If working at an exciting, in-demand job that commands a six-figure salary with mandatory retirement age 56 and full federal pension benefits sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. In fact, a career as an air traffic controller may be closer than you think.
Here at Vaughn, we are one of only 33 colleges in the country to offer the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) and the only program of its kind in the Northeast. We are always looking for driven, passionate students to fill this degree program.
What it takes
To become an air traffic controller, you can take one of two paths:
Pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) biometric screening exam (which many do not pass) without any prior knowledge or training
Attend an institution like Vaughn, which partners with the FAA to provide air traffic control (ATC) instruction
The benefit of attending a college like Vaughn is that not only do you get to bypass the biometric screening exam, but you will have the following advantages in your favor:
The FAA hires approximately half of its candidates from the AT-CTI and the military, so Vaughn students are in a better position to land a job
Access to new state-of-the-art facilities and training equipment
Ability to enroll in a fast-track program that prepares you for entrance exams in as little as one year
Eligible students
Vaughn welcomes incoming freshmen, transfer students and graduates from other colleges or universities to apply to the program.
Here’s how it works:
If you’re a freshmen or transfer student, you can enroll in of one of 10 bachelor’s or associate degree programs in the fields of aviation, management or engineering. Upon degree completion, you will be qualified to take the FAA entrance exam.
If you already have an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, Vaughn offers a fast-track degree program where you can complete your prerequisite courses for the FAA exams in a year and a half. Otherwise, it takes two-to-four years.
Start young, retire early
Being young pays off. Unlike other jobs where you must wait until you’re 62 or older to retire, the FAA requires air traffic controllers retire at 56. This FAA rule puts younger people like you in demand for this growing, lifelong career.
Achieve a consistent work/life balance
Most people think air traffic controllers have an extremely stressful job. Yes, the stakes are high. But the reality is that if you are highly organized and a quick-thinker, the stress factor is relatively minimal. What’s more, the FAA has certain mandates to help facilitate a calm working environment where air traffic controllers can focus and get their jobs done well.
Here’s what you can expect:
Consistent work schedule
Scheduled breaks throughout your shift
Close-knit environment among other air traffic controllers
Potential to earn six figures after the first few years of service
Retire with full pension
Can you picture yourself as an air traffic controller?
Whether you’re fresh out of high school, a college student or college graduate looking to embark on an exciting career, Vaughn can help your future take off.
Being a mom is a full-time job, and for most mothers, it’s not their only job. In fact, according to the US Department of Labor, 70 percent of women in the labor force have children that are under 18 years of age. Additionally, 75 percent of these women work full-time.
Although many women need to balance work with motherhood, some working moms are also getting an education to help advance their careers. These women defy the constraints of time. This Mother’s Day, we are celebrating one of our students, who is juggling many responsibilities so that she can build a brighter future for her 4-month-old daughter, Samantha.
Daniela Tabares ’19 is a Vaughn College aeronautical science major who will be celebrating her first Mother’s Day this month. Her daughter Samantha was born last year on Christmas Day and Tabares said she is forever grateful for her special gift.
Finding her path
Tabares is an inspirational example of how―with a positive mindset and unwavering determination―women can accomplish their goals and realize their dreams. “Being a mom has taught me so much,” Tabares said. “It’s not only rewarding and challenging, but it has opened my eyes and made me appreciate life in a whole new way.”
Growing up in New York, Tabares always had a passion for aviation. When she was a junior in high school, she joined the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) as a cadet. She says the ROTC was her “launch pad” and the experience that influenced her to apply to Vaughn after graduation to pursue her career in aviation.
Her time at Vaughn is opening doors to help advance her career. In addition to her academic studies, Tabares is working toward earning her private pilot’s license. She is also working at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport Terminal 1 in flight operations and is completing an internship at JFK Terminal 4, where she is working ramp control in the control tower.
“I believe it’s important to be well-rounded in the field,” Tabares stated. “My aviation education from Vaughn and my operations experience at JFK will prepare me to take on my first professional position after graduation.”
Balancing it all
Balancing her education, her job and being a mom is far from easy, but Tabares says she is focused and dedicated to all three.
“My family provides an amazing support system helping to care for Samantha when I’m working or at Vaughn,” said Tabares. “I’ve learned the importance of time management and how to separate my time between my education, work and motherhood. My ultimate motivation is looking into my daughter’s eyes every day. She is the light that guides my way.”
Paving the way
Looking to the future, Tabares’ dream is to open a flight academy for women and minorities. “Women empower other women,” Tabares said. “As a woman and a minority, I know firsthand what it takes to overcome challenges to pursue my dreams,” she continued. “Women have an important place in the aviation industry and I want to help future women aviators achieve their dreams by removing some of the obstacles that can get in their way.”
Reflecting on her own mother, Tabares said she wouldn’t be the woman she is today without her mom’s love and support. “My mother has taught me everything I know,” said Tabares. “She’s a superwoman. She’s my hero and I hope to be just like her someday.”
For her first Mother’s Day, Tabares is looking forward to a day off, and plans on spending the day at home with her daughter and family.
Are you looking to build a brighter future for yourself and your family? Schedule a visit and find out how a futureproof Vaughn education can get you on the path toward success.
You don’t have to be a frequent flyer to know how busy airports can be. With approximately 1.5 million people flying each day in the United States and over three million worldwide, airport managers have the challenging job of ensuring their airports operate safely and efficiently.
A world of its own
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to managing an airport. Far more is involved than making sure planes take off and land. In fact, airport management has been compared to running a small to medium-sized city: The general airport manager serves as the “mayor” who oversees several managers who in turn specialize in separate fields of airport operations.
All in a day’s work
For airport managers, no two days are ever the same. To keep an airport running smoothly, all departments must operate like a well-oiled machine. Airport managers are responsible for running their own specific departments and they work closely with state and federal committees to ensure the rules and regulations of the airport are being met.
Here is a snapshot of a day in the life of some airport managers, along with the roles they play.
Operations Manager
The role of an operations manager is to supervise and coordinate the day-to-day landside and airside operations in the airport. They must possess outstanding management and communication skills and have full knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, among other requirements.
Landside responsibilities:
Manage various airline terminals and concourses
Ensure the safety and flow of roadways for buses, passenger cars, etc.
Oversee retail operations, such as shops and restaurants
Assist in preparing annual budgets for airport operations
Airside responsibilities:
Ensure runways and taxiways are open and clear
Coordinate ground operations, including baggage and catering
Manage fueling
Communicate with air traffic control
Plan and coordinate VIP arrivals and departures
Safety Manager
There’s no doubt the safety of airline passengers is a priority. Internationally, safety managers follow the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP) to help manage aviation safety risks in coordination with their service providers. In the US, safety managers are responsible for promoting safety awareness by adhering to the FAA regulations and other agencies which include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Homeland Security. Here are some of the essential responsibilities of a safety airport manager:
Maintain the safety and security of the airport
Review and revise airport safety and security plans
Develop and implement employee safety policies and practices
Inspect runway lighting
Keep runways clear
Ensure airfield is protected
Environmental Manager
Protecting the environment plays a major role when it comes to managing an airport. In the New York City area alone, thousands of planes take off and land every day, leaving a stream of environmental issues to address. Environmental airport managers work closely with the FAA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure standards and regulations are being met to keep the environment and wildlife safe. These are some issues environmental airport managers are responsible for:
Properly handling and dispensing hazardous materials
Managing air, water and noise pollution
Managing traffic congestion
Managing responsible habitat practices to minimize bird strikes
Snow removal*
(*Did you know snow cleared at New York’s LaGuardia Airport is brought to a snow dump area where it can safely melt without harming the eco-system of local rivers?)
General Manager
As you can imagine, the role of an airport general manager is a monumental responsibility. It can take years of experience to land this position, as he or she must have a working knowledge of federal, state and aviation regulations, in addition to all aspects of airport operations. Airport general managers must possess exemplary management and communication skills, along with outstanding problem-solving skills. The general manager must possess the ability to:
Have an effective working relationship with various agencies, including the FAA, EPA, as well as federal agencies, like the Secret Service, and local fire and transportation departments
Monitor and manage all airport contracts and expenses within approved budget
Manage personnel and operational activities
Follow government rules and regulations that relate to airport operations
Ultimately, the general manager is accountable for how the airport functions on all levels.
What you’ve just read are only a few examples of the many positions and daily responsibilities of an airport manager. Could this be the career you’ve been looking for? Find out below.
What it takes to become an airport manager
Those seeking a career in airport management should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a focus on business, airport or aviation management, or a related field. Vaughn College offers an airport management degree program which prepares students for the various functional areas of aviation and business management. Do you have what it takes to become an airport manager? Vaughn College opens doors to the future by providing students the opportunity to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams.
Here at Vaughn College, we have one of the highest success rates among graduates who land jobs in their chosen fields. So, it’s no surprise that two of our commercial pilot alumni―Ameet Humesh Seeratan ’11 and Laurentino Gomes ’15―not only found jobs as pilots right after graduating, but also had the pleasure of co-piloting the same flight for Endeavor Airlines last fall.
Some background on the two alumni
As a native New Yorker, Seeratan always believed he would pursue a career in psychology―until he took his first flight lesson at a summer aviation and psychology program during high school. That was when he became certain he was meant to be a pilot.
Growing up in Cape Verde, Africa, Gomes knew at an early age that he wanted to be a pilot. He would walk for more than 30 minutes to the closest airport just to watch planes take off and land. Knowing there weren’t any flight programs in his country, Gomes researched his options and discovered Vaughn College.
They both enrolled in the aircraft operations, or flight program, which put them on the path to where they are today.
Landing jobs as commercial pilots
Becoming a commercial pilot takes more than just earning a degree. It takes obtaining flight licenses, certificates and ratings before one is permitted to pilot an airplane. The aircraft operations professional pilot bachelor of science degree program has been developed to provide students proficiency in all areas of pilot skills to achieve the certified flight instructor level. This program enables students, like Seeratan and Gomes, to obtain those licenses and earn their ratings―from private pilot to multi-engine. Vaughn’s restricted airline transport pilot (RATP) rating allows students to reduce their FAA-required flight hours from 1,500 to 1,000, by completing the 60-credit program.
After graduating from Vaughn in 2011, Seeratan began working for American Eagle Airlines at LaGuardia Airport, where he flew for four years and earned additional flight time. In 2015, he joined Endeavor Airlines, earning his captain’s title after piloting for only 13 months.
Gomes remained at Vaughn after graduation in 2015, teaching students how to fly in Vaughn’s $1 million flight simulator lab. He says this opportunity gave him the added expertise and experience he needed to land a job as a commercial pilot. Gomes then moved to Boston, where he continued to teach. Shortly thereafter, he began working for Endeavor Airlines, where he’s been flying for the past year.
Small world, big dreams
Although Seeratan and Gomes grew up on different continents, their passion for flying was the common thread that brought them both to Vaughn to pursue their goals. Vaughn continues to set the pace for prospective pilots to live their dreams and take their futures to new heights. Today―more than ever―the institution’s aviation graduates are soaring high on the wings of success.
The Vaughn Experience
Don’t miss the change to learn more about Vaughn’s engineering, technology, management and aviation programs at our Open House on Saturday, April 14 at 10am. Space is limited – reserve your spot today!
Last October, Southwest Airlines celebrated one of its all-female crews by snapping a picture and posting to their social media. Although this is not the first time Southwest―or any other airline, for that matter―has unintentionally staffed an all-female crew, from pilots to flight attendants, it demonstrates a paradigm shift.
March 8, 2018 is International Women’s Day, where people worldwide celebrate women, honor their achievements, and push for gender parity. This is a holiday that’s near and dear to the women at Vaughn College, who are pioneers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
An Eye for the Skies
Rebecca Van Vlack, class of 2020, has worked her way to becoming a contracted cadet with the United States Air Force and is also an up-and-coming aviator at Vaughn College, paving the way for aspiring female pilots.
Her love for aviation dates back to her childhood, when she would see her father, a flight captain in the Unites States Marine Corps, live out his dream and quickly found that was her path as well.
Van Vlack enrolled in the aircraft operations bachelor’s program at Vaughn nearly two years ago. Upon enrolling, she immediately joined the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) and fell in love with the Air Force. “It was then that I knew I was on the right path,” says Van Vlack. She was recruited after only one year as a contracted cadet, acting as a testament to her dedication and passion.
She is currently working towards her instrument rating and completing her flight training at The Heritage Flight Academy in Ronkonkoma, New York, along with other Vaughn aviation students.
A Futureproof Career
Today’s global pilot shortage is fueling students like Van Vlack to earn their wings. She says more women are joining the military than ever before, and this interest may be leading them to pursue careers in aviation. With thousands of pilot seats to fill in the coming years, she believes the deficit may open new doors of opportunity for women pilots.
A Soaring Future
As a contracted cadet, Van Vlack will earn the ranking of second lieutenant in the United States Air Force when she graduates in the spring of 2020. She hopes to someday earn her commercial pilot’s license, however her current goal is to graduate and explore her career in the Air Force. “Vaughn is preparing me to fulfill my dreams,” said Rebecca. “The experience both in the air and on the ground is priceless.”
Learn more about the College’s aviation programs and see how a degree from Vaughn can prepare you for a soaring career in this in-demand field.
Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11 to honor and thank our veterans for their service and fearless bravery to protect our country and its citizens.
Recognizing one of its own
This month, Vaughn College recognizes Nicholas Jordan, a retired United States Marine Corps sergeant and sophomore at Vaughn, who is earning his degree in aviation maintenance management.
In 2008 Jordan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to serve his country and enrich his life. He explains how, while still a high school student, the experience of the events that took place on September 11, 2001, motivated him to join the military and be a part of something bigger than himself.
“I was deeply affected by the attack on our country on 9-11,” Jordan said. “I knew I wanted to do my part to provide security for the American people.” Jordan was deployed twice during his five years of active duty. In 2009 he was deployed to Afghanistan and in 2011 on the U.S.S. Enterprise. During that time, he worked as a hydraulics mechanic and says he learned the discipline and skills that have taken him to where he is today.
Life at Vaughn
In 2015 Jordan enrolled at Vaughn to further his career. At 30 years old, he said he’s part of the “older scene” on campus and quickly realized there were other students his age who were also vets. He discovered the Veterans Organization at Vaughn, and is currently the president. “Veterans are a unique breed,” Jordan explained. “It was important for me to have a ‘home base’ on campus where my fellow vets can meet. We motivate each other to do well. It’s our comfort zone,” said Jordan.
The aviation maintenance management program at Vaughn has set Jordan on a clear path to a successful future. He said the program is not easy, but his military disciplines keep him focused and on track. “The faculty is right there to help when you need them. It’s great to know there’s a support system where everyone wants to see you succeed. Vaughn does that for me.”
Jordan plans to graduate in 2019 with his bachelor’s degree. He states that going to college is not only an investment in himself, but an investment in America. “Military personnel are trained with discipline. It’s all about putting good leadership where it matters.”
When asked about Veterans Day, it didn’t take long for Jordan to respond. “I have pride in my country. The military turned my life around and I feel blessed knowing I served my country as a United States Marine.”
Don’t miss the change to learn more about Vaughn’s engineering, technology, management and aviation programs at our Open House on Saturday, November 11 and 18. Space is limited – reserve your spot today!
Emily German ’18 is living proof that childhood passions can be the building blocks to an exciting future. As a senior in the mechatronic engineering program at Vaughn College, German recalls the days that led her to fulfill her dreams and explains how her major at Vaughn helped her land the job of a lifetime.
Building the dream
As a child, German played with LEGO® blocks and was fascinated with how she could put them together to build whatever she imagined. Throughout middle school and high school, she nurtured that passion and discovered culinary arts, where she pursued her interest in becoming a pastry chef.
Seeing how German had a talent for processing and developing designs, her mother encouraged her to take an engineering course in her junior year of high school. She broadened her scope of engineering classes during her senior year and the rest, as they say, is history.
Discovering Vaughn
“It all started with a handshake,” German explained. While exploring institutions at a college fair in her senior year, German discovered Vaughn College and said the Vaughn recruiter was the only one who shook her hand. She learned about their mechatronic engineering program and was excited to hear how they offered a curriculum that combined mechanical, electrical and computer engineering―all in one. “It was the perfect fit for me.”
Taking an active role
German wasted no time getting involved on campus. She tapped into her athletic side and joined the tennis, cross country and basketball teams. It was in her leadership roles, however, as president of the Society of Women Engineers, Vaughn Chapter (SWE) and former president of Circle K International, Vaughn Chapter that proved instrumental in furthering her success at Vaughn.
“We heard about an opportunity to attend the Society of Women Engineers (SWE’s) annual conference and career fair,” German said. “Vaughn was generous in funding our trip and the office of career services pulled out all the stops to help us prepare for the conference.”
Opening doors of opportunity in the automotive industry
German was focused on landing an internship at the SWE national conference, but she never could have expected what happened next. With more than 300 companies represented at the conference, German set her sights on companies in the automotive industry. Daimler was at the top on her list when she discovered they were the only company with a mechatronic engineering department. Cialis for prostate problems is prescribed by urologists and andrologists for the treatment of urological pathologies, accompanied by painful urination and erectile dysfunction. This drug not only restores sexual function in men, but also relieves swelling in the tissues of the penis and accelerates blood circulation. Cialis at http://www.pjfperformance.net/cialis-price-online-pharmacy/ has established itself as an effective way of increasing potency (no matter the severity of the inflammatory process).
“I approached the company with my résumé and was excited to discuss my major in the field with them,” explained German. “They offered me the internship on the spot. I truly believe my mechatronic engineering education gave me the upper hand over other applicants. It’s a very specialized area that set me apart from the rest.”
Making the move
Last summer, German moved to Portland, Oregon where she worked for three months at Daimler, streamlining the process of developing new features for their line of trucks. “I worked with the engineering architecture group within the mechatronic engineering department,” German said. “There are about seven groups within the department, and I expanded my scope to gain a better understanding of how each engineer’s task serves a larger function.” She said she realized then how the knowledge she gained at Vaughn was instrumental in how she applied it in the real world.
Landing the job
German returned to Vaughn this fall to begin her senior year. She was shocked to receive an email from her internship supervisor at Daimler. “He asked me to call him as soon as possible,” German said. “I didn’t know what to expect. I had a knot in my stomach.”
German was offered a full-time position at Daimler after graduation next spring. To add to her surprise, her manager said she could choose her position within the mechatronic engineering department. “I have Vaughn to thank for welcoming me so warmly at the college fair and being there every step of the way since then to help carve the path to my future.”
International travel at a young age inspired Yichuan (Edison) Luo ‘15 to explore the aviation management industry. When he was in middle school, his family moved from his hometown of Shanghai, China to California. Traveling back and forth between the two international cities during his school years piqued Luo’s interest in aviation, but it wasn’t until a high school trip to the East Coast of the United States that Edison knew he found his niche.
“I fell in love with New York City and knew I wanted to move there to attend college,” said Luo. “My passion for the aviation management sector, combined with the location of Vaughn College in the city, was the perfect fit for the two things that were driving my passion at the time.”
Luo enrolled in the airport management program at Vaughn in 2012, where he embraced his courses and excelled in the program.
“I chose airport management so I could learn about one of the most global businesses in the world,” Luo explained. “The courses at Vaughn allowed me to appreciate other strategic backgrounds in the mainstream business sector.”
During his time at Vaughn, Luo launched into his field as vice president of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) student chapter.
“We organized two luncheons and invited over 10 industry experts in the aviation industry, including airport managers, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials, National Security Agency (NSA) members and aviation educators,” said Luo. “It was an instrumental opportunity to hear them share their industry insights, knowledge and personal experiences with the students.”
The chapter didn’t stop there. They organized four field trips for a group of over 20 members and students to airport terminals, air sides (sections of the terminals where aircraft can be observed), land sides (sections of the terminals where the public has unrestricted access), and airline headquarters for educational events.
Luo graduated valedictorian of his class in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in airport management. At 24 years old, he’s living back in his hometown of Shanghai, where he works as an analyst at a global information technology firm that specializes in market research.
“My work has given me the grounding to appreciate some of the strategic drivers behind the cyber and technology industry,” Luo explained. “One of my major clients is a worldwide national defense, aerospace and cybersecurity service provider. I am currently writing about the current trends, risks and products in the aviation, national security and cyber industry.”
Although Luo says he continues to learn about the many other aspects of the aerospace industry, the knowledge he learned at Vaughn, particularly in airport management and air traffic control, gave him a solid foundation to build his career.
“The professors and faculty at Vaughn were more than just that; they were mentors and friends and for that I am truly grateful.”
If you are interested in a career in aviation, and want to learn more about Vaughn, and the incredible opportunities we offer, please take a look at our prospective students page.
It’s hard to pinpoint what the most important job in the world is. Brain surgeons, rocket scientists, physicists, intelligence agents and world leaders have very significant positions. But there is one job that many of us have that is immeasurably rewarding, despite its non-existent paycheck—being a parent. It’s not an easy job, especially when you have to juggle all of your other responsibilities with it. This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating one of our own students who is working especially hard, both at home and in school, to build a brighter future for his family.
Being a devoted family man has new meaning for Thomas Dekenipp ’19, a 30-year old Vaughn College engineering major who will be celebrating his first Father’s Day this month. Dekenipp and his girlfriend, Jaime, welcomed their daughter, Harper, last November and Dekenipp said being a dad is the greatest gift he could ever receive.
“I come from a large family,” Dekenipp said. “We all grew up in the same apartment building in Brooklyn, which kept us very close. So, it means so much to me to be starting my own family.”
After high school, Dekenipp enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he worked for six years as a helicopter mechanic in the 82nd Airborne Division. “I didn’t realize I had an interest in engineering until I joined the Army,” Dekenipp explained. “The Army opened doors for me and sparked an interest to seek a degree when I returned stateside.” Dekenipp completed two tours in Afghanistan and was honorably discharged in 2011. Soon after, he decided to return to Afghanistan to work for the next 18 months as a contractor. Upon returning, Dekenipp wanted to pursue his degree under the GI Bill, but realized he needed to find a school that offered the Yellow Ribbon Program―a provision of the GI Bill that can help students attend private colleges at little or no cost―to help cover the additional tuition expenses. That’s how he found Vaughn College. Dekenipp is now a junior at Vaughn, where he is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering technology and computer-aided design, and feels grateful to have the opportunity to further his career. “Attending Vaughn was a nice transition from the military,” said Dekenipp. “There’s a good number of vets who attend Vaughn so I feel right at home. The faculty is welcoming and is extremely supportive in helping their students further their success.”
With his first Father’s Day around the corner, Dekenipp said he’s been reflecting on past Father’s Day’s with his own dad. Dekenipp recalls how his dad loved to cook and can remember the wonderful aromas emanating from the kitchen while music played in the background. “It was a very warm and welcoming feeling,” Dekenipp recalls. “I’m excited to recreate those memories for Harper. I only want the best for my family,” Dekenipp said humbly. “I’m confident my degree from Vaughn will set me on a path to success to give them a beautiful life. It’s important to me to set a good example for my daughter,” he continued.
When asked what his plans are for Father’s Day, Dekenipp laughed and said Jaimie is keeping it a surprise. “Whatever we do, I know I’ll be surrounded by my amazing family. I’m blessed to be a dad and Harper is the reason I can celebrate. She’s ‘Daddy’s Little Girl.’”
Happy Father’s Day!
Time, dedication and innovation was the perfect combination for Vaughn College’s Aeronautics and Technology Robotics Team in April as they were named the World Champions at the record-setting 2016 VEX Worlds Robotics Competition in Louisville, Kentucky.
The team of 12 students, six seniors and six freshmen, seized the top spot, beating Mexico (among 60 other college teams) in this season’s challenge named: “Nothing but Net.”
“We began designing the two robots last summer in Vaughn’s robotics lab,” said Alex Uquillas, a mechatronic engineering major who recently graduated in May. “Our team was determined to win this year’s competition since we came so close to winning in past years.” Alex said his team built a practice field in the lab and worked through their school breaks and almost every weekend in designing the winning robots and perfecting their tactical techniques. Along the way, the team competed in qualifying matches to secure a spot in the world championship competition.
Mimicking the sport of basketball, the game challenged the teams to design robots that could shoot balls into a net at lightning speeds. The team whose robots scored the most points would be declared the winner. “Our robots were timed at shooting four balls every second,” Alex explained, “and were designed to accurately hit the net, even at long distances.” He said the robots also applied outstanding autonomous routines, where they moved solely through the use of various sensors and control algorithms. “It was from this application that we learned automation and control processes that are used in today’s competitive tech industry,” Alex said.
One of the highlights and challenges of the competition was to earn extra points at the end of the match if one of the team’s robots could lift the other robot. “It was great to see how our larger robot met the challenge and lifted our smaller robot,” Alex said proudly. In addition to following the strict competition guidelines, the team was also required to keep a notebook and log details about their progress along the way. The team’s notebook earned them the distinguished Design Award for their original design. Their innovative thinking was recognized with an additional Innovation Award that acknowledged the speed and accuracy of how many balls were released.
Adding to the excitement of the event, the Guinness World Records recognized The 2016 VEX Robotics Competition as the largest robotics event to date, with a record-setting number of 1,075 elementary, middle, high school and college teams competing.
“This is an incredible victory for our team,” said Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo, president of Vaughn College. “Students apply mechanical and programming skills in the development of these robots, actively utilizing theories they acquire in the classroom. This experience is exactly what employers are seeking across a variety of industries where design, programming and troubleshooting are critical for the next generation of automation.”
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Some background on the two alumni
Rebecca Van Vlack, class of 2020, has worked her way to becoming a contracted cadet with the United States Air Force and is also an up-and-coming aviator at Vaughn College, paving the way for aspiring female pilots.