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About

Gillian Puttick is a leading researcher in STEM education, specializing in interdisciplinary curriculum design, biomimicry, and robotics for K-12 learning. Her work centers on breaking down traditional disciplinary silos in middle school classrooms, demonstrating how integrated approaches can foster creative problem-solving and deepen student engagement with science and engineering. Puttick’s major contributions include the development of a biomimetic robotics curriculum that guides students through iterative design processes, drawing inspiration from nature to build functional robots. Her 2021 paper on this curriculum, which has garnered 18 citations, provides a foundational framework for educators seeking to implement hands-on, cross-disciplinary projects. In a 2022 study (14 citations), Puttick examined how middle school teachers enact such interdisciplinary units, revealing the challenges and strategies involved in moving beyond subject-specific instruction. Her analysis of student artifacts from a biomimicry and robotics unit further illustrates how learners synthesize concepts from biology, engineering, and design. With a growing body of work that bridges theory and practice, Puttick is shaping the future of integrated STEM education, equipping both teachers and students with the tools to think across boundaries.