Paul Schoch
During the launch of the New York Tech Valley FIRST Robotics Competition, Paul Schoch, associate professor of electrical, computer, and systems engineering and director of the Center for Initiatives in Pre-College Education, received the Woodie Flowers Award. The award celebrates effective communication in the art and science of engineering and design. FIRST recognizes an adult mentor at each regional or state/region championship. In making the announcement, Larry Ruff, director of the Manufacturing Innovation and Learning Laboratory, noted that “one description of the efforts and impact of a mentor on not only the team, but also on the region, that stood out to the judges was Schoch’s ‘example of leadership of students through technical problem-solving which builds confidence and creativity within the team…an example of great efforts to form and strengthen other teams, and an example of humility in the face of great success for FIRST Robotics Competition in the New York Tech Valley Region.” Schoch and Mary Burke, manager of special projects at NYSERDA, served as co-chairs of the New York Tech Valley FIRST Robotics Competition.