After joining MMRambotics in 2008, after being limited to computer science students, I had the opportunity to explore all aspects of the team, from manufacturing, design, electrical, and programming all the way to marketing and media. It was a very enriching experience to collaborate with other team members under the guidance of mentors to design and develop robots to complete the game objectives. I graduated from MMR to pursue a mechanical engineering degree, which later proved to not be the best fit for myself.

Instead, I started a tool and die maker apprenticeship with the experience that I gained through MMRambotics—the aspect of manufacturing intricate parts and building functional mechanical assemblies. After completing my apprenticeship and moving up as a journeyman toolmaker, I worked in the tool and die industry for 10 years before taking on a machine builder role at an automation company that utilizes robots from Fanuc, ABB, and Yaskawa. Currently, I carry out the responsibilities and duties as a lead in automation projects, where I lead teams of programmers, millwrights, and electricians while collaborating with engineers to carry out projects to completion. My heaviest involvement with this company is to develop and implement solutions to improve the accuracy and consistency of automated cells and robots, as well as carry out field service calls for troubleshooting.