Vaishnavi Shahane

Research Assistant

Vaishnavi joined the UConn Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities as a Research Assistant in November of 2024. Her master’s research at UConn focused on developing family-centric, age-appropriate and engaging community-based interventions using commercially available technology such as virtual reality, ride-on toys and artificial intelligence for individuals with developmental disabilities (specifically children and young adults with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder). As a consultant physical therapist in India, specializing in neurodevelopmental clinical research, she practiced innovative approaches including dance and music therapy that challenged conventional therapy assumptions to improve patient outcomes.

She is interested to work at the intersection of education, human development and technology with several publications highlighting her expertise in this area. She is committed to advancing her work by contributing to projects that bridge education and policy, design inclusive and equitable interventions, and advance interdisciplinary research aimed at building resilient and thriving communities.