Sara Kiesler

Sara Kiesler is the Hillman Professor Emerita of Computer Science and Human-Computer Interaction at Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII). She also serves as a Program Manager at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Her work bridges social science and technology, focusing on collaborative analysis, human-robot interaction, and the societal impacts of computing. Kiesler's research explores how people interact with technology, particularly in interdisciplinary scientific teams and online environments.

• Current Role: Program Manager, National Science Foundation
• Emeritus Position: Hillman Professor, HCII, CMU

Her research spans projects such as studying scientific collaboration dynamics, user perspectives on new internet architectures (XIA), and privacy/anonymity in digital spaces. She collaborates with experts like Jonathon Cummings and Laura Dabbish. Kiesler’s work emphasizes understanding how technology shapes human behavior and organizational productivity.

Her contributions include influential studies on collaborative tools, robotic interaction design, and the psychological underpinnings of anthropomorphism. She has advised numerous Ph.D. students and led interdisciplinary initiatives funded by NSF and other agencies.