Linda Silka

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Linda Silka is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of computer science education, community engagement, and the arts. Her most influential work centers on the **Artbotics program**, an innovative interdisciplinary initiative that merges robotics with artistic expression to broaden participation in computing. Silka’s major contribution lies in demonstrating how project-based, community-centered learning can attract and retain diverse students—particularly those from underrepresented groups—by making technical concepts accessible through creative, hands-on projects. Her 2007 paper on Artbotics, with **39 citations**, details a curriculum where undergraduates and high school students build robotic art for public museum exhibitions, effectively breaking down barriers between STEM and the humanities. A related work (7 citations) explores the challenges and opportunities of multi-disciplinary collaboration, highlighting students’ roles as learners, mentors, and research assistants. Silka’s approach has been recognized for its impact on service learning and community-based education, offering a replicable model for making computer science more inclusive and socially relevant. Her work continues to inspire educators seeking to integrate art, technology, and civic engagement.