Laura Lowe

Papers

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About

Dr. Laura Lowe is a dedicated advocate for engineering education, with her research centered on developing and evaluating K-12 STEM outreach programs. Her most significant contribution is the creation and analysis of the "Generation NXT" initiative, a pioneering LEGO robotics program designed to introduce elementary and middle school students to core engineering principles. Her seminal 2009 paper, "Generation NXT: Building Young Engineers With LEGOs," which has garnered 55 citations, identifies the critical success factors for implementing such a program, demonstrating how young students can playfully learn complex concepts like brainstorming, design iteration, and troubleshooting. This work, building on her earlier 2007 paper (9 citations), provides a foundational model for making engineering accessible and exciting. Dr. Lowe’s impact lies not in a single discovery, but in her proven, replicable framework for cultivating the next generation of engineers, directly addressing the critical need for early STEM engagement. Her research offers a practical, evidence-based blueprint for educators and outreach coordinators worldwide.