BotsIQ Success Stories

Brenden was working with his team on their bot during our 2013 Finals Competition, when Mike Valoski (Parkway West’s Machining teacher at the time) pulled him aside and introduced him to David Jacobs of DF Jacobs Consulting Inc. Valoski stated that Brenden was the best draLer in Parkway West’s program and that Jacobs was looking to hire talented draLsmen to work on a contract he had with Kawasaki and NYCT (New York City Transit). Brenden was hired shortly thereaLer by Jacobs for a summer internship with DF Jacobs Consulting Inc. and is still currently working on projects for him.

Zach never thought about manufacturing as a career option until he joined his school’s BotsIQ team and started working with his industry mentor at L&S Machine Company. Now, he cannot imagine working anywhere else and L&S Machine Company is glad to have him on their team.

Kenny participated on the team through the Robotics Club at Fayette AVTS. Although he originally planned to be an electrician, aLer his experience with BotsIQ he decided to continue his studies and to become and electrical or mechanical engineer. Kenny worked as a co-op at Advanced Acoustics Concepts (AAC) in Lemont Furnace during the school year. His experience with BotsIQ helped him on the job; and his on-the-job experience helped him with BotsIQ work.

Matt Resnik • Plum High School 2007
California University of PA
Major: Technology Education
“BotsIQ was one of the most enjoyable activities I participated in during my high school years. It taught me problem-solving and how to improve an existing design, which is very important in Technology Education. I went to college only based on what I learned from BotsIQ.”

Joe Kotvas • Plum High School 2008
Penn State – New Kensington
Major: Mechanical Engineering
“I always wanted to do some type of engineering but after building a battlebot, I decided that mechanical engineering is for me.”

Cody Harris • Plum High School 2008
Penn State • New Kensington
Major: Agricultural Engineering
Minor: Off Road Equipment Maintenance
“My junior year in high school I was trying to decide what I wanted to do after high school. Our teacher came to us with the BotsIQ program… Two years in BotsIQ helped me decide on pursuing a degree in engineering.”

Joe Constantino • Plum High School 2008
Grove City College
Major: Electrical Engineering
“BotsIQ really helped me pick my major and excel in school by teaching me a wealth of knowledge about mechanical and electrical components and how to make them work together. It also taught me valuable lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship.”