Katherine Panciera

University of Minnesota System, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Orthopedics

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Katherine Panciera’s research centers on broadening participation in technology, with a specific focus on using robotics to engage underrepresented groups—including girls, African Americans, and Hispanic students. Her major contributions lie in designing, implementing, and evaluating hands-on outreach programs that address the critical shortage of women and minorities in IT fields. Through initiatives like the University of Minnesota Robotics Day Camp and Technology Day Camp, she demonstrated that early, accessible exposure to robotics can counteract perceived ineptitude and lack of experience that often deter underrepresented students. Her most-cited work, “Second annual robotics summer camp for underrepresented students” (2007, 24 citations), along with “No fear: University of Minnesota Robotics Day Camp introduces local youth to hands-on technologies” (2006, 21 citations), collectively show the impact of her approach—these papers have been referenced by educators and researchers developing similar K-12 STEM interventions. Panciera’s work is notable for its practical, evidence-based model: she surveyed participants to measure shifts in confidence and interest, providing a replicable framework for inclusive tech education. Her efforts have helped shape a generation of outreach programs that prioritize equity and early intervention in robotics and computing.