VEX Robotics Educators Conference
Speakers
Dr. Chris S. Crawford
Associate Professor
The University of Alabama
Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Alabama. He directs the Human-Technology Intelligence Lab, researching human-robot interaction and brain-computer interfaces. His work includes brain-driven robotics and Neuroblock, engaging K–12 students in neurotechnology development.
Tina Dietrich
Director of STEAM and Innovation
Woodland Hills School District
Director of STEAM and Innovation at Woodland Hills School District in Pennsylvania. A former elementary teacher, she expanded a districtwide K–12 computer science program, integrating engineering notebooks and cross-curricular writing to strengthen STEAM learning across classrooms and community initiatives.
Dr. Hung Tuan Duong
Co-founder, Vietnam STEM Innovation Academy Member
Vietnam STEM Alliance
Co-founder of Vietnam STEM Innovation Academy and Deputy Head of Analytical Chemistry at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. He advances STEM education through robotics initiatives, teacher training, and VEX Robotics leadership across Vietnam.
Charity Freeman
Doctoral Student, Educational Psychology
University of Illinoise Urbana-Champaign
Doctoral student in Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Senior Director of the Illinois Broadband Lab. A former high school computer science teacher, she leads initiatives focused on AI, computer science education, digital literacy, and teacher professional learning.
Dr. Jeff Ginger
Senior Research Scientist, Educational Psychology Adjunct Faculty
School of Information Science University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Research Scientist and educator at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His work focuses on community engagement, informal learning, and technology education, including projects within the NSF INVITE AI Institute and the Minecraft-based learning initiative Project WHIMC.
Dr. H. Chad Lane
Professor of Educational Psychology and Computer Science
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Professor of Educational Psychology and Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Director of the NSF INVITE AI Institute. His research focuses on AI in education, intelligent tutoring systems, and designing technologies that support teacher-AI partnerships in classrooms.
Erin Lowery
Coordinator of Robotics
Prince William County Schools
Coordinator of Robotics for PWCS, supporting a K–12 robotics community by empowering coaches and expanding STEM pathways. She partners with schools and teams to grow programs and create inclusive, hands-on experiences that inspire students as engineers and problem-solvers.
Chris Palaguachi
Doctoral Student
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Doctoral student in Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His research explores collaboration, persistence, and computational thinking in STEM learning. He studies teamwork in VEX robotics environments using AI and multimodal analytics to improve classroom instruction.
Dr. Andreas Stefik
Professor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Computer science professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He develops evidence-based technologies that expand access to coding, including Quorum, the first research-driven programming language. His NSF-funded work advances accessibility and computer science education nationwide.
Seth Ogoe Ayim
Co-founder and PhD Candidate, STEM Researcher
Brigham Young University/ Bountiful Technologies Co Ltd
Co-founder and CEO of Bountiful Technologies and Executive Director of Bountiful STEM Educational Foundation. He leads STEM, robotics, and AI initiatives across Africa and the United States, focusing on curriculum design, teacher development, and expanding access to technology education.
Vince Bertram
Professor of Management
University of Indianapolis
Professor of Management at the University of Indianapolis and former CEO of Project Lead The Way. A bestselling author, he has led national STEM initiatives and champions scalable education programs that prepare students to lead and innovate.
Patricia Cortez
Teacher/Robotics Coach
School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove
Dallas ISD educator teaching Texas History and robotics across elementary and middle school. She leads VEX GO instruction and coaches competitive VEX V5 teams, focusing on hands-on learning, equity, and building sustainable STEM pathways.
Peter R. Davis
CTE Teacher
Goodwin University Magnet Schools
CTE educator with over 20 years of experience teaching robotics, engineering, and manufacturing. He integrates VEX platforms, video tutorials, and 3D printing to support diverse learners, helping students build technical skills through hands-on, differentiated classroom experiences.
Manny Guardado
Director of Innovation
Notre Dame Academy Schools of Los Angeles
Strategist and educator with an MBA in marketing and audience research. He leads innovation at Notre Dame Academy Schools of Los Angeles, designing STEM programs, launching Innovation Labs, and teaching robotics, rocketry, and emerging technologies to students.
Stefany Gurgel
Technology Department Chair and Middle School Robotics Teacher
Mater Brickell Academy
Technology department lead and robotics educator who builds student-centered engineering pathways. She designs robotics curricula, coaches competitive teams, and supports teachers in creating hands-on learning experiences that develop problem-solving skills and real-world application.
Melody Lee Quick
CTE Teacher - Computer Science & Business
Cabarrus County Schools, Mt. Pleasant Middle School
Special Education educator with 19 years of experience. She now teaches computer science and robotics, using adaptive strategies to engage all learners. She coaches VEX Robotics and has received multiple awards for her impact in education.
Aaron Lundblad
STEM and CTE Teacher
William Roberts K-8
Educator specializing in VEX Robotics and STEM instruction. He leads a comprehensive robotics program at William Roberts K-8, building pathways from foundational learning to advanced design and coding. His teams have achieved district success and qualified for state competition.
Kausar Shaikh
Coach
Fox Valley Robotics
Robotics mentor who empowers students through collaboration, reflection, and authentic engineering practice. She helps teams build strong documentation and problem-solving habits, creating inclusive environments where students develop confidence, ownership, and resilience in high-performing robotics programs.
Tiffany Simon
STEAM Coordinator
The Rhodes School
S.T.E.A.M. Coordinator with 15+ years in education, expanding hands-on STEM learning for PreK–8. Leads robotics integration, supports teachers, and develops community STEM programs. Co-author and 2024 Texas Black Expo Excellence in Education Award recipient.
Belén Torres
Robotics Content Leader, Technology Educator
Educabot
As Co-Chair of Argentina’s Women in Robotics, I address the gender gap in STEM starting in the classroom. Drawing on experience building programs across Latin America, I share strategies using VEXcode VR to inspire girls, remove barriers, and build confidence toward STEM careers.
Blair Salmons
Instructional Coach and STEM Specialist
Andover Elementary School
Instructional coach and STEM educator in Orange County, Florida. With 18 years of experience, he collaborates with educators to strengthen teaching through coaching and hands-on STEM integration, turning ideas into action while building meaningful classroom connections.
Anastasia Klemm
Technology Specialist
Marshall County Schools
Technology specialist in Marshall County Schools, West Virginia. A former science and computer science teacher, she coached VEX V5 teams to multiple Worlds qualifications and now supports K–12 robotics integration, bringing hands-on STEM learning across the district.
Wahiba Loukili
Head Coach
Makerspace by Innovative Learning for Youth
Moroccan robotics coach with over 10 years of experience guiding students through hands-on STEM learning. She has led VEX IQ teams for eight years and is passionate about building confidence and problem-solving while navigating language and access challenges.
Mario Fernandez
Robotics and Geometry Teacher
Doral Academy JAM
A Computer Science Engineer with over 30 years of experience in software development. Currently designs robotics lesson plans for middle school students at Doral Academy JAM, integrating VEX IQ with geometry concepts to create engaging, interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Matt Floyd
Career and Technical Education teacher
Fort Clarke Middle School, Alachua County Public Schools
Former social studies teacher turned robotics educator who builds accessible STEM programs for all students. He has expanded his VEX IQ program, growing participation, increasing competition success, and creating early opportunities for students to explore coding and engineering.
Stephanie Lugo
Director of Robotics, Owner of Ms.Robotics LLC
South Bronx Charter School For International Cultures and the Arts
Director of Robotics in the South Bronx and founder of Ms. Robotics LLC. She builds programs from VEX GO to VEX IQ, developing leadership and STEM skills. Her students earn awards and reach state championships through community-centered robotics experiences.
Diane Robinson
STEM Design Coordinator
Henry County Schools
STEM Design Coordinator for Henry County Schools with 19 years in education, dedicated to fostering innovative learning environments through hands-on, real-world STEM applications. She is passionate about engaging teachers and students in robotics and STEM integration.
Raj Balasubramanian
Chief Technology Architect
VEX Robotics
Chief Technology Architect at VEX Robotics with over two decades of experience in the software industry. He has led the design and development of educational robotics software, robotics simulations, as well as AI and computer vision systems. His passion lies in creating technologies that advance robotics education and inspire the next generation of innovators.
Aimee DeFoe
Senior Education Developer
VEX Robotics
With over 20 years in K-8 education as an administrator and teacher, brings expertise in differentiated, cross-curricular instruction and social-emotional learning. Passionate about supporting educators and ensuring quality STEM education is accessible to all.
Tim Friez
VP, Educational Technology
VEX Robotics
VP of Educational Technology at VEX Robotics, where he helps shape innovative tools and learning experiences that make STEM education more engaging and accessible for students and educators around the world. He focuses on advancing technology that supports hands-on learning, problem-solving, and success in robotics and computer science.
Alaina Haws
Senior Education Developer
VEX Robotics
Brings experience in museum and informal education, creating engaging learning experiences for students of all ages. Led camps and workshops on topics ranging from aerospace and aviation to video game development and robotics, making STEM education interactive and accessible.
Catherine Kettner
Software Developer
VEX Robotics
Accessibility-first software developer at VEX Robotics specializing in block and text coding experiences for classrooms. Combines React and TypeScript expertise with end-to-end product ownership, helping build intuitive tools that support student learning and make computer science more approachable for all.
Dr. Jimmy Lin
Director of Computer Science Education
VEX Robotics
Lifelong programmer with a strong belief in the importance of computer programming education. Research focuses on bridging the gap between block-based and text-based programming and leveraging physical computing to enhance computer science education.
Jason McKenna
VP of Global Educational Strategy
VEX Robotics
The VP of Global Educational Strategy at VEX Robotics, overseeing curriculum development and classroom integration across VEX platforms. A former teacher and published author, he collaborates globally to align STEM education with industry needs, focusing on research-based, innovative learning experiences.
Dr. Lauren Oberst
Educational Technology Consultant
VEX Robotics
Educational Technology Consultant for VEX Robotics. A former high school and college mathematics instructor, she designs research-based STEM curriculum using educational robotics to strengthen mathematical reasoning, foster growth mindset, and build educator confidence.
Sardorbek Omonkulov
Software Developer
VEX Robotics
Software developer focused on architecting thoughtful experiences across the VEXcode product line for web, desktop, and mobile. Known for strong end to end ownership and a problem solving mindset that values the best solution over the quickest fix. Passionate about building reliable tools that support students and educators in learning through coding
Audra Selkowitz
Senior Education Developer
VEX Robotics
Brings over 15 years of educational experience, drawing from the Reggio Emilia Approach, maker movement, and project-based learning. Advocates for Social-Emotional Learning, integrating collaboration and SEL into VEX curriculum to spark curiosity and a love of STEM and robotics.