Valerie Sims

Valerie Sims is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Central Florida, where she leads the Applied Cognition and Technology (ACAT) Lab. Holding a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from UC Santa Barbara, her research examines human perceptions of nonhuman entities—from robots to animals—through paradigms like technomorphism and anthropomorphism.

Current projects analyze virtual teamwork dynamics, emotion attribution toward nonhuman agents, and warning message efficacy. Her lab employs experimental methods spanning eye-tracking, behavioral analysis, and virtual simulations.

Award: Teaching Incentive Program Award (2008-2009) for instructional excellence in cognitive psychology and research methods courses.