Dr. Maja Mataric

Professor

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Biography

Maja Matarić serves as the Chan Soon-Shiong Chair and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Southern California (USC) and is a Principal Scientist at Google DeepMind. She is a founding director of the USC Robotics Autonomous Systems Center and co-director of the USC Robotics Research Lab. Matarić has held various leadership roles including interim Vice President of Research and Vice Dean of Research. A member of prestigious organizations such as the National Academy of Engineering and American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she has received numerous awards for her contributions to science and mentoring, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. Her research is pivotal in the field of socially assistive robotics, focusing on personalizing human-robot interaction to aid health, wellness, and education. Matarić’s lab explores intelligent human-robot interaction in various settings including schools and rehabilitation centers, addressing multidisciplinary challenges by integrating insights from neuroscience and behavioral science. She has been recognized as a highly cited researcher and has developed curricular materials for K-12 STEM outreach.

Research Interests

Experience

Distinguished Professor

2010-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Leading research in socially assistive robotics and human-robot interaction.

Principal Scientist

— Present

Google DeepMind • null

Research in artificial intelligence and its applications in robotics.

Awards

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Member

2025-01-01
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ACM Athena Lecturer Award

2024-01-01
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Member

2023-01-01
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Fellow

2017-01-01
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President

2011-01-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.