Courtney Kidd

Courtney Kidd, LCSW, MSc

Third-Year PhD Student

Courtney Kidd's research focuses on emotional artificial intelligence and human-robot interaction, with a particular interest in bringing a social-emotional robot into pediatric oncology settings to support children and families navigating cancer care. She earned her MSW from Stony Brook University and her MSc in science and technology innovation studies from the University of Edinburgh, where her research explored affective computing in video game design.

As an LCSW, Courtney’s career has spanned policy, research, and private practice. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate students at several universities, with Stony Brook University serving as her primary academic home, where she finds her greatest joy in engaging with students across a variety of classes.

Outside of academia, Courtney is a devoted Broadway fan, enthusiastic traveler, and firm believer that humor belongs in both life and learning. When she is not working or planning her next outing with family or friends, she can usually be found spending time with Dougal, her corgi and highly opinionated research assistant.