Thomas Brush

Indiana University Bloomington, Creighton University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Thomas Brush is an educational researcher whose work sits at the intersection of embodied cognition, computational thinking (CT), and innovative learning environments. His scholarship focuses on how physical and movement-based learning experiences can make abstract concepts accessible to young learners, particularly in early primary education. Brush's most notable contribution is his investigation of embodied learning as a gateway to computational thinking, demonstrating that when students in first and second grade engage in activities simulating robot programming through bodily movement, they develop meaningful understanding of foundational CT concepts such as sequencing and loops. This work, cited 36 times since 2022, has positioned him as an emerging voice in elementary CS education research. Building on this foundation, Brush has extended his inquiry into mixed-reality environments, exploring how immersive technologies can further scaffold CT learning through embodied interaction — work that has already garnered 9 citations since its 2024 publication. His research portfolio also reflects an interest in medical education, including exploring three-dimensional anatomy and surgical video production as pedagogical tools. Collectively, Brush's contributions advance our understanding of how experiential, body-centered learning can democratize access to complex computational and scientific concepts for diverse learners.