Nickolina Yankova
Papers
1
Total Citations
9
H-Index
1
About
Nickolina Yankova is a researcher at the intersection of computational design, digital fabrication, and textile engineering. Her work reimagines traditional weaving as a gateway for interdisciplinary STEM education, bridging the gap between ancient craft and modern technology. Yankova’s most cited contribution, “SPEERLoom: An Open-Source Loom Kit for Interdisciplinary Engagement in Math, Engineering, and Textiles” (2023), introduces an accessible, open-source loom platform that transforms weaving into a hands-on tool for teaching binary logic, matrix mathematics, and mechanical engineering. By drawing on the historical connection between Jacquard looms and early computing—where punch cards encoded patterns as binary instructions—Yankova demonstrates how textile processes can demystify core concepts in computer science and engineering. Her work has garnered attention for its innovative approach to STEAM education, earning 9 citations in its first year and sparking interest among educators and makers. Through SPEERLoom, Yankova not only preserves the cultural heritage of weaving but also repositions it as a dynamic, low-cost teaching tool for the next generation of engineers and designers. Her research continues to explore how tangible, craft-based interfaces can make abstract technical concepts more intuitive and engaging.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1