Alumni Bios
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Alex Elting
University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas Sophomore Major: Computer Science 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
After I graduate with my degree, I plan to continue working in the industry. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
N/A Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: I'm a programmer for a local software consulting firm and have enjoyed almost 2 years working as a programming intern at CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
The comradery displayed in the FIRST program, even between competing teams, is hard to forget. One of my favorite memories of 1710 was when the bus taking us to the Denver regional broke down. We were stuck at a rest stop in The Middle of Nowhere, Kansas. Luckily for us, though, the rest stop had all the amenities a robotics team needs: Power outlets and Wi-Fi. Everyone was gathered around the picnic tables with their laptops, waiting for the replacement bus to come. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
FIRST was my first real experience working as part of a team using my programming skills. The experience I gained has helped me with my career down the road. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
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Amir Bachelani
University of Kansas Lawrence, KS Freshman Major: Aerospace Engineering 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
I plan to graduate from the University of Kansas with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. I hope to then obtain a masters in Aerospace Engineering and then work for one of the major airplane companies. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
I received the FIRST scholarship to KU. Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: I currently have an engineering internship at the City of Olathe. Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
My favorite memory from FIRST had to be the bus trip to Atlanta, because I was with all my friends and we watched ridiculously movies like Good Burger. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
FIRST gave me true engineering experiences that will help throughout college and my career. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
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Bill Reimer
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Sophomore Major: Computer Science 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
After graduating I plan to commission in the United States Navy as an officer and pursue a career for at least four years in the Navy. After that four years I plan to either continue my career in the Navy or seek a job in private industry somewhere. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
I have not received any FIRST scholarships but I have received a full scholarship through ROTC. Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: N/A Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
My favorite memory is the whole team aspect. The fact that 30 people can come together and in 6 weeks build a robot from nothing. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
FIRST has helped me prepare by exposing me to a team that is run like a business. It really got me used to what a real life engineering team is like. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
Really I can't say any more than I already have. I feel that FIRST is a great opportunity for High Schoolers. One thing that I can say is that I wish there was a College program for first. All the programs that are out there now are not as good as first. I have tried to join a few of them at my school but none of them are the same and I never follow through with it because it is just not as good as the FIRST program. |
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Coryn Mickelson
The University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas Freshman Major: Aerospace Engineering 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
I plan to graduate from The University of Kansas with a BS in Aerospace Engineering and then go for a Masters in Business Administration. After that I hope to work for a company like Space X with experimental flight. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
N/A Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: I currently have an engineering internship with the City of Olathe. Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
My favorite memory from being on Team 1710 is that when we won the Chairman's Award. All I could think about was how much work that my Chairman's team had put in with me to get it completed on time, and to win...I was just overfilled with joy and excitement with that honor of being one of the teams to with that award. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
FIRST has prepared me for interviews because when I had started with the team, I was completely afraid to speak to a panel like the Chairman's judges. But after getting through that well, I am not as afraid to go it for an interview. It also taught me to be more professional. The environment of FIRST is a very professional one and that helps for when you go into life for your first major job. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
First of all, FIRST has been one of the most amazing opportunities that I have been able to take part in. There may have been some stressful times for me during my time as the teams Awards Coordinating Officer, but I wouldn't go back and change a thing because it truly is an organization that every high school student should know about and join. |
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Davis Woodward
University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas Freshman Major: Aerospace Engineering 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
Graduate in four years and receive a job with an aerospace/defense firm. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
KU FIRST Scholarship, AE Departmental Scholarship, AE ONW Scholarship Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: None Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
Being around a lot of fun people. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
It has given me the opportunity to work in a group setting as well as get a brief introduction to the world of engineering. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
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Hans Walther
University of Kansas - School of Engineering Lawrence, KS Freshman Major: Mechanical Engineering 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
Mechanical/Automotive Engineering (motorsports, car design and fabrication) Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
FIRST Robotics Scholarship, SELF Engineering Leadership Fellowship, Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: Mechanical Designer at Kiewit Power Engineers. Formula SAE - Jayhawk Motorsports volunteer. Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
Showing off team spirit at championships in Atlanta. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
FIRST has given me priceless real world experience as a high school student, and has also helped me develop outstanding engineering, leadership, and communication skills. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
Being involved has been an incredible experience and I look forward to continuing my involvment in different ways. |
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Hayden Maples
University of Kansas Lawrence, KS Freshman Major: Mechanical Engineering/Business Administration 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
I would like to rise to a leadership position in an engineering company. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
The FIRST Participation Scholarship from KU Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: N/A Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
The elation of the team as we were announced as the Chairman's winners. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
FIRST offered me many firsthand experiences that extend so far beyond in-class education and that will be beneficial as a move into the workforce. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
I had the unbelievable opportunity to lead Team 1710 as the CEO during my senior year. It is amazing to work with such a dedicated group of students and help guide them toward the success that we had. |
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James Graff
Ringling College of Art and Design Sarasota, Florida Junior Major: Computer Animation 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
I plan to get a job in the Animation industry, hopefully animating for feature films. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
I was offered a FIRST scholarship from the College of Creative Studies in Detroit for computer animation, $6,500 renewable (not accepted). Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: 1 YEAR BLACK AND VEATCH ENGINEERING Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
Just about the entire trip to the regionals in Chicago, it was so much fun visiting the sights, especially the day we spent on Michigan Av. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
The FIRST program helped give me the work ethic that has become so important to my success in college creating short films, which is a ton of work, lots of long hours. FIRST helped prepare me to work those hours. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
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Jared Broddle
Savannah College of Art & Design Savannah, GA Freshman Major: Visual Effects 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
After attaining my degree, I plan on finding a job in the Film industry with a major visual effects house such as Industrial Light and Magic. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
N/A Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: I worked as an intern with Garmin International for the Summer of 2009. Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
Winning the Chairman's award at the 2009 Kansas City Regional How has FIRST helped perpare you?
It taught me to work as a team and showed why someone should work hard at everything they do. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
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Jerad Bickford
University of Kansas Lawrence, KS Sophomore Major: Organismal Biology 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
I plan to go onto to Medical School upon completing my undergraduate education. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
I received many scholarships in engineering, including a FIRST Robotics scholarship. Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: I have been an intern at Black & Veatch and am currently working with The KU Work Group for Community Health and Development. Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
There is definitely more than one: My pursuit of a gold medal in skeleton with Mark and Nate, using a sledgehammer because we had one, Rock Bottom Brewery, winning the Chicago Regional. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
FIRST has given me tremendous experience in terms of collaborating with others and working to meet a very difficult deadline. FIRST gave me a great opportunity to practice and improve my leadership skills and taught me a lot about being a successful leader and the dynamics of teamwork. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
While I have chosen to pursue other interests besides engineering, I can still reflect on how FIRST has inspired me. I remember watching the video at FIRST Championships about the robotic arm Dean Kamen was working on and being amazing at the technology it implemented. This moment was one of many catalysts within FIRST that has interested me in pursuing a meaningful life's work and motivated me to be dedicated toward my dream of making a true difference in someone's life. |
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Josh Jensby
University of Missouri Science and Technology Rolla, MO Sophomore Major: Electrical Engineering 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
My future plans are to finish college, and get a job in the field of Electrical Engineering. I am not yet sure what specific part of the field just yet. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
N/A Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: N/A Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
To be honest, I don't think that I can pick just one memory to be my favorite. I would say that my favorite part about FIRST and 1710 is the entire program. The concept of Gracious Professionalism is a concept that is hard to explain, but it is one of the things that I love about the FIRST program. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
FIRST helps teach you to help others, even if you are in competition against them. Just because you are competing is not a reason to give up your morals. This idea is used in every part of life, and helps to make one a better person. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
Without FIRST, I honestly don't know how I would have survived high school, if I would be in the amazing college that I am now, or even if I would be going into the field on Engineering. As I mentioned before, the concept of Gracious Professionalism is one that has become part of who I am, and everything that I do. I honestly hope that this program doesn't come to an end, and will continue to help kids to find their way, like it has done for me. |
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Matthew Clewell
Kansas State University Manhattan, KS Junior Major: Electrical Engineering, focus in Optoelectronics 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
I would like to earn a Masters and PhD in Electrical / Optoelectronics Engineering. I hope to continue working for Honeywell FM&T. In the far future I would like to see myself working for Intel or NVIDIA in design. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
N/A Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technology, position Student Engineer I Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
Welding the original robot in Mark's garage. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
By giving me a chance to work in a complex team settings with high stress and pressure to meet deadlines. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
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Megan Wood
Johnson County Community College Overland Park, Kansas Sophomore Major: Computer Aided Drafting and Design 2nd Major/Minor:
Criminal Justice Plans for the Future:
Complete bachelors, and attend a university to receive masters. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
N/A Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: Kiewit Power Engineers Intern June 07 - August 07 Part-Time employee August 07 - Present Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
Regional trips, bus rides and friends How has FIRST helped perpare you?
N/A Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
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Miriah Anderson
Missouri S&T Rolla, MO Sophomore Major: Mechanical Engineering 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
I would like to do something with design. Still exploring the opportunities in this field. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
Women in Science and Engineering Scholarship Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: N/A Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
How to choose just one. One of my top memories though is at the Midwest Regional in Chicago, the game was Rack and Roll. I was the coach of the drive team and I looked up in the stands and saw a team that lit up the entire arena with spirit and a passion. They were 1710, sharing with everyone what it meant to be a team that enthusiasm for the competition and everyone else there. Everything that our team went through during build season and just life was put aside for those three days. We cheered, we laughed, we stressed, and we won a regional together. We became more than a team in Chicago we became a family, every member impacted that team and made 1710 what they still strive to be every year. We may not have the best robot but we will always have each other no matter, as winners and as losers we are 1710 not just a team but a family. I may have graduated from 1710 but the memories and family will always be with me, and a place I can always feel welcomed. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
FIRST gave me enthusiasm and passion for what I want to do for the rest of my life. I am studying the field of Mechanical Engineering. Having the background of robotics comes in handy at times, but what really counts is my exhilaration I have to continue to study and learn in that area. School work may get stressful and very hectic but I can look back on my FIRST experience and remember why I am there. That alone can get me through anything, tests, tough homework, and an education in college. On 1710 I learned what gracious professionalism is all about. I don't have to be at competition or even affiliated with FIRST to understand gracious professionalism should be focused on in all aspects of life. I respect all people, yet it goes beyond respecting someone it is so much more. For instance when working on a group project in class, our group doesn't sit in the corner and keep our idea to ourselves but works with other groups to help each other create the best devices possible. But most of all FIRST has prepared me to be a strong leader. I now know what it takes to go above and beyond just leading; you must have a passion and heart for what you are doing. If there is excitement there is success it just comes in different ways than expected for the better. I have really used this skill by becoming a leader in some fashion in three different organizations on campus at college, one of them being the Vice-President of our College Robotics Competition Team. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
FIRST has given me an unforgettable family with memories that will never die. 1710 and FIRST showed me that there is more to life than just a job, a career in what you love is the only way to find success. Also through my experience with FRC as a sophomore in college I have been able to judge Lego League competitions in St. Louis as well as help bring, FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge to Missouri S&T in the near future. |
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Ryan Magaster
Kansas State University Manhattan, KS Sophomore Major: Mechanical Engineering 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
I plan on finishing college out and getting a job in engineering. hopefully somewhere I've never lived. Also I am going to try and get an internship with an engineering firm this summer. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
N/A Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: N/A Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
Winning the Chicago Regional the second year the team was together How has FIRST helped perpare you?
FIRST has really helped me learn how to meet deadlines and be creative. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
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Scott Ferentz
Wichita State University Wichita, Kansas Senior Major: Aerospace Engineering 2nd Major/Minor:
Mathematics Plans for the Future:
I plan to complete my BS in Aerospace Engineering then work towards my masters degree, finally working for a large aircraft company, such as Airbus, Boeing, or Lockheed Martin. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
N/A Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: Honeywell, LSI Logic, Spirit AeroSystems(current) Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
Shipping our very first robot to competition, and winning the Chairman's Award in Milwaukee. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
FIRST gave me the opportunity to work in a large team setting towards a very difficult deadline as well as provide me with the opportunity to enhance my engineering and leadership skills. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
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Sean Meier
K-State Manhattan, KS Freshman Major: Engineering 2nd Major/Minor:
Don't know yet Plans for the Future:
Become and engiener and make money Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
None yet Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: N/a Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
Making the bestest website EVAR! How has FIRST helped perpare you?
Taught me how to take initiative for my work. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
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Timothy Collard
Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, Missouri Sophomore Major: Electrical Engineering 2nd Major/Minor:
N/A Plans for the Future:
To work in R&D on aerospace and robotic applications of electrical systems. Significant Engineering Scholarships recieved:
N/A Engineering Internships or
job opportunities you have recieved: Kiewit Power Engineers: Instrumentation/Controls Designer (Past) Kiewit Power Engineers: Information Technology Intern (Past) Kiewit Power Engineers: Electrical Engineering Intern (Present) Favorite memory from FIRST and Team 1710
The challenge of overcoming the new task through innovative design, then implementing that design. How has FIRST helped perpare you?
It has provided an opportunity to apply the knowledge learned in school, and made future classes seem easier. It also has strengthened my soft skills via the leadership opportunities and presentations. Additional information about your experiences with FIRST:
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