Episodes

  • EP8 S2: Dean's List w/Michelle Long and Rudra Karadkhelkar
    Dec 13 2025

    Takeaways (AI created)



    The Dean's List Award recognizes not just STEM skills but also leadership and teamwork.

    Each year, only 20 students globally receive the Dean's List Award.

    The selection process involves nominations from teams and judging at regional events.

    Judges are selected to minimize bias and ensure fair evaluation.

    Mentors play a crucial role in nominating students for the Dean's List.

    Rudra's journey highlights the importance of community and outreach in STEM.

    Being a Dean's List winner comes with expectations to continue inspiring others.

    Future aspirations include mentoring and contributing to STEM education.

    Students should document their achievements for future opportunities.

    Art and creativity are important outlets for STEM students.





    Summary (AI created)



    This conversation explores the significance of the Dean's List Award within the FIRST community, highlighting the journey of Rudra, a Dean's List winner. The discussion covers the award's criteria, the selection process, and the responsibilities that come with being a winner. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and the integration of STEM with leadership and creativity. Rudra shares his experiences and aspirations, providing valuable insights for future candidates.



    Chapters



    00:00 Introduction to FIRST and Alumni Relations

    01:54 Understanding the Dean's List Award

    04:43 The Selection Process for Dean's List

    09:45 Judging Criteria and Bias in Selection

    14:44 Rudra's Journey to the Dean's List

    19:39 Celebrating Dean's List Winners

    28:54 Celebrating Achievements in Robotics

    30:03 The Essence of the Dean's List Award

    31:40 Insights from Dean Kamen

    33:55 The Ongoing Journey of a Dean's List Winner

    36:24 Future Aspirations and Mentorship

    39:26 The Responsibilities of a Dean's List Winner

    44:04 Balancing Life and Robotics

    45:02 The Intersection of Art and STEM

    49:07 Advice for Future Dean's List Candidates

    52:58 Opportunities Beyond the Award







    Keywords



    FIRST, Dean's List, Alumni Relations, STEM, Robotics, Mentorship, Community Impact, Leadership, Education, Scholarships






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    8 mins
  • EP8 S3: Dean's List w/Michelle Long and Rudra Karadkhelkar
    Dec 13 2025

    Takeaways (AI created)


    • The Dean's List Award recognizes not just STEM skills but also leadership and teamwork.
    • Each year, only 20 students globally receive the Dean's List Award.
    • The selection process involves nominations from teams and judging at regional events.
    • Judges are selected to minimize bias and ensure fair evaluation.
    • Mentors play a crucial role in nominating students for the Dean's List.
    • Rudra's journey highlights the importance of community and outreach in STEM.
    • Being a Dean's List winner comes with expectations to continue inspiring others.
    • Future aspirations include mentoring and contributing to STEM education.
    • Students should document their achievements for future opportunities.
    • Art and creativity are important outlets for STEM students.



    Summary (AI created)


    This conversation explores the significance of the Dean's List Award within the FIRST community, highlighting the journey of Rudra, a Dean's List winner. The discussion covers the award's criteria, the selection process, and the responsibilities that come with being a winner. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and the integration of STEM with leadership and creativity. Rudra shares his experiences and aspirations, providing valuable insights for future candidates.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to FIRST and Alumni Relations

    01:54 Understanding the Dean's List Award

    04:43 The Selection Process for Dean's List

    09:45 Judging Criteria and Bias in Selection

    14:44 Rudra's Journey to the Dean's List

    19:39 Celebrating Dean's List Winners

    28:54 Celebrating Achievements in Robotics

    30:03 The Essence of the Dean's List Award

    31:40 Insights from Dean Kamen

    33:55 The Ongoing Journey of a Dean's List Winner

    36:24 Future Aspirations and Mentorship

    39:26 The Responsibilities of a Dean's List Winner

    44:04 Balancing Life and Robotics

    45:02 The Intersection of Art and STEM

    49:07 Advice for Future Dean's List Candidates

    52:58 Opportunities Beyond the Award




    Keywords


    FIRST, Dean's List, Alumni Relations, STEM, Robotics, Mentorship, Community Impact, Leadership, Education, Scholarships


    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • EP 8 S1: Dean's List w/Michelle Long
    Dec 13 2025

    Takeaways (AI created)


    • The Dean's List Award recognizes not just STEM skills but also leadership and teamwork.
    • Each year, only 20 students globally receive the Dean's List Award.
    • The selection process involves nominations from teams and judging at regional events.
    • Judges are selected to minimize bias and ensure fair evaluation.
    • Mentors play a crucial role in nominating students for the Dean's List.
    • Rudra's journey highlights the importance of community and outreach in STEM.
    • Being a Dean's List winner comes with expectations to continue inspiring others.
    • Future aspirations include mentoring and contributing to STEM education.
    • Students should document their achievements for future opportunities.
    • Art and creativity are important outlets for STEM students.



    Summary (AI created)


    This conversation explores the significance of the Dean's List Award within the FIRST community, highlighting the journey of Rudra, a Dean's List winner. The discussion covers the award's criteria, the selection process, and the responsibilities that come with being a winner. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and the integration of STEM with leadership and creativity. Rudra shares his experiences and aspirations, providing valuable insights for future candidates.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to FIRST and Alumni Relations

    01:54 Understanding the Dean's List Award

    04:43 The Selection Process for Dean's List

    09:45 Judging Criteria and Bias in Selection

    14:44 Rudra's Journey to the Dean's List

    19:39 Celebrating Dean's List Winners

    28:54 Celebrating Achievements in Robotics

    30:03 The Essence of the Dean's List Award

    31:40 Insights from Dean Kamen

    33:55 The Ongoing Journey of a Dean's List Winner

    36:24 Future Aspirations and Mentorship

    39:26 The Responsibilities of a Dean's List Winner

    44:04 Balancing Life and Robotics

    45:02 The Intersection of Art and STEM

    49:07 Advice for Future Dean's List Candidates

    52:58 Opportunities Beyond the Award



    Keywords


    FIRST, Dean's List, Alumni Relations, STEM, Robotics, Mentorship, Community Impact, Leadership, Education, Scholarships

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    10 mins
  • EP7 S3 You Got the NASA Grant!...Now What? w/Drew Price
    Nov 24 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Drew Price discusses the remarkableproblem-solving abilities of students involved in the FIRST RoboticsCompetition (FRC) compared to traditional students, including PhD candidates.He emphasizes the importance of out-of-the-box thinking and innovation ineducation, highlighting how FRC students approach challenges with a willingnessto try and explore various solutions.

    Links

    www.robotics.nasa.gov

    Takeaways

    · FRC students demonstrate superiorproblem-solving skills.

    · High school seniors can tackle tasks typicallyassigned to PhD students.

    · PhD students often struggle with practicalproblem-solving.

    · FRC students are willing to experiment withtheir ideas.

    · Out-of-the-box thinking is essential ineducation.

    · Innovation is a critical component of studentsuccess.

    · The ability to try different solutions is vital.

    · Problem-solving skills are developed throughhands-on experiences.

    · FRC encourages a mindset of exploration andcreativity.

    · Education should foster critical thinking andadaptability.

    Keywords

    problem solving, FRC, education, students, criticalthinking, innovation, PhD students, high school, out-of-the-box thinking

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    11 mins
  • EP7 S2 You Got the NASA Grant! ...Now what? (VIDEO) w/Drew Price
    Nov 24 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Drew Price discusses the remarkableproblem-solving abilities of students involved in the FIRST RoboticsCompetition (FRC) compared to traditional students, including PhD candidates.He emphasizes the importance of out-of-the-box thinking and innovation ineducation, highlighting how FRC students approach challenges with a willingnessto try and explore various solutions.

    Links

    www.robotics.nasa.gov

    Takeaways

    · FRC students demonstrate superiorproblem-solving skills.

    · High school seniors can tackle tasks typicallyassigned to PhD students.

    · PhD students often struggle with practicalproblem-solving.

    · FRC students are willing to experiment withtheir ideas.

    · Out-of-the-box thinking is essential ineducation.

    · Innovation is a critical component of studentsuccess.

    · The ability to try different solutions is vital.

    · Problem-solving skills are developed throughhands-on experiences.

    · FRC encourages a mindset of exploration andcreativity.

    · Education should foster critical thinking andadaptability.

    Keywords

    problem solving, FRC, education, students, criticalthinking, innovation, PhD students, high school, out-of-the-box thinking

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    13 mins
  • EP7 S1 You Got the NASA Grant! ...Now What? w/Drew Price
    Nov 24 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Drew Price discusses the remarkableproblem-solving abilities of students involved in the FIRST RoboticsCompetition (FRC) compared to traditional students, including PhD candidates.He emphasizes the importance of out-of-the-box thinking and innovation ineducation, highlighting how FRC students approach challenges with a willingnessto try and explore various solutions.

    Links

    www.robotics.nasa.gov

    Takeaways

    · FRC students demonstrate superiorproblem-solving skills.

    · High school seniors can tackle tasks typicallyassigned to PhD students.

    · PhD students often struggle with practicalproblem-solving.

    · FRC students are willing to experiment withtheir ideas.

    · Out-of-the-box thinking is essential ineducation.

    · Innovation is a critical component of studentsuccess.

    · The ability to try different solutions is vital.

    · Problem-solving skills are developed throughhands-on experiences.

    · FRC encourages a mindset of exploration andcreativity.

    · Education should foster critical thinking andadaptability.

    Keywords

    problem solving, FRC, education, students, criticalthinking, innovation, PhD students, high school, out-of-the-box thinking

    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • EP6 S4: Fundraising - What works for 2992? w/Julie Dixon
    Nov 11 2025

    Keywords


    robotics, fundraising, team dynamics, business team, mentorship, community engagement, budget management, data analytics, local businesses, student involvement


    Links:

    Team Handbook

    Member Resources | MHS Robotics Team 2992

    Business Plan | MHS Robotics Team 2992


    Takeaways


    • Fundraising is essential for robotics teams to operate effectively.
    • Building a strong business team is crucial for success.
    • Engaging students in fundraising activities helps develop their skills.
    • Successful fundraising campaigns often involve community support.
    • Summer camps can be a significant source of income for teams.
    • Mentorship plays a vital role in sustaining team growth.
    • Budgeting should be flexible and regularly reviewed.
    • Creative fundraising ideas can enhance community involvement.
    • Acknowledging donors fosters long-term relationships.
    • Data analytics can inform better fundraising strategies.


    Summary


    In this conversation, Julie Dixon, the lead business mentor for Team 2992, discusses the critical role of fundraising in robotics teams. She outlines the structure of the business team, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among various sub-teams. Julie shares successful fundraising strategies, including summer camps and community engagement, while highlighting the significance of mentorship and budgeting. The conversation also touches on creative fundraising ideas and the necessity of building relationships with local businesses to support the team's financial needs.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Team 2992 and Roles

    02:51 Understanding the Business Team Structure

    06:00 The Importance of Fundraising in Robotics

    09:02 Data Analytics and Impact Tracking

    11:49 Successful Fundraising Strategies

    15:03 Summer Camps as a Fundraising Model

    17:50 Engaging Students in Fundraising Activities

    20:55 Building a Strong Mentor Network

    23:48 Budgeting and Financial Management

    27:02 Creative Fundraising Ideas

    29:55 Profit Sharing and Community Engagement

    34:06 Understanding Competition Costs

    37:58 Budgeting and Resource Management

    44:36 Engaging the Community and Fundraising

    54:30 Innovative Fundraising Ideas

    01:01:24 Building Relationships Through Robotics


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    19 mins
  • EP6 S3: Fundraising - What works for 2992? w/Julie Dixon
    Nov 11 2025

    Keywords


    robotics, fundraising, team dynamics, business team, mentorship, community engagement, budget management, data analytics, local businesses, student involvement


    Links:


    ⁠Team Handbook⁠

    ⁠Member Resources | MHS Robotics Team 2992⁠

    ⁠Business Plan | MHS Robotics Team 2992⁠


    Takeaways


    • Fundraising is essential for robotics teams to operate effectively.
    • Building a strong business team is crucial for success.
    • Engaging students in fundraising activities helps develop their skills.
    • Successful fundraising campaigns often involve community support.
    • Summer camps can be a significant source of income for teams.
    • Mentorship plays a vital role in sustaining team growth.
    • Budgeting should be flexible and regularly reviewed.
    • Creative fundraising ideas can enhance community involvement.
    • Acknowledging donors fosters long-term relationships.
    • Data analytics can inform better fundraising strategies.


    Summary


    In this conversation, Julie Dixon, the lead business mentor for Team 2992, discusses the critical role of fundraising in robotics teams. She outlines the structure of the business team, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among various sub-teams. Julie shares successful fundraising strategies, including summer camps and community engagement, while highlighting the significance of mentorship and budgeting. The conversation also touches on creative fundraising ideas and the necessity of building relationships with local businesses to support the team's financial needs.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Team 2992 and Roles

    02:51 Understanding the Business Team Structure

    06:00 The Importance of Fundraising in Robotics

    09:02 Data Analytics and Impact Tracking

    11:49 Successful Fundraising Strategies

    15:03 Summer Camps as a Fundraising Model

    17:50 Engaging Students in Fundraising Activities

    20:55 Building a Strong Mentor Network

    23:48 Budgeting and Financial Management

    27:02 Creative Fundraising Ideas

    29:55 Profit Sharing and Community Engagement

    34:06 Understanding Competition Costs

    37:58 Budgeting and Resource Management

    44:36 Engaging the Community and Fundraising

    54:30 Innovative Fundraising Ideas

    01:01:24 Building Relationships Through Robotics


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    15 mins