top of page
Dayton-Cincinnati Robotics Team — FIRST Tech Challenge
The Team
Books
STUDENTS
Brandon Young
My name is Brandon Young. I live in Mason, Ohio. I am sixteen years old and have been involved in FIRST programs for 6 years. I participated in FLL for two years and FTC for the past four years. I enjoy programming and working with computers and servers. Through the FIRST programs I have learned about designing and engineering and have the opportunity to work with machining and custom design. In the future I would like to continue learning and growing in the programming world and major in computer science or engineering.
Vishnu Avanthsa
Vishnu Avanthsa is the Project Manager who works with the team to ensure that the various phases of robot design (Strategizing, Brainstorming, Prototyping, 3D Modeling, Machiong) as well as coordinating the team’s fundraising efforts, organizing the team’s outreach events, and overseeing the team’s writing projects. Vishnu has independently garnered the revamping of the team’s Engineering Notebook, ultimately culminating in the team’s recognition in the form of Inspire Award Finalist at the 2019 FTC World Championship. Vishnu enjoys programming, playing the Violin, and learning about physics. Vishnu is currently a junior at Mason High School.
Lakshmi Avanthsa
I am 13 years old and in eighth grade, at Mason Middle school and this is my second year of being a Power Stacker. I’m really enjoying the experience of getting to be on an FTC team, two of my favorite parts of being on the team are going to the workshop to build, or competing in tournaments. Since the day I joined the team it has been a journey of continuously learning new things and having fun. Additionally, some of my other hobbies include, drawing, reading, and playing tennis.
%20-%20Neev%20Gupta_PNG.png)
Neev Gupta
I am currently a freshman at Mason High School and have been involved with FIRST for 3 years, two years in FLL and one year in FTC. I enjoy various activities such as playing basketball and chess. As a Power Stacker, I am the Engineering Log Book lead and enjoy the various other aspects of the team such as building, strategizing, and, most importantly, having fun. I like being part of the FIRST community because it influences everyone in a very impactful way. I am interested in FTC robotics because it has many challenges that apply to real-life situations.
Cailey Pickl
I am in the 7th grade, I am 11 years old, and I have been in the first program for about 5 years. My role on the team is to make sure the batteries are charged, so to put it simply, I am the battery charger. I like the outdoors because waterfalls and ice on trees looks beautiful, dogs because my family has had 4 dogs that I can remember, horses because I rode one once it and was fun, cold weather (winter), video games, movies, snow because snowball fights, and swimming because I love being in the water.
Corinne Pickl
I'm a 14-year-old in the ninth grade. I'm homeschooled, so I have a flexible schedule. That means I can do some work for our team during the day, and this helps when there is something that needs done before the next team meeting. I have done a little designing and problem solving, I am interested in learning CAD so my ideas can be easily used by everyone. Our team has done several different kinds of outreach, all of them are both fun and exhausting. Although I haven't done any programming yet, I really want to learn it. My other interests are drawing, baking, reading, and video gaming.
Robert Sells
My name is Robert John Sells II, otherwise known as RJ. I am in 11th grade this year and I am beginning college course work due to meeting graduation requirements. This year, I am a brand new member to the PowerStackers team. My multitude of hobbies include programming, CAD, assembling computers, and working with my hands. As a new member to the team, my role is to observe and learn from our mentors and veteran youth members. While as a new member, your role may seem very minuscule, however on a good team such as the PowerStacks, no role is too small.
Joshua Flannery
I am an eighth grader at Troy Christian Schools. I am a rookie on this team but I am already a machine specialist. I do more than just robotics though including Irish dance, and Boy Scouts. I have an undeniable love for cats and sweets. I have three sisters (which I love like the morning star) and one brother. My grandparents are awesome and they have four cats which doubles their awesomeness. P.S. my grandma is one of the best cooks in the world. I have puneitis and I’m trained in the art of world ending dad jokes.
Arushi Gupta
I am 13 years old and I am an 8th grader at Mason Middle School. I have competed in FLL for 4 years, but this is my first year of FTC. I enjoy playing tennis and doing dance. Some of my hobbies include traveling, doing art, and hanging out with my friends. In my many years of experience with FIRST I have learned many life skills, such as public speaking and problem-solving. I love being part of FIRST because I get to explore new technology that I have always wanted to learn about like CAD. I hope to contribute a lot to my team and learn something new everyday
Prattyush Giriraj
I am 15 years old and a sophomore at William Mason High School and this will be my third year in FIRST. I’ve participated in FLL for 2 years and this will be my first year in FTC. I enjoy various activities such as basketball, football, track & field, and playing video games. Being apart of the FIRST community allows me to learn new aspects of STEM in a fun environment. This is my first year in FTC and I am excited for all the challenges that I will face.
Nischal Suhas
I am 15 years old and a current sophomore at William Mason High School. This is my first year in the FIRST program and first year in FTC. As a rookie, I look forward to learning alongside some very smart teammates and finding my role on the team. I’ve always been interested in STEM fields so getting to learn more in an environment that promotes fun and learning is something I’ve always wanted to be a part of. Outside of FIRST, I am a competitive swimmer on the Mason Manta Rays and I also swim for the high school team. I have two older sisters in college but sadly, no pets. I also enjoy playing the guitar, having played for eight years, and the euphonium.
Shishir Tumukuntala
Shishir Tumukuntala is a 7th grader attending Mason Middle School involved with FTC team Powerstackers. Shishir has been participating in FIRST for 3 years. With his first two years in FLL team Robo Rangers. Through FLL, he was able to go to world championships in his second year and gained countless memories and insight along the way. Even with this being his first year in FTC, he learned a vast amount of knowledge from his fellow Powerstackers. He is excited to be a valuable asset to the team. Outside of FIRST, Shishir has been playing cello for the past 5 years and enjoys competitive swimming.
Pranav Chati
​I am a junior at William Mason High School and currently 15, turning 16 in September. My interests include coding, playing tennis, playing the violin, and playing video games(Overwatch and League of Legends). I am knowledgeable in several languages including Java, Python, and C++. Likewise, I have been playing tennis for a few years and got onto my high school tennis team in 2018. This year I unfortunately wasn’t able to play due to injuries. This is going to be my first year participating in FTC and I am very excited.
MENTORS
Mr. Terence Chu
I am the PowerStackers FIRST Tech Challenge Head Coach. I have volunteered at FIRST for 17 years. I enjoy being the coach for the PowerStackers for 15 years now. I started the PowerStackers team with my son, Justin.
I am a Radiation Physicist and I work to find better means and methods to cure cancer patients. I am from Hong Kong, and my son, Justin, is attending college at the University of Toronto. I really enjoy seeing my students grow and succeed from the FIRST program so I am always excited to start a new season with them.
Mrs. Caroline Buckey
I have enjoyed being involved with PowerStackers for 14 years, in both FLL and FTC. I joined the team with my son, Stephen, when he was 10 years old. I also volunteer for FIRST Robotics as a judge. My full-time job is working as a Supervisory Engineer for the Air Force. I have worked on a variety of aircraft to include helicopters, cargo aircraft, unmanned air vehicles, and fighter aircraft. I am married to another Powerstackers Mentor, Bill Buckey, and have a daughter and son-in-law who live and work in Arkansas, and a son who has graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Wright State University. My favorite PowerSnack is two-bite brownies.
Mrs. Teri Pickl
I have been an FIRST Lego League Co-Coach for 13 years with my husband, Bill. I have been involved with Junior FIRST Lego League for 1 year and FIRST Robotics Competition for 3 years as a mentor while co-coaching our ever changing community team. I am enjoying all of the aspects of FIRST Tech Challenge but most especially the vast opportunities to help kids imagine a greater future with they newly learned skills. I am a 18 year seasoned homeschool mother of 4 and am thankful Robotics is part of our home school. I have a BSAAE from Purdue University and enjoy the opportunity to problem solve and grow young engineers.
Mr. Bill Pickl
I have coached FLL from 2006 to 2018, FRC from 2012-2016, and FTC for 2018-2019. I’ve also judged FLL tournaments for 6 years. I have a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering and 33 years of experience working at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. My career spans designing ejection seats, planning aircraft maintenance, Air Force logistics and currently, the Chief Engineer for Enterprise Business Systems. The best compliment I’ve gotten is from a former boss who said “Your my favorite engineer because I can understand what you are saying”. That is what I like most about FIRST: building both engineering and communication skills in our students. My sons completed FLL and FRC and my daughters have journeyed through Jr FLL, FLL and now FTC. In what’s left of my spare time I design games and 3D print gadgets.
Mr. William Buckey
I am an External Air Vehicle Loads Technical Expert in the Department of the Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB. I am also a member of the USAF airworthiness authority in the External Aircraft Loads technical area. I help PowerStacker students explore design concepts and utilize critical thinking techniques. Recently, I won an EN Mentor of the Year over multiple AF Bases.
Mr. Mike Gehron
I am a Special Project and Manufacturing Manager at CMI Technology, Inc. I mentor FIRST Robotics Competition team 3138, Innovators Robotics. I also mentor a robot team with the City of Dayton Schools. I mainly teach PowerStacker students safety for heavy machinery.
Josh Schuh
I am 22 years old. This is my 6th year with the PowerStackers. This is my 4th year mentoring the team after 2 years being on the team. I also coach a rookie FTC team at Chaminade Julienne High School in Dayton, Ohio with #15250 Eagles Robotics. During the day I work at Spectrum Brands in Vandalia, Ohio. The fun part about FIRST is that after you compete as a student then you want to come back and coach/mentor teams.
Justin Chu
I study Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto, and a PowerStackers alum.
Mrs. Joyce Campos
I am a math and engineering teacher at Wayne High School. Sometimes I act as a fill-in coach for PowerStackers when the coaches are out of town. During competitions, I help with Field Scouting. I have also helped the team fundraising at some FIRST events with concession stand running.
Richard Eckhardt
I am 18 years old and I love learning. I am going to Sinclair for a dual major in Business Administration and Mechanical Systems Engineering while also learning web and Java programming. I work as a math tutor at Sinclair and joined PowerStackers for programming experience and because robots have interested me my whole life.
Derek Helm
I am 19 years old. I went to MVCTC but I’m from Northmont. I record YouTube videos for Clan of Eoron and edit them. My first year in FIRST, I was a member of a local team, T-bots, and now I am a mentor for PowerStackers. I mainly mentor programming and I have done lots of 3D modeling. I have always found robotics to be an interesting adventure waiting to be taken.
Lakshmi Avanthsa
I am 12 years old and in seventh grade, at the Mason Middle school. This is my first year of being part of the Power Stackers team. I mostly enjoy the building aspect and the outreach events in robotics, and being on the team is proving to be a great experience. Some of my other hobbies include, painting, reading, and tennis.
Benjamin Gregory
I am 14 years old and in 9th grade. I am class president of the Miami East freshman class. This is my first year of FTC and I have done 2 years of FLL. I like to do archery and I like to play video games.
bottom of page