Meet the Team

Archana S. Jain Teacher Mentor

"To inspires all students, especially women and underrepresented populations, to pursue STEM careers. You belong, you are capable, and you are needed in the STEM world!"

• Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland

• Engineering and Math Teacher at Irvine High School for 19 years

• FRC coach for 5 years

• Mentors for GirlsBuild, Society of Women Engineers, StellarXplorers, and Irvine CubeSat Program.

John Behrendt Mentor (Hardware/CAD)

"I want to give students the tools to solve the world's most challenging problems."

• Bachelor in Aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan

• Has been involved with FIRST Robotics since he started as a student in 2010

• Automotive engineer who works on Ford's upcoming electric vehicles

Adam Duke Mentor (Hardware)

"I hope to inspire creativity and ingenuity"

• Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from the Grand Valley State University

• Rivian Automotive Mechanical Engineer

• FRC alumni

• Founder of Grand Valley State University solar racing team

Joe Manga Mentor (Hardware)

“I am dedicated to inspire and guide the next generation of innovators, fostering their curiosity and problem-solving skills to help them reach for the stars in the vast universe of engineering possibilities.”

"Enjoy mountain biking and rock climbing"

• Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnic University of Timișoara, Romania

• Engineering Manager at Brasstech Inc. leader in kitchen fixtures and bath accessories

• Interested in CNC programming

Trace Fredricks Mentor (Hardware/CAD)

“I want to help students gain hands on skills that will translate to engineering success.”

• Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from University of California, Irvine

• Prototype engineer for Ford Motor Company

Abid Bodla Parent Mentor (Software)

"Helping youth excel in technology innovations"

• MS in Software Engineering from Cal State Fullerton

• Director of IT Sevices Delivery at Speridian Technologies

• Helping organizations in Digital Transformation Journey

Ken Tang Parent Mentor (Software)

"Enjoys seeing the passion in people's eyes"
"Here to help where I can in software development"

• Bachelor in Computer Science from UC Irvine

• MS and Ph.D. in Computer Science at UCLA

• Chief Technology Officer at UC Innovation

Karthik Sampangi Parent Mentor (Software)

"Help the students by imparting my experience in software development"

• MS in Software Engineering from Cal State, Fullerton

• Over 20 Years of SDLC experience in Aerospace and Med. Tech domains

• Software Lead at CareDx

Mitrut Culciar Parent Mentor (Hardware)

"There to know"

• Physics teacher

• Math Teacher

• Brought students and won multiple solar car competitions

Robert Casu

Co-President & Secretary

Iuliana Cherevko 

Co-President & Project Manager