About
Members
Officers
Srinjoy Majumdar
Co-President, Class of 2016
- Why did you join Robotics?
I have always been fascinated by robots. I got my start in FIRST robotics in middle school with a FLL team. When I graduated to high school and saw the 2012 robot, my mind was blown. I wanted to take it to the next level and continue competing! - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
I started out working on the electronics of the robot, but over the years I have switched over to the Hardware side of the team. I also help out with all sorts of things such as software, grants and the website. - How has Robotics influenced you?
Robotics has taught me the importance of interdisciplinary learning and shown me the practical applications of the millions of formulas we learn in class everyday. Every member has a special skill set and it’s been a privilege to learn from them and make great friends!
Rahul Iyer
Co-President, Class of 2016
- Why did you join Robotics?
I joined Robotics because I had seen videos of the FIRST Robotics Competition online and was fascinated by the complexity and the designs of the robots. I wanted to participate in the building of the robot, compete with my team, and learn from the overall experience. - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
I primarily work on Hardware. I am involved in different aspects of the robot build ranging from Computer Aided Design (CAD) to machining and assembly. I also teach CAD to other members and also participate in writing grant applications. - How has Robotics influenced you?
Robotics made me realize the true value of STEM subjects and the importance of having a desire to learn. After I joined Robotics, I have become more curious and learned a wide range of subjects outside of school. Robotics has also helped me make great friendships and meet amazing people who have changed my high school experience.
Owen Li
Vice President, Class of 2016
- Why did you join Robotics?
In middle school, a couple of friends and I founded a FLL team. From there, I was introduced into the world of FIRST, and deepened my interest for robotics. After watching the 2010 Calgames at Lynbrook, and seeing the 2011, 2012 robot demos at Miller, I knew that joining robotics was something I had to do. - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
I mainly work on hardware. I am involved in all aspects of hardware, from design, to machining, to assembly. I also teach machining to new members. Other than that, I also help with electrical side of the robot. During competitions, I've been the head scout for our team, and have done photography for the team as well. I've also written articles for the newsletter. - How has Robotics influenced you?
Being in robotics really has taught me things that sitting in a classroom just...well...can't. I've been able to use all the things that I've learned in the classroom, as well as gain even more knowledge and depth into STEM. Not only has robotics sparked a new interest in learning, it's also given me the privilege to meet and learn from so many differently talented people.
Nikita Seth
Vice President, Class of 2016
- Why did you join Robotics?
In 2012, the robotics team came to Miller for their annual presentation, and that basically got me hooked. From there on out, I wanted to be apart of this great team and learn what others knew. There's no solid reason for why I joined robotics, rather that it intrigued me and I wanted to be apart of it. - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
Since it was my rookie year, I got a chance to plan our trips to Boston and St. Louis, help with various presentations, graphics (on and off a robot), and the outreach our team does. - How has Robotics influenced you?
Robotics has changed me as a person, since it has taught me a lot of skills which I didn't have coming into the team, along with giving me the opportunity to learn from various experience members. I have also been able to appreciate how much work goes into designing, machining, and managing a robot along with just managing our team.
Shikhar Jagadeesh
VP of Engineering (Electrical), Class of 2017
- Why did you join Robotics?
Although I became very involved in the electrical system of the robot, I had joined robotics because I had a great interest in design and was told that this was the place to learn about design. - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
I mostly work on the electrical and pneumatic sytstem of the robot. During the times when I ahve nothing to do involving the electrical system, I try my best to help as many people possible to make their jobs just a bit easier. - How has Robotics influenced you?
Robotics has influenced me greatly. It has changed the way I look at electronics and the way I look at myself. I see nyself without restrictions and being able to do what I want.
Amrita Iyer
Co-Hardware Lead, Class of 2016
- Why did you join Robotics?
I joined Robotics after my brother had been in the club for a year and told me how great his experience had been. I had always loved tinkering with different parts, but I was completely taken aback by the level that FIRST and our team took things to. Joining the Funky Monkeys was definitely one of the best choices of my high school career! - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
I am mainly a hardware oriented person on the team -- I have been a hardware subsystem lead for my past two years on the team and help out a lot with with machining parts, especially on the lathe. I also write awards, teach CAD to incoming members, and hold workshops for Miller girls.. - How has Robotics influenced you?
When I joined the team, I didn't volunteer for leading anything and was always terrified at the prospect of speaking in front of the team. Now, I am currently heading around five different projects at once and love presenting not only in front of the team, but in front of other teams, judges, and entire workshop rooms filled of complete strangers. Robotics has also taught me the value of STEM education and applying what we learn in class to solving problems. Over the past years, I have created strong friendships with this school's best set of intellectuals and great relationships with the dedicated team of mentors.
Ria Pradeep
Co-Hardware Lead, Class of 2017
- Why did you join Robotics?
I joined robotics after hearing many great things about the team and their accomplishments. After seeing the robots they built, I knew that I wanted to be a part of making that happen. - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
I work mainly on hardware, which involves designing and machining parts of our robot. Apart from the working on the technical side of the team, I help write grant applications and with outreach. - How has Robotics influenced you?
Robotics has given me the opportunity to explore subjects I never thought I’d be interested in. I get to see everything we learn in school in action, as well as broaden my knowledge in STEM fields. Through robotics I’ve made new friends, had amazing experiences, and inherited a passion for technology.
Shadaj Laddad
Software Lead, Class of 2018
- Why did you join Robotics?
I got my start with robotics (and coding) when my parents gave me a Lego robotics kit in the first grade. Ever since, I've loved building and coding robots. When Lynbrook Robotics came to my middle school to present Funk Cannon, I knew that robotics would be a club to join. - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
I'm usually found on my laptop, coding up new tricks for our robots or testing them out. I also teach the software workshops, where new members learn how to write software for robots and get the chance to test out their code with our robots from past years. Sometimes, I help out with improving the robotics website. - How has Robotics influenced you?
In today's world, robots are all around us. By joining robotics, I gained an understanding of what really goes on inside a robot, something I can use all the time. And with such a large team, I got to experience and practice the types of leadership skills needed in a professional environment.
Eric Zeng
Electrical Lead, Class of 2016
- Why did you join Robotics?
I joined robotics because I wanted to find my calling in a community of creative thinkers and engineers. Also because I had friends there. Perhaps I wanted to try something new, something that challenged me in a way that I had never been before. I had not had much experience prior to joining, but that didn't deter me at all when trying to get involved. - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
Besides my usual jobs as the electrical lead, I love to help out with other aspects of design such as CAD or Machining. Although my main passion is with electronics, I am very open to learning all aspects of engineering and have done so to my satisfaction. - How has Robotics influenced you?
From my start in my sophomore year, I have learned so much from mentors, peers, and the whole community of FIRST. Not only that, I have made invaluable friends through the years that I can say have defined part of my high school career.
Elton Chang
Media Lead, Class of 2018
- Why did you join Robotics?
I knew that I wanted to join a club, and I didn't know where to start. However, I had always been interested in drawing and making things, so when I the photojournals and the team apparel, I knew that robotics was going to be the team for me. - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?As media lead, I create the newsletters and the photojournal, which is basically a yearbook for our team. I also help with other media related things, such as videos or anything to do with photography on the team.How has Robotics influenced you?
- When I first joined the team, I thought that I would be the kinda of person who machined and put together the robot. However, I've found my place in the team, to create artwork and media for it. I'm really loving this, as it is a good way to take my mind off school. Robotics is a place where I can relax and have fun with friends.
Yash Joshi
Teasurer, Class of 2016
- Why did you join Robotics?
I was introduced to Lynbrook's Robotics Club when I saw them at a demo at Miller when I was in 8th grade. When I came to Lynbrook in 9th grade, I knew I wanted to join the club because it seemed really cool. I guess that was a good decision, because it is pretty cool.
- What are some of the things you do in robotics?
I'm mainly involved with machining. I work on fabricating parts on our mills and lathe.
- How has robotics influenced you?
I think Robotics has made me want to pursue engineering in college. But more than that, it has also given me a great group of friends and peers to work with.
Nathan Chen
Officer at Large, Class of 2017
- Why did you join Robotics?
A couple of my teammates on Lynbrook's water polo team were involved with Robotics, and since I wanted to get some hands-on engineering experience, I decided to join them.
- What are some of the things you do in robotics?
I have focused on hardware, replacing our 2015 robot's gearboxes and making adjustments to its chains and springs. I also help out with the logistical side, having overseen campus signage this year when we hosted CalGames, an off-season competition.
- How has robotics influenced you?
Robotics has provided me hands-on engineering experience and STEM education, showing me how rewarding work in this field can be. Being part of the Funky Monkeys also connected me with a network of amazing friends and mentors who share similar goals and form a sort of quasi-family I am glad to be a part of.
Philip Axelrod
Webmaster, Class of 2018
- Why did you join Robotics?My brother was really involved in robotics, so I wanted to give it a try. I always loved legos and programming, so robotics seemed like a natural choice.
- What are some of the things you do in Robotics?In robotics, I write software to communicate with sensors, interpret sensor data, and implement a negative feed back control system to improve our mecanum drivetrain. I also help plan robotics events.How has Robotics influenced you?
- It's been a really cool experience to do projects that have an effect that I can see. It's also taught me about how to effectively coordinate and plan organized team events.
Rohit Sriram
Secretary, Class of 2017
- Why did you join Robotics?I joined robotics as I have always been interested in machines and have wanted to know how they work. In joining I hoped to foster that curiosity into something more substantial, and to really gain a better understanding of how things work.
- What are some of the things you do in Robotics?In robotics I generally work on hardware. I work on design, machining, and assembly, and use tools such as CAD and CAM in order to do my job. In addition to that as Secretary I manage team meetings.How has Robotics influenced you?
- Robotics has really helped me discover my passion for engineering, and to show me how fascinating the world of robotics truly is. Not only that, but I have learned so many skills such as teamwork and communication that are essential anywhere.
Rohan Aren
Public Relations, Class of 2017
- Why did you join Robotics?
After seeing the Miller demo in 8th grade, I knew I wanted to join this club. Also, I already had a lot of passion for robots and engineering. - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
I do a variety of things ranging from designing, machining, electrical work, assembly or other tasks. I also organize events, handle recruitment, and do other PR stuff. - How has Robotics influenced you?
Robotics has taught me skills that I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. I learned many things like CAD, how to machine, and basically how to make a robot. The experience also improved my ability to take responsibility, talk more, and apply knowledge from school. FIRST also opened an entirely new world for me, meet different kinds of people, and gave me new opportunities.
Arsh Malhotra
Event manager, Class of 2017
- Why did you join Robotics?
I have done FIRST Lego League in the past which piqued my interest. I joined the Lynbrook Robotics team because I love the mere concept of it and thought to my self might as well try my hand at the real thing. - What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
I CAD a subsystem of the robot. I also help out with coding when asked for help. In addition to all that, I fulfill my roles as Event Manager and plan, organize, and manage team events. - How has Robotics influenced you?
Robotics has made me a better person as a whole.
Alanna Zhou
Officer at large, Class of 2018
- Why did you join Robotics?
As a very clueless freshman with too many club flyers to count, I came across a very enthusiastic senior during Club Day that explained to me, whilst struggling to hold the yellow funky monkey banner up, how interesting the team was and how much I would enjoy it. Of course, I had already convinced myself that seniors were usually right, so I gave it a try.
- What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
Because being a part of the team is constantly a learning process, I work on different tasks, be it trying to write code for the robot, help teach during software workshops, or doing anything discussed in a team meeting that needs to be done.
- How has Robotics influenced you?
Since this area in STEM is lacking in the gender diversity department, it's been very eye-opening in terms of working and learning with different people. It's also challenged me to overcome imposter syndrome now and then, because starting off as an inexperienced member of the team can be intimidating at first. In a nutshell, robotics is a completely different field of interest that I wouldn't have ever tried if it weren't for that one sweaty senior on Club Day.
Jing-Chen Peng
Officer at large, Class of 2018
- Why did you join Robotics?
When I moved to America in 2002, we rented houses in the bay area to live in. Our second landlord happened to be our current mentor, Mr. Xie. Back then, Lynbrook robotics was less "Lynbrook" and more "Garage", so I had a lot of exposure being in a house with people working on robots. I remember playing around with their spare parts, and even getting to keep some pulleys to play with after they left. (It fits well with Lego.) From that moment, I knew that I wanted to do robotics: I looked forward to the day when I could be a part of this robotics team, instead of just watching and cheering from the sidelines. Being a part of Lynbrook Robotics is truly a dream come true.
- What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
As a member of the team, I show up to work sessions, workshops, and team meetings. During build season, I have helped to design conceptually, model in CAD, and machine parts for our robot. I have also dabbled in software, and am currently participating in the software workshops to learn more about how our robot functions.
- How has Robotics influenced you?
Before Robotics, I did not have much of any experience working with a group of people. I tended to be the person who would find a project to pursue and just bash their head into it until it worked or I gave up. However, building a competitive, awesome robot is not a one-man job: In this club, I have learned to ask other more experienced members and mentors for help in solving problems I encounter. In addition to this psychological influence, I have also learned a great deal about robotics, ranging from the robot design process to how each and every part is made on machines. Last but not least, I have met many upperclassmen and freshmen through robotics that I otherwise would never have contacted, giving me an opportunity to talk with new people and make new friends.
Sean Chen
Officer at Large
- Why did you join Robotics?
I decided to join robotics because of the fantastic Miller demos that are held each year, and also because of my fascination of robots, as they are very cool to a seventh and eighth grader who gets to drive them at Miller demo. As soon as I got to drive and inspect the Ultimate Funky Object and the Funk Cannon during my seventh and eighth grade respectively, I decided that I wanted to join robotics in my freshman year and be a part of the team whose job is to build such a cool robot.
- What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
During my freshman year, I attended most of the workshops such as the CAD workshops, software workshops, and the machining workshops. As build season came along, I found out that I could accomplish the most when I worked on hardware, so during build season I helped machine the carriage for the robot.
- How has Robotics influenced you?
Robotics has given me valuable experience in the various aspects of building a robot, with the many workshops and also the many work sessions where you can help contribute to the robot. Also, I have made many cool friends with the other team members and have had fun as I relax and work with them.
Brian Lo
Officer at Large
- Why did you join Robotics?
I have always been interested in video production. When I was a freshman, I discovered that Team 846 has a 3D animation workshop, and immediately attended it. At the workshop, I became fascinated with computer graphics, and have been active in the animation team ever since.
- What are some of the things you do in Robotics?
I teach members how to use Autodesk Maya, a 3D computer graphics software, and direct the visuals part of the team's Safety Animation Award entry.
- How has Robotics influenced you?
Robotics has helped me discover my passion for 3D computer graphics, and often presents me with new challenges in this area, allowing me to learn and have fun at the same time.
