Rose-Hulman Professor to Receive ‘Bridge Builder’ Award
Dr. Carlotta Berry (photo courtesy of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA professor from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology will receive the TechPoint Foundation for Youth Bridge Builder Award. Dr. Carlotta Berry, professor of electrical and computer engineering, will be presented with the award during TechPoint’s 22nd annual Mira Awards gala honoring the best of tech in Indiana.
The foundation says Berry is an engineering and robotics expert who is a STEM education advocate, especially for underrepresented students.
The award recognizes “visionary leaders who are helping underserved student populations in Indiana gain access to experiential learning opportunities that inspire the pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering and math.”
“I became an engineering professor 20 years ago while sitting in class and realizing that I had never had a professor who looked like me, acted like me, or even seemed interested in me,” Berry said. “I wanted to change the face of engineering by showing that the profession could be cool, interesting, exciting, engaging, and, most importantly, diverse.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation says Berry worked with colleagues around the world to start two new nonprofit organizations, Black In Engineering and Black In Robotics. The organizations aim to bring awareness to systemic racism and inequity in STEM, build community, and advocate for diversity.
“Carlotta has been an advocate and provider of STEM education for students for over a decade, helping bring competitive robotics to the forefront of education and helping support students who are typically not represented in STEM fields,” said George Giltner, president of TechPoint Foundation for Youth. “She has been a valuable partner of the Foundation and we are honored to recognize her efforts in the STEM community at the 2021 Mira Awards gala.”
During the virtual gala, TPF4Y says it is also planning to launch a fundraising campaign to help support digital equity for Indiana students.