Heroes of FIRST
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| Dean Kamen, an award-winning inventor, founded FIRST (For Inspirational and Recognition of Science and Technology) for high school students in 1989. Less than a decade later, in 1998, the FIRST LEGO League was established in order to provide engineering opportunities to younger children, ages 9 to 14. Until 2007, the FIRST Robotics Competition included over 30 regional competitions and only one international competition. Now, the organization has become universal by holding 37 competitions worldwide. Besides this major accomplishment, Kamen invented the Segway, a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric transportation device, in 2001, one of his most well-known inventions. Kamen has spent his life developing products that improve the lives of those less fortunate. Now, he inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers. | Dr. Woodie Flowers is the FIRST National Advisor and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also a MacVicar Faculty Fellow. His specialty areas are engineering design and product development. He is an integral member of the FIRST Robotics community. He is a member of the Game and Kit Design Committee and really enjoys working with the students involved in the program. Dr. Flowers coined the term "Gracious Professionalism." Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. |
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| Paul Gudonis is President of FIRST. Mr. Gudonis has 25 years of leadership experience in the information technology and communications industries. He is dedicated to improving the impact of technology and education in our society. Mr. Gudonis has been a pioneer in wireless, internet, and eLearning software and services. His career has included launching the country's first cell phone company at Ameritech Mobile; serving as Chairman and CEO of Genuity, Inc., where he grew the first internet backbone network into a billion-dollar global operation; and most recently as President and CEO of Centra Software, Inc. | Dave Lavery is the Program Executive for Solar System Exploration at NASA Headquarters. He is also well-known amongst participants of the First Robotics Program as a mentor of team 116 and a member of the Game Design Committee. |
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| Mark Leon is a role model for us all. With his blue hair and infectious attitude about science and engineering, he is helping to inspire youth to do their math homework. "It's all about the math!" says Mark when he's effervescently MC'ing a FIRST Robotics regional competition. His high spirits and positive attitude set the standard of gracious professionalism. In addition, he loves to make sure we know what the equation for torque is. Hey Mark!!! Torque = Force x Rotational Distance :-D | |