LaVonne Manning
Papers
3
Total Citations
17
H-Index
2
About
Dr. LaVonne Manning is a pioneering educator and researcher whose work centers on broadening participation in computing and robotics, particularly for underrepresented African American students. Her major contributions lie in designing and implementing innovative, socially relevant curricula that make computer science and robotics accessible and appealing. She spearheaded a landmark NSF-funded Broadening Participation in Computing project, establishing cognitive robotics laboratories and undergraduate courses at multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), a collaboration between Spelman College and Carnegie Mellon University. Her highly cited paper (8 citations) details this successful experimental curriculum. Dr. Manning also co-authored the influential "ARTSI Alliance" paper (7 citations), which strategically frames robotics as a tool for societal improvement—a key motivator for many African American students—thereby recruiting them into computer science. Her work demonstrates that by connecting technical fields to community impact, institutions can effectively diversify the STEM pipeline. Dr. Manning’s legacy is a proven model for inclusive, purpose-driven robotics education that empowers students to become leaders in technology for social good.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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