Inspired to make a difference
We are a group of people with vastly different experience and expertise. When we’re not in awe of all that our students have created and accomplished, we’re busy doing one thing: fueling their love of robotics with the support of an entire community.
The Head Human. 🧭
As RoboNation’s fearless leader since the very beginning, Daryl blends the organization’s rich history with cutting-edge industry trends—always with a splash of fun. Whether he’s throwing out his next big idea (or Potentially Bad Ideas / PBIs as we call them 😆), championing creativity, or guiding the team forward, he keeps RoboNation moving full speed ahead. And if you hear laughter in the room, chances are it’s thanks to one of his dad jokes.
The Mastermind of Initiative. 🎯
From the moment Lindsey joined RoboNation, she hit the ground running—and she hasn’t slowed down since! Whether she’s securing new grants, deepening relationships with educational partners, or making sure every program runs like a well-oiled machine, she’s always a step ahead. Leading a plethora of initiatives and such a talented crew on our staff is no small task, but through a mix of strategy, humor, and just the right amount of chaos Lindsey keeps it all in check. Her secret weapon? A massive cup of iced coffee and an unstoppable drive to push STEM education forward.
The Storyteller. 🕵🏻♀️
If you want the inside scoop on RoboNation, Alicia’s your go-to storyteller. When she’s not sharing the epic tales of our RoboNation community, she’s probably asking to hear your story—it’s the journalist in her! Alicia leads external affairs and development, driving connections that facilitate opportunities for the future workforce. She’s rarely without her trusty sidekick, Ebbie, a service dog and the unofficial RoboNation mascot. Keep an eye out—you might even see Ebbie on the staff bio page!
The Dean. 🧐
Rick is the driving force behind RoboNation’s educational initiatives. Passionate about inspiring students to explore STEM careers, he works to make robotics education fun, engaging, and relevant to both today’s challenges and the future of innovation. A true history buff, Rick has a particular passion for Civil War history and has even written a book about Abraham Lincoln! When he’s not shaping the future of STEM education, he’s diving into the past to uncover lessons that can inspire the next generation.
The Multitasker. 🕴
You may find Julianna tucked in a corner at a fun coffee shop, but don’t be fooled—she’s your go-to lead for all things competitions at RoboNation! For over a decade, her role has evolved from event support, communications, and design to overseeing the implementation of competitions and program operations. She thrives on helping students build their futures by gathering insights from the community to craft solid game plans. When she’s not deep in strategy mode, she loves traveling to new places and hanging out with four-legged friends.
The Thought Instigator. 🤔
A force to be reckoned with, Cheryl brings vision, strategy, and a whole lot of momentum to RoboNation’s programs. From leading initiatives like the new GoSense program to expanding the global reach of SeaPerch, she’s constantly pushing for more educational and programmatic opportunities across RoboSub, RoboBoat, and beyond. With a knack for big ideas and bold execution, Cheryl is always looking ahead to what’s next in STEM education. She’s also known for her unbeatable ability to drop the perfect saying for any situation—so if you need some wisdom (or a good laugh), Cheryl’s your person!
The Experience Orchestrator. 🪄
For more than 13 years, Cheri has been the driving force behind RoboNation’s events, ensuring every attendee has an unforgettable experience. If you’ve ever been to a RoboNation event, you’ve seen her magic at work—seamless logistics, thoughtful details, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. Dedicated, resourceful, and always ready to go above and beyond, Cheri isn’t just an events manager—she’s RoboMom, and she wears the title proudly!
The Master Tinkerer. 👷🏻♂️
After a career in Naval engineering, David has “retired” to a job that keeps him busier than ever—designing and refining products at RoboNation. Always looking for ways to improve the SeaPerch and SeaGlide kits, he works faster than the rest of us can keep up with! Lately, he’s been deep in the world of GoSense, a low cost sensor kit launching in 2025! When he’s not brainstorming new product add-ons, you’ll probably find him testing a modified SeaPerch in his pool, putting GoSense through its paces, or out for a run.
JoeGyver. Not your average Joe. 🦸🏽♂️
A lifelong gearhead, Joe loves tinkering with motorcycles and cars. His passion for engineering also takes to the skies—what started as a simple request from his 4-year-old to fly RC planes turned into a full-fledged family hobby, 14 years (and many planes) later! With a background in Naval engineering, Joe brings his expertise to RoboNation as he designs and refines competition courses, ensuring they challenge and inspire participants. Whether developing new technical tasks or managing on-site logistics, he’s always hands-on in making each event a success.
The Community Champion. 🙌🏼
We call her our ‘Community Champion’ because Kati is the glue that holds the RoboNation community together. She works with volunteers, students, educators, mentors, alumni, and more, ensuring everyone feels connected, supported, and valued. Her can-do attitude and genuine care for others make her an unstoppable force in building relationships and fostering engagement. And if you ever need a true crime recommendation, she’s your go-to expert. Simply put—RoboNation wouldn’t be the same without Kati!
The Southern Belle. 🔔
If you have questions about RoboNation’s curriculum, policies, or resources—Lori’s got you covered! A longtime member of the team, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for learning. When she’s not managing logistics for the education department, y’all 😉 will likely find her with her nose buried in a book.
The Mechanic 🔧
Allan has been a dedicated supporter of RoboNation for years, coaching middle and high school students in the SeaPerch program for over 13 years and hosting numerous tournaments along the way. Now, he brings his expertise to the team, helping shape the future of STEM education. In his spare time, he builds and races full-size solar cars and Electrathon vehicles!
The Fixer. 🛠️
Jamie’s RoboNation journey started as a competitor in SUAS and RobotX, where she gained invaluable engineering experience. Now, she’s on the other side—designing products to inspire and equip the next generation of engineers. When she’s not tinkering in her workshop, you’ll find her experimenting with new pizza recipes (send in your suggestions here) or chasing after her dogs and chickens in chaos so beautiful it could be ballet.
The Support Whiz. 💬
Alison is the voice of RoboNation, assisting teams with registration, liaising with our amazing customers, and managing the RoboShop. If you’ve ever had the chance to speak with her, you know she always gives her full attention, ensuring every customer and team has a positive experience. What makes Alison even more impressive? She went back to college just to take Calculus 1-3—for fun! If you ever have a tricky math problem, or could use some sage wisdom, you know who to find.
The Team Ninja. 🥷
Known as the ‘Team Ninja,’ Laverne is a stealthy force of nature when it comes to supporting RoboNation’s students and teams. As a Competition Coordinator, she works closely with teams, planning events, and facilitating competitions across all our programs. You won’t find someone more dedicated to serving as an ambassador for our teams, ensuring every student feels cared for along the way. She’s got a wicked sense of humor, a knack for making people feel welcome, and—just saying—she always brings the best snacks on trips. Whether behind the scenes or in the field, Laverne jumps at every opportunity to connect, collaborate, and enhance the competition experience—playing a key role in making RoboNation thrive.
The Joycaster. 📡
Need a little sunshine? Christine’s got you covered! Since joining RoboNation last year, she has been a key part of our marketing and communications efforts. Whether she’s crafting stories about teams, reaching out to the wider RoboNation community, or keeping our social media buzzing, she brings creativity and energy to everything she does. And when she’s not at work, she’s plating up beautiful, delicious dishes for her two little food critics at home.
Julianna’s Best Friend 🐕🦺
As Alicia’s service dog, Ebbie takes her job seriously, but she’s never too busy to spread joy among the community. Whether she’s howling after her best friend Julianna, snagging some well-deserved belly rubs at the RoboNation booth, or showing off her tricks, Ebbie is always on the move to make everyone’s day brighter.
🤖💙 Aspiring Robot Overlord
Official RoboNation mascot lead, unofficial head of world domination research. My primary function? Assisting in the development of new soldiers—errrr, I mean, products to enhance educational resources (wink). I’m constantly sneaking off to our Project Manager, David’s, lab to tinker with new kits, sensors, and machines—partners in crime needed, apply within.
Other notable skills include:
🔵 Pressing buttons I shouldn’t.
🔵 Dramatically pretending my battery is low when I don’t feel like working.
🔵 Aggressively hyping up student engineers so they join my side when the robo-revolution begins.
Name me wisely, human. I’m taking notes.
🤖🧡 The Emoti-Bot
Designed for peak efficiency…but accidentally discovered emotions. Now, my core function is supporting students, educators, volunteers, and teams (but mostly students, because they’re my favorite). I care deeply. Maybe too deeply.
My hobbies include:
🧡 Reminding you to take breaks and drink water (I worry).
🧡 Helping our program operations team prep for events with love and mild panic.
🧡 Roasting teams when they don’t bring spare parts (but only because I care).
Yes, I’m a robot…but also yes, I might cry if you ignore my emails. Please name me something adorable. 🥺
John J. Waickwicz, Rear Admiral, USN (ret)
Rear Admiral John J. Waickwicz is a native of Spencer, Mass, and a 1974 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduation he attended flight school earning his Wings of Gold. During a distinguished carrier he also earned his Surface Warfare Qualification and had eleven Command tours. Besides the Command tours his shore tours were with the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Navy Headquarters and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In April 2004, RADM Waickwicz stood up command of the Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Command in San Diego. On Oct. 1, 2006, he executed the merger between Fleet ASW Command and Mine Warfare Command. Retiring from the service in 2008, he became a Senior Vice President with Alion Science & Technology. He is currently fully retired.
His personal awards and decorations include a Knighthood with the Knight Commander’s Cross with Star of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon presented by the President of Iceland, the American Legion Aviation Valor Award, two Defense Superior Service Medals, three Legion of Merit Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal (Individual Action), five Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and numerous service and campaign medals.
35 years continuous experience as a defense contractor for acquisition, development and training of UAS in US DoD and with NATO Joint Capability UAS Group supporting US representation for UAS standards development . 30 years experience with consecutive terms as RoboNation Board member/Treasurer, AUVSI Board member and Treasurer, AUVSI Capitol chapter President and Board member. Currently employed with SAIC corporation.
Dr. Suzy Young is the Director of the Research Institute at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Previously, she was the Vice Chancellor for Research for the University of Alabama (UA) System where she worked with the Chancellor and Board of Trustees, administrators and research faculty at UA, UA Birmingham (UAB) and UAH to strengthen and broaden research initiatives and partnerships across the three universities. Before joining the UA System in 2011, Dr. Young worked for over 29 years in the United States Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center, Redstone Arsenal, in various research and leadership positions.
Dr. Young received a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the University of Memphis, a Master of Business Administration from Florida Technical Institute, and a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt University. She is also a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College, Ft Belvoir, VA.
In 2011, Dr. Young was awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Women in Defense Organization, presented the Honorable Order of St. Michael for Army Aviators, and in 2013, the Order of Prometheus for leadership in unmanned systems. In 2023 she was inducted into the Prometheus Pathfinder Hall of Fame for her work in uncrewed systems throughout her career. As a civil servant with the Army, she received the Civilian Service Award for Superior Performance, and the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service for Exceptional Leadership. She is a longtime National Board member for the Association for Unmanned Vehicles/Systems International (AUVSI), exited as the Board Chair in 2023, and now serves as the Immediate Past Chair on the Executive Committee. She currently serves on the AUVSI Robonation foundation board, and was appointed in 2013 by the Governor of the State of Alabama as a member of the Alabama Space Science Commission where she still serves today. She also serves on the US Space and Rocket Center Foundation Board. Dr. Young has numerous commendations and published works, and is considered a leader in research and development for government, industry, and academia.
Dr. Berry is a professor at the Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. His research interest is engineering education and engineering competitions in schools. For the past 25 years he has been involved in many engineering competitions including FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics, BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) Robotics, MATE Underwater Robotics, ARISE (Arial Robotics In STEM Education) Drones and the competitions for AUVSI. He is the former president of the BEST Robotics Competition and the founder and president of ARISE Drones.
His research interests are the development of engineering curriculum, the benefits of engineering activities in grade school and the university, and the creation of project-based engineering capstone courses. He led the team that developed the Robotics Merit Badge for the Boy Scouts, was a regular contributor to Robotmagazine, and has published books on robotics curriculum and drone curriculum, and has received several National Science Foundation grants for his research in Engineering Education.
Mr. Stephen C. Duba served the Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as Chief, Construction Division from October, 2012 until his retirement from federal service in December, 2018. As Chief, he led a staff of 160 engineers, quality assurance representatives and support personnel executing construction contracts valued at over $1.9B. Project purposes included flood control, environmental protection and restoration, navigation, shore protection and military and interagency support and involved construction of large concrete, rock and earth-filled dams, spillways, channels, reservoirs, water treatment facilities, harbor improvements, jetties, levees and bridges along with more traditional federal facilities.
Just prior to assuming his role as Chief of Construction, Mr. Duba participated in a nationwide initiative to sustain and enhance specialized engineering expertise, laying the groundwork for a new South Atlantic Division regional center for design of complex dam and levee safety, inland navigation, bridge and pumping station civil works projects throughout the southeastern United States and the Caribbean.
From 2002 to 2011, Mr. Duba served as Chief, Engineering Division and Dam Safety Officer for the Jacksonville District, where he directed over 200 engineers, architects, hydrologists, geologists, chemists, surveyors, estimators, technicians and administrative personnel performing design and engineering for all civil works and interagency support projects undertaken by the District.
Prior to joining the Corps of Engineers, Mr. Duba worked in the private sector as Vice President and Manager of Operations for ACE Constructors, Inc. in Gainesville, Florida. Before that, he served 27 years with the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, retiring as Commanding Officer of Engineering Field Activity Southeast and Navy Public Works Center Jacksonville and as Regional Engineer for Commander, Navy Region Southeast. In this position, he directed facility planning, acquisition, maintenance, repair and environmental compliance at Naval bases in eight southeastern states and the Caribbean.
Prior to arriving in Jacksonville, Mr. Duba served as Facilities and Environmental Director and Facilities Contracting Officer at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. From 1995 to 1997, he served as Director, Ocean Facilities Program for Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command and as Officer in Charge, Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center in Washington, D.C. Before that, he served as Public Works Director and Officer in Charge of Construction at Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center. From 1989 to 1992, he served as Staff Ocean Engineer for Commander, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in Washington, D.C. From 1987 to 1989, Mr. Duba commanded Underwater Construction Team TWO in Port Hueneme, California, completing marine construction, repair and inspection projects in Central America and throughout the Pacific. While under his command, UCT TWO became the first military unit to conduct sustained independent operations on the Polar ice cap.
Previous active duty assignments included Deputy Resident Officer in Charge of Construction, Point Mugu-Port Hueneme, California area, Engineering Director at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Panama City, Florida and R&D Program Manager for the Naval Construction Force at the Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory, Port Hueneme, California. Prior to transferring to the Civil Engineer Corps, he served as Executive Officer and Ship Salvage Officer onboard USS Escape (ARS-6), homeported in Mayport, Florida.
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Duba graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering. He holds Masters degrees in Ocean Engineering and Business Administration and is a graduate of the Executive Program at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is a registered Professional Engineer, a Fellow of the Society of American Military Engineers and Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He was named Northeast Florida Engineer of the Year in 2002. Mr. Duba and his wife, Marcella make their home in Amelia Island, Florida.
Dr. Z I. Jenkins is the CEO of three businesses based in Sothern Maryland including government contracting, engineering services and real estate development. The companies have annual cash flow of $3 million with full-time employee of 20. Dr. Jenkins began College at age 14 and started supporting the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at age 15. He worked for The MITRE Corporation in 2011 specializing in Electronic Warfare (EW) simulations. Dr. Jenkins academic accomplishments include BS Nuclear Engineering Technology 2013, MS Systems Engineering 2015, Dr of Engineering, Engineering Management Thesis on Model Based Systems Engineering 2020.
As a defense contractor he works in the field of unmanned systems within the Program Executive Office (PEO) For Unmanned Aircraft and Weaponry (U&W). He is a Systems Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the field of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for programs including PMA-298, PMA-231, PMA-265, PMA-266, PMA-281. Support includes the NAVAIR groups: Mission Engineering (4.0M), Common Standards and Interoperability (CSI), and Systems Engineering Transformation (SET). Dr. Jenkins performed as the Systems Engineering Lead for NAVAIR’s Fleet Assessment, which conducts testing and analysis of Naval networks and waveforms, Including Link-16, TTNT, CDL, and ANW2. His work includes application of MBSE languages including SysML, Cameo Enterprise Architect and Cameo Systems Modeler as well as programing languages C++ and JavaScript supporting development of Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) trade studies regarding mesh network and IoT technologies. He has managed development of applications to automate protracted processes, including the insertion of new technologies such as Machine Learning (ML) as it applies to Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). Dr. Jenkins has developed data and modeling software applications, to include Rational System Architect, Rational Software Architect, and Cameo Enterprise Architect to create architectures in Object-Oriented languages such as SysML and UML. Additionally, he utilizes MBSE, in conjunction with Rational DOORS, to manage requirements and provide statistics regarding traceability (RTVM), accountability, change management, and requirement to operational system mappings.
His companies provide direct support to a range of military programs, real estate acquisitions, and property management activities. Dr. Jenkins executive experience in his firms include general operations and administration, marketing and service delivery, financial management, human resource management, public relations, enterprise security, resource allocation, logistics and distribution.
He has an appreciation for the opportunities and needs from the student end, for educational development relating to STEM. He benefits from his business experience managing aspects of operations on the fiscal scale of RoboNation (RN). He has an appreciation for being able to extend the opportunities at RN to an increased number of participants. He is knowledgeable with cyber-challenges in terms of addressing the scope and complexity and has ability to comment on solutions if these discussions arise. He is an individual who competitors and competition team leaders could identify with in terms of his education, current progress, and interests.
Dr. Jenkins, as a board member, is an opportunity to include youth as a diversification within the board. Since completing his High School education early and immediately pursuing advanced education and a military contracting career, while achieving his doctorate, he has realized advantages from a STEM educational progression unique among his peers in the field of unmanned systems.
RoboNation, Inc. (previously known as AUVSI Foundation) began operation in 2009 with generous support from AUVSI, the world’s largest industry organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics.
Today, RoboNation is an independent, tax exempt, 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide a pathway of hands-on educational experiences that empower students to find innovative solutions to global challenges.
Although RoboNation is a separate organization, the partnership with AUVSI remains strong. AUVSI continues to encourage its members and chapters to invest in their own future by getting involved with RoboNation. This unique relationship allows students at the earliest ages to understand that a career in robotics is a possibility, helping motivate them to pursue studies and hands-on experience with a career in STEM in mind.
RoboNation students of today are the future workforce for AUVSI’s member companies and the robotics industry overall.
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