Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Tanja Karp is an engineering educator and researcher whose work centers on STEM outreach, K-12 robotics education, and experiential learning. Based at Texas Tech University's Whitacre College of Engineering, she has dedicated her career to inspiring young students — particularly those in West Texas — to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Karp is best known for her development and sustained leadership of LEGO robotics outreach programs targeting elementary and middle school students. Her foundational paper, "Generation NXT: Building Young Engineers With LEGOs" (2009), has garnered 55 citations and remains a benchmark resource for educators implementing similar initiatives. A follow-up study on afterschool robotics challenges (2013) earned 47 citations, reflecting the broad influence of her program model across the education research community. Beyond outreach design, Karp has rigorously evaluated program effectiveness, explored cost-accessible robotics competition frameworks, and pioneered service-learning courses that engage undergraduate and graduate engineers as mentors. This pipeline approach creates reciprocal benefits — exciting K-12 students about engineering while deepening university students' professional skills. Her body of work stands as a meaningful contribution to closing the engineering talent gap through early, hands-on engagement.