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Andy E. Ricci

Assistant Professor of Digital and Computational Studies

Associations

Digital and Computational Studies

View office locations in Directory

207-755-5906 aricci@bates.edu

About

Andy Elliot Ricci (they/them) is an Assistant Professor of Digital and Computational Studies. They are a Computer Scientist with expertise in human-robot interaction (HRI) working at the intersection of technology, identity, and embodiment.

They earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science at Cornell University with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and a minor in Information Science. They have a B.S. degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Union College.

Andy is the director of Bits & Bots & Bolts at Bates: an Interaction Design Lab. Their research explores how people interact with and through technology, focusing on identity and the body.

 

Website: andy-ricci.github.io

Expertise

Current Courses

Winter Semester 2026

Data Structures and Algorithms

DCS 229

This course provides an introduction to common data structures and selected algorithms for solving more complex problems. Topics covered include: object-oriented programming, including inheritance and polymorphism; concrete data types (arrays and linked structures); abstract data types (including s…

Robots & Embodied AI: Critical Digital Studies Seminar

DCS 347 / GSS 347

Robots and other embodied artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as self-driving cars, autonomous drones, robot vacuum cleaners, and smart home technologies, are increasingly present in our lives. What is the purpose of embodied AI technologies? Why do they exist? Who decides how they shoul…

Fall Semester 2026

Introduction to Computer Science through Community-Engaged Learning

DCS 109C

This course introduces computer science, computational thinking, and problem-solving through community-engaged learning. Students learn about computing in terms of the representation and manipulation of data, fundamental algorithms, and societal implications of computing. They will learn the fundame…

Data Structures and Algorithms

DCS 229

This course provides an introduction to common data structures and selected algorithms for solving more complex problems. Topics covered include: object-oriented programming, including inheritance and polymorphism; concrete data types (arrays and linked structures); abstract data types (including s…