Mitchel Resnick
Resume


Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
M.S. in computer science, 1988
Ph.D. in computer science, 1992
Masters Thesis:
MultiLogo: A Study of Children and Concurrent Programming
Ph.D. Thesis:
Beyond the Centralized Mindset:
Explorations in Massively Parallel Microworlds


Princeton University
B.A. in physics, 1978
Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude
Thesis:
Some Implications of the Theory of Density Fluctuations in the Universe


Work Experience

Faculty
I am currently an Associate Professor at the Media Laboratory at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where I hold the LEGO Papert Chair. My research interests include: role of technology in learning and education; design of computational systems for nonexperts and children; decentralized systems and decentralized thinking; informal learning environments; learning in virtual communities.

Educational product development
I have led the development of a family of Programmable Bricks, which served as inspiration for the LEGO MindStorms product line. I have also led the development of StarLogo, a programmable modeling environment designed to help students explore decentralized systems and self-organizing phenomena.

Informal learning environments
I co-founded the Computer Clubhouse, an after-school learning center where youth from under-served communities work together on computer-related projects. I have also developed several museum exhibits involving robotics, artificial intelligence, and educational computing. These exhibits have appeared in more than a dozen science/technology museums. I serve on the Board of Trustees at the Museum of Science in Boston.

Educational computing consulting
I have consulted on the use of computers in schools, both in the United States and in several foreign countries (including Costa Rica, Russia, Canada, Australia, and Israel).

Journalism
While working for Business Week magazine (1978-1983), I wrote more than 100 articles about science and technology, including three cover stories about computers. In addition, I have written freelance articles for several magazines, including Rolling Stone and Technology Review. I also served as chief writer/editor for two books by Regis McKenna: The Regis Touch (1985) and Who's Afraid of Big Blue (1989).


Honors

LEGO Papert Professor of Learning Research, 1998-present
Fukutake Career Development Chair, 1995-98
National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award, 1993-98
General Electric Foundation Fellowship for Computer Science, 1986-87
Vannevar Bush Fellowship for Science Journalism, 1983-84
AAAS Mass Media Fellowship, 1978
Phi Beta Kappa, 1978


Publications

Turtles, Termites, and Traffic Jams, MIT Press (1994)
Constructionism in Practice (co-edited with Y. Kafai), Lawrence Erlbaum (1996)
Research papers



Mitchel Resnick
MIT Media Laboratory
20 Ames Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-253-9783
617-253-6215 (fax)
mres@media.mit.edu
(Mitchel Resnick was a camper and counselor at Camp Boiberik from 1970-75.)