors Psychology (UCF); Post-Doc at Brown University

Her research explores how robots and autonomous systems can serve as effective human partners, including ethical implications and trust dynamics. She co-created the ABOT database for studying human-like robots' psychological impacts. Key areas include moral robotics, uncanny valley theory, and human-agent teaming.

Recent work examines trust in automated systems, robot deception, and moral advice mechanisms. Her grants come from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, NSF, and GMU's Office of Research.

• Teaching: Brain and Sensory Processes, Ergonomics, Human-Systems Interaction
• Lab Affiliations: ALPHAS Lab, GMU HRI Lab