Heather C. Lum

Heather C. Lum is a faculty member at Arizona State University whose research focuses on human–robot interaction, human–animal interaction, and broader human–nonhuman teaming systems. Her work examines how people collaborate with autonomous systems, working animals, and intelligent technologies, using human–animal teaming as a model to better understand trust, coordination, and role dynamics in human–AI–robot teams. She has also contributed extensively to human factors research related to inclusive and human-centered design, exploring how systems can be engineered to better support diverse users across educational, professional, and operational contexts. Her research spans topics such as human factors, human-centered AI, virtual and immersive environments, and individual differences in how people perceive and interact with autonomous or semi-autonomous agents. Her publications appear in venues including Topics in Cognitive Science, Artificial Intelligence, and the Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary focus on social, cognitive, and design considerations in emerging technologies.