IEEE Supports Masuk's Robotics Team

The Connecticut Chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers recently met with Masuk High School's Robotics team for an informal dinner and demonstrations of the award-winning robots. The prestigious association, whose mission is to advance technical innovations to benefit humanity, was the Masuk Robotics team's title sponsor. Members of the Connecticut chapter's executive board were excited to meet Masuk's coaches William McDonough and Mike Cercone and the students who participated in tournaments throughout New England this year. Two teams from Masuk qualified to compete in the Vex Robotics World Championship in California in April.

IEEE Board member Adrian Rusu, whose son Alex is a member of Masuk's team, was instrumental in obtaining the engineering organization's support.

With more than 425,000 members, IEEE is the largest technical society in the world, Rusu said.

“This is an important alliance for our team and we appreciate the assistance provided by IEEE this season,” said Mr. McDonough. “Their expertise and support are vital as we continue to move forward in the right direction. We are already gearing up for this year's challenge and I anticipate that at least two or more teams will qualify for the World Championships in 2014.”

IEEE member Brad Elker, of Milford, said he was impressed by Masuk students' competency.

“The abilities of the students and the progress they've made with the robot designs are impressive,” Elker said.

A retired engineer, Elker is an expert in telecommunications systems.

John Gallichotte, of Newtown, joined the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE) in 1951. This organization merged in 1957 with the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) to form the IEEE. Although he retired in 1997, Gallichotte is involved in high school robotics' programs in several local high schools, including Shelton. He said the Vex Robotics competitions “fills a good need between the Junior Lego league for nine to 14 year old and college robotics.”

Kyle Parshall, a member of Masuk's So Vexxy It Hurts team, plans to study engineering at the University of Connecticut in the fall. Kyle was happy to have had the opportunity to attend the Vex Robotics World Championship for high school students. Along with honing his technical skills, Kyle said he acquired “people skills.”

“There were people from all different countries at the championships,” Kyle noted. “This experience widened my understanding about the need to be able to communicate with people from all over the world.”

There are currently 50 students signed on for the 2013-2014 season. Community sponsors are needed to fund the $6,000 budget. Mr. McDonough said all monies raised are used to equip five teams with supplies such as robot kits, batteries, controllers and replacement parts. Businesses and individuals interested in making donations are encouraged to contact Mr. McDonough at 203-913-7465 and wmcdonough@monroeps.org.

Masuk Robotics Team is a 501 ( c ) non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible. There are several levels of sponsorship available. Donations of $1,000 or higher will entitle the business or individual to advertise its name and logo on the team's website, banners at home matches, in print publications, and on the back of students' official tee-shirts, which are worn at all competitions; $500 or higher, name imprinted on tee-shirts, website and print publications, and $250 or higher, name listed on website and print publications.

Checks may be made payable to Masuk Robotics Team, care of William McDonough, Masuk High School, 1014 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468.