Leah Buechley

Leah Buechley is an American educator, engineer, and designer renowned for developing the LilyPad Arduino e-textile toolkit. She is currently an Associate Professor in the University of New Mexico’s Department of Computer Science, where her research explores the intersections of computer science, art, architecture, and education. Her work focuses on providing broad and diverse groups with opportunities to understand, design, and build technology by integrating electronics, computation, art, and design. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor at MIT Media Lab, where she founded and led the “High-Low Tech” research group. Her research has been recognized with awards such as the National Science Foundation CAREER award and the 2017 Edith Ackerman Award for Interaction Design and Children.

• 2019–Present·University of New Mexico·Associate Professor
  • Leads the Hand and Machine Lab, researching integrations of electronics, computation, art, and design, while developing innovative 3D printing and STEM education technologies.
• 2009–2013·MIT Media Lab·Assistant Professor
  • Founded and led the High-Low Tech research group, focusing on blending artistry and crafts with electronics engineering and technology.
• 2014·Founder of Rural/Digital

• 2003–2007·University of Colorado at Boulder·Ph.D. (Computer Science)
  • Research focused on the integration of art and design within electronics and computation.
• 1993–1997·Skidmore College·B.A. (Physics)
  • Graduated with honors in physics while also studying dance, theater, and artistic design.