ABOUT OUR TEAM
Deakin Velocity is a team that values Gracious Professionalism, creativity, and passion. We are a group of high school students from a range of schools located around the Geelong area. Although it is our first season in FRC, we have previously participated in FIRST programs like FLL. 'Cre8te The Future' (Our Former FLL team) traveled to Nepal, Hungary, and Singapore to compete, volunteer, and see our project inspiration in action for ourselves. We would love to talk to you about what we do and collaborate with other teams, so please don't hesitate to contact us!
Meet the Team
Hover over the photos to hear more about the team members
The Leaders
MAKAIRA
My name is Makaira. I have a strong passion for STEM and Mechatronics. For the past 6 years, I have been part of the amazing FIRST program where I have been able to compete in doing what I love. I have had countless once-in-a-lifetime experiences with FIRST, such as traveling to Hungary and Nepal to compete and volunteer, meeting people in the industry and spreading the message of FIRST. FIRST changes live!
JOSH
I am a seasoned veteran. I have competed in 3 seasons of FLL and am in my 3rd season of FRC (Team member 2 seasons, Mentor 1 season). I love robotics because it's really fun and inspiring. I hope to see you at the competition!
The Team
LILY
I am new to robotics and FIRST. I am energetic and a hard worker. I joined the team because I wanted to try something new. My roll is to document, design and maintain the safety of the team.
EMILY
I'm a newbie but i'm crafty and creative. I love marketing and I'm a good techie to have on the team. I created the logo and helped administrate the website.
SIDDHARTH
This is my first year in FRC and I am really looking forward to the competition. I took this opportunity because I am interested in robots and how they work. I am in the electrical and mechanics team and I like to make designs.
TOMMY
I am a person that likes to be creative and use mathematics. Before I came to Deakin Velocity I was a member of an FLL team Cre8te the Future for 2 years and then decided to move on to a more advanced level of FLL as I was also advancing to high school.
RUCHIR
Hi, I’m Ruchir. I came to Australia in Feb 2019 and I already liking it a lot. I took the opportunity of robotics because I like building and programming robots. I am new to the team of 2020 and am really looking forward for the competition.
WILL
My role in the team is very hands on,in my spare time I love to make and create things for fun. I joined Deakin Velocity because I was in the FLL team in primary school and would like to continue to learn new things.
NAV
I'm here because it's a great opportunity. I can contribute in many different areas but I love electronics and mechanics the most.
SETH
I'm enjoying the mechanical side of FRC beforehand I was in FLL. I went to Nepal and taught kids there. My team came 1st overall for the best Mechanical Design at Nationals. My goal is to become wiser.
SARAH
I'm new to FRC but have worked with others on another first competition. I decided to join because I thought FRC sounded interesting and I like Building things in my spare time.
The Mentors
MATTHEW
Associate Professor of Mechatronics, I began my career with Industrial Control
Technology designing control systems for companies such as Ford, Pilkington Glass and Blue Circle Southern Cement. I then moved to Deakin University and using my industrial experience I designed one of the first Australian Engineering degrees in Mechatronics. I lecture in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. My general research areas of interest are swarm, surface and underwater robotics.
ROBYNNE
I am the Technical Coordinator for Additive Manufacturing, Mechatronics and
Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the School of Engineering at Deakin University. I
have been working at the University 15 years and have a passion for technology. This is my
first time mentoring an FRC team but have used my experience from being a netball coach and team coordinator to help nurture the Deakin Velocity team.
CRAIG
I am the Technical Manager for the School of Engineering at Deakin University.
I have spent 30 years in industry as a CNC programmer and machine designer. I have been at Deakin University for the past six years managing a team of 21 Technicians. Working with young people building mechanical systems is absolutely fantastic.