National Robotics Week 2023: Michaela

Introducing Michaela, FIRSTAlumni and Customer Success Manager here at REV Robotics! Michaela joins us here in Texas with North Carolina roots.

What inspired you to do what you do?

After I found out that the animatronics on rides at Walt Disney World are robots, I asked my dad to teach me how to make my own animatronic robot and everything snowballed from there. Through my participation in FIRST and mentoring teams, I eventually learned that my favorite part of engineering wasn't actually designing and making things - it was sharing what I had made and showing others that they could make things too. Even though I decided not to complete my double major in mechanical and electrical engineering in college, I know how powerful it is to realize that you can do something you didn't think you were capable of. Helping people find their "Aha! Moments" is what inspired me to join the team at REV!

How long have you been a part of robotics?

I've been building robots for about 20 years, but got involved with FIRST through FIRST LEGO League in 2006. I was the Captain/Co-Captain for most of my time on FRC Team 3229: Hawktimus Prime. I did a little bit of everything, and was usually the human player or drive coach as well. When I'm not with REV at events you can usually find me at the field helping teams at the FTA!

Oh, and also - there is a robotics competition that is a water game EVERY YEAR. It's called RoboSub and is a lot of fun!

What are your hobbies?

Playing any Legend of Zelda video game, taking care of my fish named Chicken, learning how to make new things, and reading firsthand accounts of cryptid sightings (especially Mothman).

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Failure is just another opportunity to learn.

Thanks for sharing that everyone can find their “aha moments” and helping so many people within STEM find theirs, Michaela!