Nithika’s current PhD research emphasizes designing nature-inspired and technology-driven learning kits to encourage computational thinking in younger children. Her work connects the gap between learning from nature and digital interaction and bolsters critical problem-solving and thinking skills. Her study would focus on the intersection of human-computer interaction, product design, and instruction, presenting a transformative direction in education.

She co-designed board games to enhance emotional resilience and featured her work on the Indiana University official website. Her research capstone project earned her team two awards: the Best Project in the Field of HCI and the Best Project People’s Choice award. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she has worked as a Senior Visual Designer and a STEM Educator for about 4 years, teaching young learners in coding and robotics. She co-authored an E-book, “STEM Birds Scratch Ideas for Kids,” introducing children to coding using scratch programming.

Through her PhD study under the supervision of Professor Margot Brereton, Nithika aspires to transform how young children engage with computational thinking by designing nature-inspired and technology–integrated tools and experiences that resonate with teaching professionals and students similarly.

Earliest digital memory

Using my computer for the first time to play a game which triggered my interest in technology and game design, which then set me on the path to explore digital design and computer science.