Our Team

The engineering department is a combination of two subteams which work together to build and design the robot. Prior to build season both subteams hold curriculum meetings to teach members how to operate the shop tools, as well as how to use CAD programs. They also teach basic design processes to the entire team so that everyone is able to help with the final design. During build season the engineering department is responsible for designing and building the robot within the given timeframe. After building the robot, build members are some of the main people in the pit so that they can fix whatever issues may arise during the competition.

The software department is responsible for writing all the code for the robot. We start by teaching new members how to use Java and introduce them to the tools we use to code, such as VSCode. During build season, we write the code for the robot. This includes not only basic driving and manipulator control, but also image recognition, motion profiling, and more. We also test the robot, making sure that everything works well, before giving it to drive team. The software department also teams up with the engineering department to build the electronics board, which contains the components necessary to power the robot.

The business department has a wide range of responsibilities over the course of the year. To start the year off, the business department focuses on finding sponsors for the team, as well as applying for the many grants which are available to FRC teams. During this time the department also runs a competition within the team for that year’s logo. Before and during build season the department processes purchase requests for the different materials that the team needs. Throughout the entire year the business department works with the communications lead to keep communication aligned with the team branding, which the business department also creates and manages.

I am a full-time sophomore in Pre-Engineering at the UW, with an intent to major in mechanical engineering. My skill set is mainly centered around hardware and design; I am proficient in using most basic hand tools (drills, saws, files, etc.) as well as some more complex machinery, including but not limited to: manual and CNC vertical mills, manual lathes, manual and CNC plasma arc cutters, drill presses, and horizontal and vertical bandsaws. On the design side, I know how to use Solidworks ca. 2013-2015 in conjunction with Mastercam for CNC use, and I am slowly and somewhat painfully learning Autodesk Inventor 2016. Additionally, I am versed in Microsoft Word and more importantly Microsoft Excel for use in game analysis and FMEA, which is risk analysis. I can also help with project management shenanigans, it’d depend on the situation.

I am originally from Corvallis, OR. This is my 7th year in FIRST; 2 years in FLL, and 4 years on FRC Team 997, Spartan Robotics. I’ve done some odd-end volunteering for FLL and FTC events, and have mentored 4 FLL teams in the past. Simultaneously. It was interesting. On the rare occasion where I am not loaded with homework, I enjoy taking strolls around the UW campus, exploring Seattle in general, playing the violin, and practicing archery at the UW IMA.

Our Departments

Engineering

Software

Business

Leadership Team

CAPTAIN

COMMS. LEAD

PROJECT MANAGER

Department Leads

BUILD LEAD

DESIGN LEAD

SOFTWARE LEAD

BUSINESS LEAD

STRATEGY LEAD

Our Mentors

Karl Ruff

John Luetke

Daniel Zhu

Jacob Erickson

Jordan Macias

James Gladden

Andy Davidson

Previous Leadership

Rapid React (2021 – 2022)

Infinite Recharge (2020 – 2021)

Infinite Recharge (2019 – 2020)

Deep Space (2018 – 2019)

Power Up (2017 – 2018)

Steamworks (2016 – 2017)

Stronghold (2015 – 2016)

Recycle Rush (2014 – 2015)

Aerial Assist (2013 – 2014)

Ultimate Ascent (2012 – 2013)

Rebound Rumble (2011 – 2012)