Jonathan C. Pettibone

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Jonathan C. Pettibone is a pioneering researcher in science education and human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on how hands-on engineering projects shape young learners’ career aspirations. His most influential work, “The Impact of Robot Projects on Girl’s Attitudes Toward Science and Engineering” (2007, 53 citations), stands as a foundational study in the field of educational robotics. In this landmark paper, Dr. Pettibone demonstrated that structured robot-building activities can significantly improve middle-school girls’ self-efficacy and interest in STEM disciplines, directly challenging long-standing gender stereotypes in engineering. His research bridges cognitive psychology, curriculum design, and human-robot interaction, offering evidence-based strategies for educators seeking to diversify the engineering pipeline. Beyond this core contribution, Dr. Pettibone has explored how collaborative robotics projects foster teamwork and problem-solving skills in K-12 settings. His work has been cited by curriculum developers, educational policymakers, and robotics researchers worldwide, cementing his reputation as a key voice in inclusive STEM education. For students and researchers, Dr. Pettibone’s biography exemplifies how targeted, well-designed interventions can reshape attitudes and open doors for underrepresented groups in science and engineering.