Kelly Kolotka

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About

Kelly Kolotka is a dedicated engineering educator whose research centers on broadening access to engineering through innovative, hands-on curriculum design and student-centered pedagogy. Her primary contributions lie in developing and refining first-year engineering experiences, with a particular emphasis on making the field accessible to all students, including those with visual impairments, by integrating art-infused models and tangible making activities. Her most cited work, "Developing and Improving a Multi-Element First-Year Engineering Cornerstone Autonomous Robotics Design Project" (2018, 12 citations), details the evolution of Ohio State University’s Fundamentals of Engineering for Honors (FEH) program, a 23-year-old initiative that has become a model for project-based learning. In this paper, she outlines best practices for fostering student development through autonomous robotics design. Kolotka’s earlier work, "MAKER: Applications of 3-D Printing and Laser Cutting in the Development of Autonomous Robotics" (2016, 3 citations), further explores how digital fabrication tools can democratize engineering design. Before shifting her focus to student success and retention, her research interests included the regulation of intracranial pressure, demonstrating a versatile background. Through her commitment to inclusive, making-centered education, Kolotka is shaping a more welcoming and effective engineering landscape for diverse learners.