Engineering Educator Carlotta Berry Champions Inclusion in Robotics
A pioneering electrical engineer is dismantling barriers to entry in the field of robotics, ensuring a more diverse and equitable future for the next generation of innovators. Dr. Carlotta Berry’s journey, from facing exclusion as a student to becoming a leading advocate for inclusivity, is reshaping how robotics is taught and who has access to its transformative power.
For Dr. Carlotta Berry, the seeds of her life’s work were sown during her undergraduate studies in electrical engineering during the 1980s and 90s. A frustrating reality quickly emerged: the sophisticated robots used for research were inaccessible to students. “The robots were too expensive, so the undergrads did not get to touch them,” Berry recalls. This experience sparked a commitment to democratizing robotics education, ensuring future engineers wouldn’t be limited by financial constraints. But the lack of access to equipment wasn’t the only hurdle she faced.
Berry also navigated a predominantly white and male academic landscape. Being one of the few women and Black students in her program was often isolating. “Representation does matter,” she emphasizes, a sentiment that continues to drive her efforts to create a more inclusive environment in STEM fields. Today, despite incremental progress, only approximately 8 percent of electronics engineers are women, and around 5 percent are Black. This stark disparity fueled her determination to instigate meaningful change.
From Classroom to Community: A Career Dedicated to Inclusive Robotics
Now a distinguished professor in the electrical and computer engineering department at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Berry has transformed her vision into reality. Her students don’t just learn *about* robotics; they actively engage with and program actual robots, fostering a hands-on understanding of the field. But her impact extends far beyond the walls of Rose-Hulman.
Berry’s commitment to inclusivity led her to develop open-source, low-cost mobile robots, like the LilyBot, making robotics education accessible to a wider audience. She actively takes these robots “to the streets,” conducting workshops and demonstrations at schools, libraries, museums, and community centers. From young children to adult educators, Berry’s outreach efforts are inspiring a new generation to explore the possibilities of robotics. What role do you think accessible technology plays in bridging the opportunity gap in STEM education?
Her dedication to fostering a more diverse and inclusive STEM community extends to her founding of Black in Engineering and Black in Robotics in 2020. These organizations, part of the broader Black in X network, provide vital support and community for Black professionals in STEM. The pandemic, while challenging, inadvertently facilitated these connections, as Berry explains, “Because we were all home and on social media, we were able to connect and find each other and form these organizations.”
Berry’s work has garnered significant recognition, including the 2023 IEEE Robotics and Automation Society’s Undergraduate Teaching Award, and accolades from the Society of Women Engineers and AnitaB.org. These awards acknowledge not only her excellence in teaching but also her unwavering commitment to diversifying the field.
Beyond her academic and outreach endeavors, Berry is also a published author. She writes children’s books, such as There’s a Robot in My Closet, designed to spark an early interest in STEM. She even explores STEM-themed romance novels under the pseudonym Carlotta Ardell, with her novel Elevated Inferno tackling the challenges women face in balancing career and personal life. How can we better support women in STEM who are navigating these complex demands?
Berry’s overarching mission remains clear: to empower individuals from all backgrounds to become creators of technology, not just consumers. She believes that a diverse and inclusive STEM workforce is essential for driving innovation and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Carlotta Berry’s Work
A: Open-source robotics lowers the financial barrier to entry, allowing more students and institutions to access and experiment with robotics technology, regardless of their resources.
A: These organizations provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and a sense of community for Black professionals in STEM, helping them overcome challenges and thrive in their careers.
A: Her books introduce young children to the exciting world of robotics and programming, fostering an early interest in STEM fields and encouraging them to pursue careers in these areas.
A: Representation provides role models for underrepresented groups, demonstrating that success in STEM is attainable for everyone and fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
A: Women in electrical engineering often encounter gender bias, lack of mentorship opportunities, and difficulty balancing work and family responsibilities.
Dr. Carlotta Berry’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and a unwavering belief in the importance of inclusivity. Her work is not only transforming the field of robotics but also inspiring a new generation of engineers to build a more equitable and innovative future.
Share this article to help spread awareness of Dr. Berry’s important work! Join the conversation in the comments below – what steps can we take to further promote diversity and inclusion in STEM?
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