THE TEAM COORDINATOR BIO

Team # 12572

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Patti Elfers - Halsey Bulldog Robotics Team Coordinator

I am the tech teacher for Computer Science/Software Engineering Program at Halsey Junior High School..I have been teaching technology for the past 10 plus years and have also been running the Halsey Mouse Squad.  I have had extensive training in technology and enjoy working with the students on different types of projects including coding and robotics.  When Forest Hills High School approached our school looking the help us form a robotics team, I was asked to be the coordinator.  I was more than happy to oblige and formed an alliance with Forest Hills Robo Rangers being our mentors.  We are completing our first full year of robotics and have enjoyed learning about First Tech and their resources.  I look forward to future competitions and the challenges they afford us..

Aaron Lober- Halsey Bulldog Robotics Team Advisor

I am the STEM teacher at Halsey Middle School and one of the Advisors that works with Patti Elfers, the coordinator of the Halsey Bulldog Robotics Team, in order to help the team develop different strategies for coding the autonomous mode of our robot. This is my first year teaching STEM and also my first year working with the Halsey Bulldog Robotics Team. However, my curiosity of the field has led me to doing extensive research on different robot designs and coding to implement in our practice. When I started working as the STEM teacher this year, Patti Elfers reached out to me almost immediately asking to help with the Halsey Bulldog Robotics Team. It has been a wonderful experience since for me and the students participating and I am looking forward to continue working with the Halsey Bulldog Robotics Team.

Mrs. Jennifer Pignataro - Halsey Bulldog Robotics Team Advisor

Mrs. Pignataro received  her masters in childhood education and special education from Long island University in 2012. She   has been teaching   6th grade science at Halsey for the past 6 years and loves being part of the Halsey family. In her free time she loves to cook and spend time with family..

Patrick Sarris - Halsey Bulldog Robotics - Team Coach

Engineering for Robotics has been something I have done since I was a student. During High school I was on the robotics team as an engineer. Looking from an engineering standpoint, Robotics is an ever changing competition that evolves not only year by year but from round to round. Engineering is a job I have always done from creating basic ramp systems to technical robotic system used for the First Tech Competitions. Our High School competitions would be against many other schools in Long Island.  Bringing my Background of engineering to help the students learn different techniques and thinking has really helped not only them learn but myself as well. The Halsey Robotics team has created a robot that has shown me as a mentor and a coach how much engineering through the years can change for the good.

Rafael Blanco - Technology Specialist

Rafael helps with all of our coding issues and communication issues with the robot.