Hello! My name is Ananya Yammanuru. I’m a 3rd year PhD student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I’m a member of the and the .

I am interested in algorithms for motion planning and human-robot interaction, with a focus on integrating ideas about planning and human interaction. Additionally, I am exploring the use of large language models (LLMs) and vision-language models (VLMs) to streamline interactions between humans and robots. Lastly, I am particularly intrigued by navigation challenges in non-traditionally constrained environments (e.g. areas without GPS).

I am also looking for internships for summer 2025 :).

Before I became a PhD student, I earned bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Brain and Cognitive Science from UIUC.