Thorna Humphries

Papers

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About

Thorna Humphries is a dedicated educator and researcher whose work lies at the intersection of robotics, computer vision, and broadening participation in computing. She is best known for developing an inexpensive hand-eye system for undergraduate robotics instruction, a project that made dexterous manipulation—combining kinematics, dynamics, and computer vision—accessible in teaching labs. Her 2009 paper on this system, which has accumulated 7 citations, demonstrates her commitment to hands-on, cost-effective learning tools that empower students to explore complex robotics principles. Beyond technical innovation, Humphries has made a profound impact on diversity in computer science. As a key figure in the ARTSI (Advancing Robotics Technology for Societal Impact) Alliance, she helped lead a consortium of 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and 9 major research universities. Her 2011 paper on this initiative, with 6 citations, outlines a mission to enlarge the nation’s engineering talent pool by recruiting and retaining African-American students in robotics and AI research. Through her work, Humphries has not only advanced affordable robotics education but also created pathways for underrepresented students to thrive in computing research.