Mentors
Our team’s mentors
ED KOHLER
Contact Information: kohler.edward@ufrsd.net
Started mentoring: 2013
Mentor Subteam(s): Business, Build, Design, Electrical, Programming, Machining, Strategy
Co-Lead mentor of Redbird Robotics.
MATTHEW JASAITIS
Contact Information: Allentown High School, 27 High St, Allentown, NJ, 609-259-7292, jasaitm@ufrsd.net
Started mentoring: 2018
Mentor Subteam(s): Business, Build, Design, Electrical, Programming, Machining, Strategy
When I got hired by the district to teach, they were also looking to take on an assistant advisor for the robotics team. I met with Mr. Tackett, got to see what the team was about, and decided it sounded like an interesting and engaging challenge. I advise the team in all areas, but largely in terms of design, build, and use of the lathe.
SAM KOHLER
Started mentoring: 2020
Mentor Subteam(s): Build, Design, Electrical
I was a member of the team from 2014-2018. I help the team now by building field elements, help teach fundamentals for each subteam, and help the shop with maintenance.
DANIEL DOMEN
Contact information: daniel.domen@ericsson.com
Started mentoring: 2019
Mentor Subteam(s): Strategy
I got involved because I responded to a post on the town Facebook page asking for that was made by the student business lead. I provide and educate the students on the technical aspects of handling scouting data. Everything from gathering and organizing data to creating data visualizations. Our scouting system conforms to our team motto, “Simple, Robust, Reliable”, and was built on the experience of multiple past student alumni. Simple by requiring minimal changes from year to year and very little coding experience. Robust by providing industry-standard data visualizations. Reliable by not requiring any network. Most of all, I enjoy providing and teaching the students to run the scouting system so that they can make their own strategy decisions during competitions.
RYAN THOMAS
Started mentoring: 2022
Mentor Subteam(s): Build
I got involved with the team when my son, Tucker, joined. He found it fascinating and challenging, which intrigued me to learn more. I help primarily with the construction of the practice field elements, so the robot can prepare for competition by interacting with as many of the obstacles and game pieces as possible. I also assist students with woodworking and learning to use some of the shop tools.
JULIA VALENTINO
Contact information: juliavalentinopurdue@gmail.com
Started mentoring: 2023-2024 season
Mentor Subteam(s): Build, Business
I was on the team and graduated in 2023. I help with sponsor outreach, presentation formation, immaculate personality, trip planning/logistics, and chaperone trips.
EVAN KABA
Contact information: http://www.k4b4.net
Started mentoring: 2024 season
Mentor Subteam(s): Design, Programming
I’m a former member of the team. I help by mentoring students on system design, controls, robot perception, path-planning, and autonomy.
JIM KABA
Contact information: jamestkaba@gmail.com
Started mentoring: Officially in 2021, unofficially in 2020
Mentor Subteam(s): Programming, Electrical, Machining
I got involved with the team when my son went through the Engineering Academy and was on the robotics team 2019-2023. I started volunteering with the team in 2020 and started mentoring in 2021. I’m primarily a mentor for the Programming subteam and, to a lesser extent, the Electrical subteam. But like many mentors, I’m also a general “mentor at large” and occasionally help out with Design, Build, Strategy, and occasionally Business. I try to make suggestions for the team members to consider and run with, help them see problems from different viewpoints, and point out areas where I think improvements can be made. I urge them to think things through logically and to approach design and troubleshooting methodically. I push them to do better even when they think they don’t need to.