MEET
THE
TEAM
Team Captians
Our team doesn't have specifically elected leaders in the way some teams do. We always want to make sure that everyone has chances to contribute to the team in all kinds of ways so we make most/all decisions with all members of the team equally. However, these 3 individuals are outstanding in their help, guidance, and contributions to the team as a whole. Because of this, we've given them the title of captain to thank them for all of their dedication and to show everyone how amazing they are!
Evan
Whistler
Amelie
Miller
Tavin
MacKinnon
Coding
Our subsystem encourages programmers to problem-solve and resolve issues logically and intuitively. We teach prospective programmers to be fluent in multiple languages and write efficiently. We also encourage our underclassmen to be involved in the development of the project as a whole to help them gain essential life skills that they can carry out throughout their high school careers. Here are the amazing coders on this team:
Subsystem Lead
Evangelia Latsis
Hello, my name is Evangelia Latsis and I am passionate about robotics because of how many skills I learn working through mechanical and computer-based challenges. Not only am I learning how to do things such as building and coding, that will be helpful in my future career as an engineer, but I am having fun as well. I have gained other helpful skills as well, such as working with peers and expressing ideas. Overall, no other class or club will prepare me for my future as much as robotics which is why I find it so helpful and enjoyable. This year I am so excited to be the team's Lead Coder and Drive Captain and show my leadership skills.
Micah Gruenwald
Hi, I'm Micah. This is my third year in the TJ robotics program and my first on FRC. Over the last three years robotics has served as a means of challenging myself and having a blast while doing it. I really enjoy CADing, machining, and coding. When I'm not in robotics, I fill my time road and mountain biking and working as a Math tutor. Go Spartans!
Avery VinGlove
In my life as a student at Thomas Jefferson high school, I've ran cross country meets, competed in speech and debate competitions, studied tirelessly for AP exams; and yet, undoubtedly the pinnacle of my journey is robotics. I work as a programmer and member of the drive team in my second year as sophomore, in which I hope to complete our initial coding problems with enough haste that we may then move on to advanced automation and complex features.
Chassis
Our subsystem works on the main body of the robot (chassis) and all the wiring for the bot and its componentsot. We teach teammates how to connect electrical circuits and aesthetically organize wires. We also build other necessary parts of the team from bot carts to the PR team we do all the miscellaneous tasks to help our team succeed both on and off the field. In addition, we work to build online docs, websites like this one, and scouting forms so that we can stay organized and have the greatest chance of winning.
Subsystem Lead
Tavin MacKinnon
Hi, I'm Tavin MacKinnon, and I'm excited to be continuing on in this team for my second season of FRC. While I spend a lot of time working on different projects for our team, I spend more in different music activities. I play trumpet, as well as several other brass instruments, and enjoy making music with our school music program. My main focus on the team has been in wiring and electrical for our robots. Robotics has taught me a plethora of useful skills that can apply to many facets of life, which I use almost daily.
Davis Johnson
I am a Sophomore at Thomas Jefferson high school. I Play soccer and lacrosse goalie for tj. I do robotics since it is a fun way to learn engineering. This is my second year in the robotics program and i have enjoined the past season and the people I met.
Maya Joly
My name is Maya Joly. I am a 15 year old sophomore at Denver Jewish Day School (DJDS). I have run Cross Country at TJ for two years now. I found out about the robotics program through some teammates on the Cross Country team. This was my first year doing robotics. I was a part of the chassis team where I learned to wire.
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Liam Siegel
I am a member of the Algae/Chassis subsystem, and I am currently a freshman. My main specialty is CAD and I enjoy the engineering required for FRC. I have always enjoyed the process of engineering and design and I have been having a lot of fun putting my skills to use this season! Additionally, I enjoy photography and videography. I filmed our robot reveal video this year, and I plan to be our team's official photographer for the Utah Regional.
coral
The Coral subsystem has been working hard all season to overcome challenges like champs. Taking inspiration from one of our previous climbing mechanisms, this team thoroughly designed and tested the climber for our robot to be able to sustain its full weight on a chain. Many prototypes and different iterations of the hooks and overall mechanism have been made to reach our final design.
Subsystem Lead
Evan Whistler
I’m Evan, a 17-year-old high school student, and I’ve been hooked on robotics since I built my first robot in middle school. I love the thrill of problem-solving and watching my designs come to life. Being part of the robotics team consumes my life and allows me to collaborate with others who share my passion, sparking creativity and innovation. Outside of robotics I enjoy playing video games, rock climbing, and hiking but nothing gives me a buzz like robotics . I’m addicted to learning and exploring what’s possible in this exciting field.
Hunter Bockting
Hello, My name is Hunter. I am a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School. I'm a young man with multiple hobbies. Some of my hobbies include JROTC Air Rifle Team, Robotics, DnD, and solving puzzles. I am more inclined to help with mechanical repairs.
Jacob Childs
I am a 18 year old senior at Thomas Jefferson high school. I am interested in the more mechanical side of robotics, and prefer to help build robots rather than code them. I have always been into building, and robotics has only heightened my interest further. Some of my other hobbies include gaming, and djaying.. I have 5 pets: two Guinea pigs, a cat, and two dogs. One of my dogs is a Maltese poodle named cookie, and a American bully (pit bull mix) named Dio.
Mason Weber
I am a 16 year old at Thomas Jefferson High School, I have 2 moms and a sister, I live in Denver Colorado, and I was born here too. My family has been in Colorado for 5 generations, beyond that coming from Ireland and Germany. I like to build things with my hands and I like to play video games with my friends
Carter Kuhn
My name is Carter Kuhn, I am a sophomore at TJ, I play soccer for the TJ men's team. I enjoy being in robotics, and enjoy driving the robot as well.
climber
The climber subsystem has been working hard all season to overcome challenges like champs. Taking inspiration from one of our previous climbing mechanisms, this team thoroughly designed and tested the climber for our robot to be able to sustain its full weight on a chain. Many prototypes and different iterations of the hooks and overall mechanism have been made to reach our final design.
Subsystem Leads
Amelie Miller
Hi! My name is Amelie, and I've been doing robotics for three years now as a Senior. I enjoy chemistry, being in nature, and working in my garden. I am really passionate about Robotics, and I'm more than proud to be part of this year's team captains. I know we'll do some amazing things and I'm excited to see the challenges that this year brings.
Keagen Figueroa
Keagen Vinicio Figueroa is a junior in Thomas Jefferson high school in the robotics 3 class. He loves robotics as he wants to go into a mechanical engineering field. he designed the battery cart and helped build it. he is half Guatemalan. he is excited for this FRC , he is going to be trying to be working on 3D printing, CNCing, CADing parts for the robot, and trying to help with social media. His hobbies are 3D printing, CAD, photography, kayaking, biking, theater tech, sustainability and games. he is in sustainability club skills USA and is a techie in after school theater and he is starting to learn coding.
Breck Shupe
Hi, I'm Breck. I'm a senior, I have been a part of robotics for 4 years now and have worked with robots my whole life. Robotics has been a very influential part of my life from an early age. I love tinkering with things, playing video games, watching TV shows, and hanging out with friends! Last year I went to the international seaperch competition and placed in the top 10 and I'm excited to go out of state again this year for First Robotics. I'm also happy to meet other robotics students and mentors.
Ben Finke
Hi, my name is Ben I’m a Senior at TJ and I’ve only been a part of robotics for 4 years. I also went to SeaPerch nationals and placed 10th overall, Some of my favorite pastimes are volleyball, video games, and figuring out complex problems. I like working with others and coming up with unique solutions to problems. I’ve helped with all of the subsystems this year and it’s fun figuring out which group is my favorite.
Dylan Ahl
Hello my name is Dylan Ahl and I'm a part of the robotics team, Sparta Robotica, here at TJ. I'm a sophomore and this is my second year in the robotics program. Last year I was in robotics 1 but during the winter I helped the level 3 robotic students, along with a couple other freshmen, on the robot that participated in the FRC competition Crescendo. This year I hope to further integrate myself in robotics and become a valuable part of the team.
Noah Cortese
My name is Noah Cortese, I am currently a sophomore as part of the class of 2027 at TJ. Some things I love to do include running, skiing, math, coding, playing video games, and building robots. This is my first year in the robotics program and i'm very excited to become part of the team.
Mentors
Our team is lead and taught by Mr. Santanbrogio. He's the glue that holds the team together and is amazing at helping students learn new skills. All of the mentors for the team are here by choice and frequently make time to help us even with busy schedules.
The Big Boss
Matt Santambrogio
This is my twelfth year as a robotics mentor and ninth year as a full-time robotics teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School. In my past life, I have worked as a line cook, a construction worker, a pyro-technician, a machinist, managed a tattoo parlor, worked as a roadie, and much more. When not roboticizing I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two dogs, working on my motorcycle, my 1956 Chevy pick-up, and my 1968 Lincoln. Outside of my life in robotics, I enjoy camping, hunting, reading, fishing, scuba diving, and working with my hands.
Peter Golledge
Born in Canada to Welsh and Scottish parents, grew up in Australia, moved to US in the 90s. Still trying to find my towel. Currently managing a team managing IT infrastructure for a US technology company. I have the pleasure of working with folk remotely from all over the world in my "day" job. I'm volunteering at TJ Robotics to help the next generation of young folk find the passion in technology that helped me have a great career.
Houston Hood
I am a Thomas Jefferson and First alum studying mechanical engineering at Colorado School of Mines.
Scott Peck
Hello! My name is Scott. The students call me Scottalicious, Scotty P, or ScottBot. I'm a cloud/software architect, and I spend my free time locked in my garage building machines I don't need. I own a 3D printer. I like to break things, fix them, play board/video games, and eatting tacos. I have fantastic hair a great personality, and I'm always ready to help the students when and with whatever they need. I'M ALSO VERY BOSSY :)
Danielle Frost
Punk Rock mom of 4, small business owner, part time Paralegal and the "RoboMom" of Sparta Robotica!
Tony Stoltz
I moved to America from Australia in 1992, then moved to Colorado in 1993. Ive been an electronic technician at the fifth busiest airport in the United States is a very satisfying job to be in. I help make the security systems, and fire alarms. Helping kids develop their engineering skills in robotics and seeing them succeed is so rewarding.
Rose Ordway
I've been working with TJ Robotics since my freshman year of high school in 2013. I was a member of the 2017 team that was fortunate enough to attend the Huston Regionals, and I love to help Sparta Robotica's current students achieve the same goal. After graduating from TJ, I became a mentor, initially focusing on coding and gradually expanding to teach other elements of the robot. I worked at Thomas Jefferson High School for two years and am now a substitute teacher for Denver Public Schools while pursuing a bachelor's and master's degree in education. I enjoy playing video games, volunteering, attending trivia nights, and spending time with my friends. I'm very pleased to be working with Sparta Robotica again, and I hope we can reach the team's goals!
Dan Mahoney
I am an alumnus of Thomas Jefferson, and my daughter got me involved with Sparta Robotica her freshman and she is now working on her bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. My younger daughter is also very active in the TJ community and my son has been coming with me to build days for a couple of years now. He is excited to join the team when he comes to TJ in just a couple of years. This is a great program, and I am proud to be a mentor.
Eric Krause,
Eric Krause’s journey began with a childhood obsession with technology. His ambition then carried him to the U.S Naval Academy, where he honed his skills in engineering, leadership, and strategic thinking. After graduating, Eric served as a S.W.O and a N.G.L.O , where he gained hands-on experience,coordinating complex operations. developing further skills as quick decision-making, and adaptability. After the military, he spent the next 20 years at the forefront of software development. His career has been marked by groundbreaking projects that blend technical expertise with visionary thinking, from designing autonomous systems to crafting AI-driven solutions for global industries. Eric Krause now dedicates his time to guiding the next generation of engineers and innovators. discussing advanced coding techniques and the importance of integrity in innovation,
Ron Figueroa
Hi, My name is Ron, I’ve been working in IT for more than 25 years. I started my path in engineering /technology in high school, attended electronics for 3 ½ years. Then proceeded to study an electrical engineering curriculum, then switched over to mechanical engineering at a junior college. Life put me in a different path while working at a help desk supporting dumb terminals and main frames, I know, don’t laugh, I’m aging myself. I was head hunted by a company that offered living abroad and traveling the world. I’ve visited about 75 countries so far. Off hours I enjoy tinkering and working with my hands. I love to work on vehicles big and small, also love to go Jeeping (4 wheeling) whenever possible. I enjoy biking, hiking and just being outdoors in nature. I’m here to help the next generation of engineers or whatever career path or passions Sparta Robotica team members may have.