Debra T. Burhans
Papers
7
Total Citations
38
H-Index
4
About
Debra T. Burhans is a computer science educator and researcher whose work centers on making computing accessible and engaging through robotics and creative technology. Her primary research areas include introductory computer science education, robotics programming for novices, and the intersection of technology with the arts. Burhans is perhaps best known for founding the ARTY program (Art, Robotics and Technology for Youth), a week-long summer initiative that teaches middle school students to program robots while expressing themselves artistically—a project that has run multiple successful editions and earned 11 citations. She also pioneered a groundbreaking undergraduate course that uses robotics to fulfill general education requirements while serving as a first course for computer science majors, documented in her 2007 paper (7 citations). Her development of Robotran, a programming environment featuring a 2-D graphical simulator for LEGO Mindstorms robots (6 citations), addressed the critical issue of student access to hardware. Beyond the classroom, Burhans has contributed to the broader AI community through her work on the AAAI Mobile Robot Competition and by creating low-cost robotic systems like Shallow Blue, a Lego-based chess-playing robot. Her enduring impact lies in her innovative, hands-on approach to demystifying computer science for students at all levels.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1ARTY: Fueling Creativity through Art, Robotics and Technology for Youth11 citations · 2017
- 2A Robotics Introduction to Computer Science.7 citations · 2007
- 3
- 4Introductory computer science with robots5 citations · 2006
- 5Dustbot: Bringing a Vacuum-Cleaner Agent to Life4 citations · 2004
- 6
- 7The AAAI 2006 Mobile Robot Competition and Exhibition2 citations · 2007