Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems has announced the addition of two new faculty members, Hyunkyung Lee, PhD, and Sara Falcone, PhD. The appointments are part of the school’s ongoing efforts to expand its expertise in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Hyunkyung Lee joins Pace from Emory University, where she completed her PhD in Information Systems. “I’m joining Pace from Emory University, where I completed my PhD in Information Systems. I was drawn to Pace especially by the welcoming community, in addition to the exceptional faculty and nice environment. My expertise includes Economics of Information Systems, Ad-blocking Technologies, Online User Behavior, and Digital Strategy. My methodological approach is characterized by the rigorous application of empirical methods—econometrics, survival analysis, experimental design—and I also incorporate machine learning paradigms when appropriate,” said Lee.
Sara Falcone brings a multidisciplinary background from Napoli, Italy. She previously served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Vassar College. “I’m originally from Napoli, Italy (the city of pizza!). I have a multidisciplinary background in computer science, robotics, and cognitive science with a focus on human–computer and human–robot interactions. Before joining Pace, I was a Visiting Assistant Professor at Vassar College, where I taught and led research on human-centered robotics and immersive technologies. I was drawn to Seidenberg for its applied, interdisciplinary culture and strong ties to New York City’s tech scene—an ideal setting for my work on telepresence, haptics, and wearable/VR interfaces,” Falcone said.
Lee described her research focus: “My primary research objective is to deepen our understanding of online user behaviors and the strategic challenges companies encounter in adapting to emerging technologies, with the goal of improving the online user experience. Broadly, I aim to develop a rigorous and integrated understanding of how new technologies impact firm strategy and user experience.”
Falcone outlined her area of study: “My expertise sits at the intersection of human-centered robotics, teleoperation, and immersive systems (VR/AR). I study how people experience control, agency, and embodiment when interacting with remote or augmented systems, and how that experience impacts performance and learning. Methodologically, my work blends user-centered design with experimental evaluation, using tools like motion capture, haptic gloves, and exoskeletons.”
Discussing current projects that excite them most about their roles at Pace University:
Lee stated: “My current research has been inspired by the intricate dynamics of ad-blocking technologies within the digital advertising ecosystem. I explore why people adopt ad blockers and what that means for different stakeholders, from consumers to advertisers and platforms.”
Falcone added: “I’m very enthusiastic about all my research! One project I’m especially excited about is on kinesthetic learning with wearables: we’re piloting studies that pair motion-capture suits with haptic gloves and exoskeletons to test how physical cues in VR can speed up skill acquisition. We’re measuring both embodiment (like agency and cross-modal congruency) and real task performance. I’m also active in international research communities: this fall I’ll be speaking at major conferences in China and Hawaii, where I’ll be presenting work on how humans experience embodiment in teleoperation and a new framework for human–technology interaction in the future workplace. I also recently co-organized the IEEE Telepresence 2025 conference in the Netherlands, where I helped lead special sessions connecting academia and industry.”
For this academic year at Pace University’s Seidenberg School:
Lee is teaching cybersecurity courses including CYB 201 (Intro to Cybersecurity for undergraduates), CIT 251 (Computer Security Overview), and CYB 611 (Intro to Cybersecurity for graduate students). These classes cover information assurance topics across computer security fields.
Falcone is teaching CS 242 (Algorithms and Computing Theory) for undergraduates as well as CS 632Q (Introduction to Natural Language Processing) for graduate students.
The arrival of Professors Lee and Falcone supports Pace University’s goal to provide students access to current developments across AI-related disciplines such as cybersecurity https://www.pace.edu/seidenberg/cybersecurity , robotics https://www.pace.edu/seidenberg/robotics , virtual reality https://www.pace.edu/seidenberg/virtual-reality , as well as broader technology fields https://www.pace.edu/seidenberg/programs . Their combined backgrounds strengthen interdisciplinary opportunities for students preparing for careers shaped by rapid technological change.
