Sara Falcone, PhD, assistant professor of computer science at Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, has received a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, according to a March 26 announcement. The foundation is known as one of the most competitive and respected research funding organizations.
The grant recognizes Falcone’s work in human-centered artificial intelligence, robotics, and immersive technologies. Her project will focus on improving accessibility and collaboration in hybrid and remote environments by supporting attention management, timing and turn-taking, navigation in physical spaces, and social coordination.
Falcone’s approach draws on her background in computer science, robotics, cognitive science, human–computer interaction (HCI), and human–robot interaction (HRI). She is developing methods for remote participants to engage more naturally during academic events such as conferences or lab visits. Central to her project is co-embodied hybrid attendance—a model where remote attendees collaborate with on-site hosts in real time for more natural participation.
“We’re building lightweight wearable haptic prototypes worn on the forearms and shoulders that deliver haptic cues as a low-disruption, private communication channel alongside audio/video,” Falcone said. “The goal is to support things like attention management, timing and turn-taking, navigation and awareness in physical spaces, and to smooth social coordination in busy hybrid settings.”
Falcone said she is working with researchers at Cornell University and Cornell Tech to combine expertise in HCI, accessibility, and embodied telepresence. “Through iterative prototyping and user studies/pilot deployments,” she said,“we’ll evaluate how these cues affect engagement…and we’ll translate the findings into practical design guidance for more inclusive hybrid participation.”
Miguel Mostero, PhD—professor of computer science and chair of the department at Seidenberg—said that “Sloan Foundation is known for backing only the most high-impact innovative researchers,” calling this award “a major stamp of approval on the caliber of Professor Falcone’s work.” He added: “This is a massive achievement for any faculty member…I look forward to seeing the project unfold!”
According to Pace University officials cited in the release,Falcone’s continued work demonstrates a commitment to advancing technology focused on human connection.
