San Francisco Regional – 2024

San Francisco Regional – 2024

The San Francisco FIRST Robotics Competition Regional, held at St. Ignatius High School, was a fantastic event! The venue buzzed with excitement and welcomed VIPs including Patti and Eric Poppe from PG&E/DreamMaker Foundation, Matt Hayes, VP of Safety at PG&E, and Senator Scott Weiner. Their presence underscored the importance of community and corporate support in nurturing the next generation of engineers and scientists.

PG&E was very involved in the event with a screening of their “Unlock the Future” social impact film about FIRST Team Project 212, providing safety glasses and discussing internship opportunities at their booth. 

At the mentor luncheon, Eric Schoenman of PG&E shared mentorship insights and at the Women in STEM event, Norma Grubb, PG&E Director of Data Science, provided a dynamic forum for encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

We’d like to extend an immense THANK YOU to all the sponsors, mentors and volunteers who contributed to this very successful Regional.

AWARDS

 

FIRST Impact Award

The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.   

The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture.  The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.

  • Team 1700, Gatorbotics from Palo Alto, CA (Championship Qualifying Award)

This team creates an expanding curriculum for youth STEM education, spearheads engineering programs at their school, and bridges communities across the peninsula and the world. With a robust commitment to supporting Women in STEM, they leverage their position in their community to ensure strong fundamentals in their pond. This team gears up local underserved communities making truly accessible programs for all. Leaving their shallow waters, they’re spreading their STEM curriculum across oceans to help alleviate poverty and empower women. These green chompers are unstoppable.

    Engineering Inspiration

    The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community.  This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.

    • Team 2854, The Prototypes from San Jose, CA (Championship Qualifying Award)

    This team stood out for their ability to measure the results of their outreach programs. In addition to mentoring or assisting over 40 FIRST teams, they targeted female representation through SWE Next and girls clubs. As a result their team went from just 2 girls to over 20 in a year. This team really puts their ideas to the test.

    Regional Winners

    • Team 114, Eaglestrike from Los Altos, CA (Championship Qualifying Award)
    • Team 5940, BREAD from Redwood City, CA (Championship Qualifying Award)
    • Team 5507, Robotic Eagles from San Francisco, CA (Championship Qualifying Award – wildcard)

     

    Dean’s List Finalist

    In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.

    • Sophia D from Team 6962, Antares
    • Mikayla M from Team 4186, Alameda Aztechs

    Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

    FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.

    In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.

    Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.

    • Alexis Tuason from Team 6418, The Missfits

    Additional Awards

    Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the San Francisco Regional! See the list here.

     

    Ventura County Regional – 2024

    Ventura County Regional – 2024

    Kudos to the 48 teams, along with their mentors, volunteers, sponsors, friends, and family members from across California, Arizona, Montana, Nevada, Hawaii, Singapore, The Netherlands and China for their outstanding participation in the Ventura County Regional of the FIRST Robotics Competition, held from March 7-10, 2024.

    A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to all the sponsors, mentors, and volunteers who played a crucial role in making this Regional a tremendous success.

    We trust that your time at the Ventura County Regional was truly unforgettable!

    LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

    The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Ventura County Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 17-20, 2024.

    FIRST Impact Award

    The FIRST Impact Award represents the true spirit of FIRST.  It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST.  It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award.  The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture.  The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events.

    • Team 8, Paly Robotics from Palo Alto, CA

    This team exhibits steam with creative strategies and art in the mind’s eye. Persistence and passion for others ensures this team’s impact story is a page-turner. Close your eyes and imagine mapping the environment to ability and beyond!

      Engineering Inspiration

      The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community.  This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.

      • Team 589, Falcon Robotics from La Crescenta, CA (Championship Qualifying Award)

      These birds of prey SOARED to success to include everyone playing a part. This team migrated from a tank drive to a swerve drive this year. Their successful Engineering Expo was inspirational and brought communities together.

      Regional Winners

      • Team 4414, High Tide from Ventura, CA (Championship Qualifying Award)
      • Team 4481, Rembrandts from the Netherlands (Championship Qualifying Award)
      • Team 4276, Surf City Vikings from Huntington Beach, CA (Championship Qualifying Award – wildcard)
      • Team 3863, Pantherbotics from Newbury Park, CA

      Rookie All Star

      • Team 9421, Carmel Robotics from Hong Kong, China (Championship Qualifying Award – wildcard)

      Dean’s List Finalist

      In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.

      • Ethan L with Team 589, Falcon Robotics
      • Daniela S with Team 687, The Nerd Herd

      Woodie Flowers Finalist Award


      FIRST
       stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.

      In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.

      Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.

      • Paul Booth from Team 4817, One Degree North

      Volunteer of the Year

       The Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates the dedication and service of truly outstanding volunteers. The phenomenal success of the FIRST Robotics Competition is a reflection of the commitment and enthusiasm displayed by our volunteers. We are truly humbled by the passion and commitment of our volunteers.

      • Ken Foulks

      Additional Awards

      Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Ventura County Regional! See the list here.

      Silicon Valley Regional – 2024

      Silicon Valley Regional – 2024

      From March 1st to 3rd, 2024, the excitement was palpable at the Silicon Valley Regional, which debuted at its new location, the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. The event attracted a competitive gathering of 42 teams from across California, Nevada, Hawaii, Idaho, and Mexico. For mentor networking and appreciation, a special lunch was provided for mentors got to mingle, enjoy a meal, and participate in a Q&A session with Lonny Weissman, FIRST Senior Mentor, and Luan Heimlich, Regional Director. Additionally, the event celebrated Women in STEM with a cozy gathering where attendees enjoyed desserts and the chance to connect with fellow women in the field.

      The competition itself did not disappoint, boasting a high level of challenge and excitement, especially impressive for a week 1 event.  With Team 1678 on the winning alliance and also winning the Impact Award, this generated a Wildcard for Team 8048.  And fun fact – Team 8048 mentor is the father of Team 1678 mentor!  FIRST is definitely a family affair.

      The event was also host to several VIPs, including those from Intuitive and Altair. We’d like to extend an immense THANK YOU to all the sponsors, mentors and volunteers who contributed to this very successful Regional. 

      LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

      The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Silicon Valley Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 17-20, 2024.

      FIRST Impact Award

      The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.   

      The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture.  The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.

      This team combines COMPREHENSIVE local outreach with HUGE support to fellow FIRST teams. In their community, ONE IN FIVE of all students participate in their camps or youth leagues. These programs are more than SELF-SUSTAINING, allowing them to EXPAND to new underserved areas and fix up other team’s robots with a signature FLAVOR. Even when they are not competing, this team attends FRC events to provide tools, parts, and EXPERTISE to other teams. They also participate in Women in STEM events, co-host off-season competitions, and help other teams emulate their SUCCESSFUL SYLLABUS. 

      Engineering Inspiration

      The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community.  This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.

       

      • Team 3008, Team Magma from Honolulu, Hawaii

      This team’s outreach is multi-dimensional and INSPIRING. Besides mentoring many FLL and FTC teams, hosting qualifiers, and having an ongoing academy for elementary students. Helping teachers, a new path, raising money and building a MOBILE LAB to help teachers gain experience and confidence with STEM tools and curriculum. Developing and raising money for a FTC hackathon for the islands, their INSPIRING WORK became caused an ERUPTION of eight FTC teams.

      Regional Winners

      • Team 581, Blazing Bulldogs from San Jose, CA
      • Team 1678, Citrus Circuits from Davis, CA
      • Team 8048, Team HH Churrobots from East Palo Alto, CA

      Dean’s List Finalist

      In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.

      • Miriam M from Team 1671, The Jankster
      • Corrine G from Team 1351, TKO

      Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

      FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.

      In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.

      Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.

      • Shelby Anderson from Team 581, The Blazing Bulldogs  

      Additional Awards

      Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Silion Valley Regional! See the list here.

      Hueneme Port Regional – 2024

      Hueneme Port Regional – 2024

      Congratulations to the 50 teams PLUS all the mentors, volunteers, sponsors, friends and family members from all over California, Arizona, the Netherlands, Chinese Taipei and China who participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition Hueneme Port Regional from March 1-3, 2024.

      We’d like to extend an immense THANK YOU to all the sponsors, mentors and volunteers who contributed to this very successful Regional.

      We hope you too had a memorable experience at the Hueneme Port Regional Regional! 

      LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

      The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Hueneme Port Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 17-20, 2024.

      FIRST Impact Award

      The FIRST Impact Award represents the true spirit of FIRST.  It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST.  It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award.  The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture.  The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events.

      • Team 498, The Cobra Commanders from Arizona

      Getting enough game play is one of the greatest challenges for FRC teams especially in Title I schools. These troopers took the time to identify the problem space and truly understand the broader operating environment. With sharp fangs using social media platforms addressing spectators and stakeholders alike, our winner secured funding to extend the robotics season statewide. Congratulations Team 498!

      Engineering Inspiration

      The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community.  This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.

      • Team 3473, Team Sprocket from Diamond Bar, CA

      This team has been able to deliver a big impact all over the world. With their support, teams were able to get all the cogs turning and undertake new problems. This team’s goal is to achieve universal education, and with their curriculum development, training courses, and 3D printer distribution, they are ready for liftoff towards this goal.

      Regional Winners

      • Team 4481, Team Rembrandts from the Netherlands
      • Team 3647, Millennium Falcons from San Diego, CA
      • Team 9452, LHS Steel Stingers from San Diego, CA

      Dean’s List Finalist

      In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.

      • Natalie W from Team 4201, The Vitruvian Bots
      • Alisha A from Team 4414, High Tide

      Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

      • Klint Kirkconnell, from Team 3341, Millennium Falcons

      Students agree that this mentor shows his commitment to the team while facilitating an environment conducive to learning. He helps the team stay calm in the face of serious issues. He teaches far beyond just robotics while being a ‘’fun” mentor. This mentor ensures the team stays productive while encouraging teamwork.

      Volunteer of the Year

      The Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates the dedication and service of truly outstanding volunteers. The phenomenal success of the FIRST Robotics Competition is a reflection of the commitment and enthusiasm displayed by our volunteers. We are truly humbled by the passion and commitment of our volunteers.

      • Bart Panaghetti

      Additional Awards

      Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Hueneme Port Regional! See the list here.

      Mentor Breakfast at San Diego Regional

      Mentor Breakfast at San Diego Regional

      Mentor Breakfast

      FIRST could not exist without our mentors, and we value all the ways you show up and support our teams throughout the year.

      As a token of our appreciation, we invite you to start practice day off on a good foot with some fresh donuts and coffee! Stop by our table outside the volunteer lounge on Friday morning.

      DATE: Friday, March 22nd
      TIME: 8:30am – 9:30am
      LOCATION: Outside the Volunteer Lounge at UCSD Liontree Arena

       

      Join the San Diego FIRST Mentor Network 

      Last fall, we launched the San Diego FIRST Mentor Network on Slack, as a digital community to help foster connection and increase collaboration. This build season, our local mentors found it exceptionally useful to quickly find parts needed from other teams, or to share tools.

      To request an invitation to the San Diego FIRST Mentor Network, please fill out the form here.

       

      Thank you for all you do!

      Women in STEM at San Diego Regional

      Women in STEM at San Diego Regional

      Are you curious about what a career in STEM fields can look like for you? Do you want to connect with successful women in your field and learn about their experiences and paths to success? Then you won’t want to miss our “Women in STEM” event, exclusively for team members and mentors at the San Diego Regional. 

      At this event, you will have the opportunity to:

      • Chat with female STEM professionals about their career paths and experiences.
      • Get inspired by successful women in STEM fields who have overcome challenges and achieved great things.
      • Learn about the different career options available to you in STEM fields, and get advice on how to pursue your dreams.
      • Network with other female students and STEM professionals, making valuable connections that could lead to future opportunities.

      And that’s not all! To make this event even more special, we’ll be treating all attendees to dessert. You’ll be able to indulge in sweet treats and get the information and inspiration you need to take your future to the next level.

      Though the event is focused around female experiences in STEM, everyone is welcome to attend. We can’t wait to see you there and help you on your journey to success!

      DATE: Saturday, March 23rd
      TIME: 1:15pm – 2:30pm
      LOCATION: UCSD – LionTree Arena, in the Volunteer Lounge

      MEET THE STEM PROFESSIONALS

      Saritha Goli

      Saritha Goli

      Senior Director, Engineering - Qualcomm

      Gabriella Loaiza

      Gabriella Loaiza

      Mechanical Engineer in Unmanned Marine Vehicle Lab - NIWC Pacific

      Kathreen Thome, PhD

      Kathreen Thome, PhD

      Fusion Scientist - General Atomics

      Mirella Cruz

      Mirella Cruz

      Engineer 1 - RDQ, Inc.

      Kelly Kloster Hon

      Kelly Kloster Hon

      Sr. Manager, Product Development Engineering - Becton Dickinson

      Olivia Li

      Olivia Li

      Senior Software Engineer - Qualcomm Wireless Research Department

      Vanessa Eslava

      Vanessa Eslava

      Transportation Engineer - TYLin

      Natalie LaRowe

      Natalie LaRowe

      Mechanical Engineering Business Systems Analyst - General Atomics

      Sarah Rodriguez

      Sarah Rodriguez

      Application Developer Master - TechFlow, Inc.

      Snighda Chalasani

      Snighda Chalasani

      Embedded Engineer - Qualcomm

      Sahana Kumar

      Sahana Kumar

      Medical Student at UCSD School of Medicine - Biomedical Engineering Degree from John Hopkins

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