Sharni is a PhD candidate in the Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra. Her primary research focus is on examining HRI, with a primary focus on the embodiment and physical design, interaction, contextual, and psychological variables that affect how humans represent and interact with the robotic systems they encounter. In addition to completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Hons), she has HRI-specific research experience conducting both in-person laboratory and real-world evaluations of HRI in social and healthcare contexts.