Eli Jared
12th Grade
2827 Team Captain

​Bernardo Albuquerque
12th Grade
2827 Code Director

    Last year, I entered into the robotics lab with only a few classes worth of hands-on engineering experience and very little knowledge of what being on an FTC robotics team entails. I embraced the challenges of being the Director of Design for 2827 and since then I have developed a passionate love for robotics. Being a learner on the robotics team has taught me how to assemble components and use 3D modeling to transform ideas into reality, and how to be patient in stressful situations, but most importantly, my experiences in robotics have taught me valuable lessons on how to be a leader. I am so proud of the collective effort my teammates and I put into the robot last year, even through the struggles we faced with COVID-19 restrictions. This year, in the new lab space, with a new game, I look forward to another year of embracing and tackling challenges in the pursuit of learning!
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​Yingran Wang (Alice) 
11th Grade 
2827 Outreach Director 

◊    In the Trinity robotics team, I loved it since the first moment I joined. It creates opportunities for me and my teammates to cooperate with each other and work toward a common goal which is assembling the same robot to make it perfect and competitive. As for outreach, it provides a method introducing robotics and engineering to the community and contributing to the community. My job as the director of outreach is to help people get to know about our fascinating robotics program, our greatest team spirit, and what does robotics do to our Trinity community. In my leisure time, I love playing tennis and playing piano songs. 

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​Tarey Gettys
11th Grade
2827 Coder

    I moved to Durham when I was in fourth grade, and have been at Trinity since then. I have liked engineering and building things my whole life, and robotics is a great way to get involved doing this. I also like the competition that comes with doing FTC, and being able to work with people to solve a problem. In addition to being a fun class, robotics also helps to prepare me for possible careers that I would want to pursue in the future.

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​Bowen Young
12th Grade
2728 Designer

I have lived in Durham my whole life and basically grew up within Trinity’s community. I like making music, surfing, drawing, and playing video games whenever I get the chance. I joined robotics because I have always had an interest in things such as architecture, and the robotics team is the closest thing at Trinity to understanding the critical thinking and designing skills required for that field of work. Being a part of robotics also means understanding team work, which is another integral part of the engineering design career. I hope to sharpen my skills both as a designer, engineer, and team member or leader during my time in robotics.

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​Lilly Treible
11th Grade
2827 Coder

I have lived in North Carolina my entire life, and have always been interested in hands-on projects and computers. This is my first year at Trinity since back in second grade, and robotics was the class and club I was undoubtedly the most excited for. I have learned and practiced a variety of computer software and coding languages since my first class back in fifth grade, where I learned the basics of python. Even before then, I knew that coding and computers were some things I would be interested in for a while. The fact that I could not only help code but design a robot, was what drew me into joining the robotics team. I have known since a young age that I wanted to do something relating to engineering when I got older, and this was the perfect opportunity for me. I am greatly looking forward to expanding my knowledge in both an engineering and computer science viewpoint throughout this season. 

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Eli McMurray
11th Grade
2827 Designer 

I joined Robotics because I thought that it would be a great chance to test my mechanical abilities. What I didn't realize is that Mr. Laucas runs his team like a company, with a CEO, Outreach specialist, and build and design teams. I really like that he does this because I feel that he is actually preparing me for my future in a company. Along with robotics I enjoy playing basketball, soccer, and some casual video games with friends. This is my second year in robotics so I know that this team has plenty of potential. With this team and our new robotics lab I know we will do great things.

    I enjoy this class because it forces us to work in a group with a common goal and unknown challenges to complete. It really lets me explore my interests in Engineering and push myself forward. It also taught me many traits that are crucial for today's society, such as critical thinking, working with others, and independence. This class also made me meet new people and make great friends that I can count on.

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​Jacob Hahn
12th Grade
2827 Engineering Director

    As an aspiring computer engineer, I have always been interested in how I can apply my engineering skills in a tangible, practical way. Robotics has given me the opportunity to do just that, and has provided me with so much more as well. Over the past year, I have improved my knowledge of engineering, made new friends, and learned many lessons in determination and perseverance. As the Engineering Director of Team 2827 this year, I hope to utilize and improve my leadership skills, while also teaching those on the build and design teams the skills necessary to excel in both robotics and life in general. Outside of robotics, I’m an avid photographer, working with both film and digital and having started a photography club at my high school.

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​Allie Hartsfield
12th Grade
2827 Outreach and Builder 

    I moved to North Carolina from California when I was three years old. I like to travel, bake/cook, run and swim and I pick up random hobbies here and there. I took engineering design 1 and 2 freshman and sophomore year and I really enjoyed how it unlocked a certain creative side. The reason I am taking robotics is to further my experience in working as a unit with people and understanding how to solve problems under pressure. I am a part of outreach because I enjoy and am good at the communicating aspect of a job. I also like to be a part of the process of creating a functioning object with a purpose which is why I am a part of the builders team. I want to encourage and be there for all my team members and strengthen the Trinity robotics as a whole for future generations. 

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​Prince Rivers
11th Grade
2827 Builder

I enjoy Trinity Robotics because it allows me to connect with new people and build my problem solving skills. Also, I get to be a part of a group of people who share a common passion and goal. My objective this year is to be the best teammate I can be while learning lots of new things. For recreation, I enjoy playing soccer and hanging out with my friends.

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Ben Hayes
12th Grade
2827 Builder

I joined Robotics for two reasons- one, it seemed to genuinely appeal to my interests and I thought that it would be a cool and fun experience. The second reason is that my friend Charlie Mario wouldn’t stop telling me to join until I did. I’m looking forward to being able to construct and deconstruct some of the robots and kits that we have in the lab, as I’ve always taken an interest in building things. When I was a kid I would volunteer to go to the hardware store with my parents and build spaceships out of pieces of wood and plastic that I found on the floor. I also hope to form and strengthen bonds with some of those people on the team that I might not have met yet! When I’m not building robots, I like to play soccer, make music, and mess around with virtual reality. 

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Abi Jacob
11th Grade 
2827 Designer/Builder 

I like sports and the arts. In my free time I try to stay fit or design something I can create or paint. I've always enjoyed building and designing things. My grandpa, some of my uncles, and some of my cousins are engineers so I've always wanted to be an engineer myself because of them. This year I hope to grow in my knowledge and work with my team to create something successful and something we are proud of. I can't wait to work closely with this team and see what we can make! I hope I can add some good input and encourage those around me too. 

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​David Nolen
9th Grade
2827 Unofficial Member

I have had much interest in engineering and design since I was young. In much of my free time, I spend many hours building, creating, and inventing projects of my own. It’s hard to describe, but in a sense my room has become its own science lab: full of all kinds of tinkering parts scattered about, along with papers, designs, and ideas that I have slowly accumulated over time. High school robotics has long been a dream of mine, and now it has been so great to be with people like me who share similar interests. I think being able to collaborate and work together with these people will be a great experience and I’m excited to take up this year's FTC challenge in our new robotics lab! It’s going to be an awesome season and I hope that through it, my teammates and I will learn and grow in our curious exploration of science.