Our Team
FTC Team 18227 Area 52
The Team
We have 13 people on our team this year, most of which either have previous FTC or FLL experience. For many, it’s their first time competing in FTC!
Team Members
Arthur
Co-Captain – Software
Hello, my name is Arthur, I’m currently a junior at Plano West High School. I currently program the robot’s computer vision, design and edit for the team. Some other things I like to do is play my trumpet.
Ethan
Co-Captain – Hardware
Hi! My name is Ethan and I am a eleventh grader at TAMS. I am on the hardware team. In my free time, I like to talk with friends or play video games.
Aayush
Outreach
Howdy! I’m Aayush, a 11th grader at Plano West High School who mainly specializes in public relations. Outside of robotics, I enjoy being a part of debate and playing the viola!
Isaac
Hardware
What’s good, my name is Isaac. I’m currently a sophomore at Jesuit Dallas, and I’m a member of the hardware team. In my free time I like camping and debate. This is my second year in FTC and I’m excited!
Claire
Hardware
My name is Claire Wang. I am an 9th grader at Jasper High School and this is my second year in FTC and I did one year of FLL. Outside of robotics, I enjoy drawing, dancing, and playing cello.
Brandon
Hardware
Hiiii! My name is Brandon, I am a 9th grader at Jasper High School and I look forward to my third season on this team. I love Ducks, I play Minecraft Hardcore, I play the Euphonium, and I have a cat named Jin who still has all 9 lives!
Yash
Hardware
I am Yash Menon, and I am in 9th grader. I am on the hardware side of Area 52 and I love to swim, play chess, and solve Rubik’s Cubes.
Andrew
Software
Hi! My name is Andrew Wang, and I’m an 11th grader at Allen High School. I am part of the software team, and this is my 5th year in robotics. Outside of robotics, I enjoy coding, as well as playing the cello and piano!
Aiden
Hardware
Hi! My my name is Aiden and I’m a current seventh grader at St. Mark’s School of Texas. I have been in the FIRST program for six seasons, and this will be my first season in FTC a part of the hardware team for Area 52! Other than robotics, I like to swim and play the cello.
Melody
Software
Hey there! I’m Melody Jing, an 8th grader at Rice Middle School and a member of the software team. This is my second year in FTC, and I’m excited for my first season with Area 52. Outside of robotics, I enjoy dancing!
Carolyn
Hardware
Hi! I’m Carolyn and I am a 9th grader at Jasper High School. I mostly focus on outreach. I have 3 years of FIRST experience, including 1 year of FTC. Outside of robotics, I enjoy playing the viola, drawing, and debate.
Akansh
Software
Hello! My name is Akansh Karthik, and I am a 9th grader at Jasper Highschool. I am part of the software team and this will be my third year in FTC. Outside of robotics I enjoy Star Wars and Vexillology.
Rithvik
Hardware
Hello, my name is Rithvik Punati. I am a junior and this is my fifth year of FTC and first year on Area 52. I am part of the Hardware and CAD team. Outside of robotics I play the saxophone!
Our Coaches
Coach Lisa
Hi, I am Coach Lisa. My background is product management and currently a Director of Technology Product Management at Optum. I am also a Distinguished Toastmaster, helping youth improve public speaking skills. My FIRST Robotics journey started in the 2021-2022 season with my son’s FLL Challenge team. I am looking forward to working with the team members, inspiring them to reach higher!
Coach Jun
Hello, I am Coach Jun. I am the Senior Software Delivery Manager at Electronic Transaction Consultant. I have 25+ years of experience on software design, development and integration for airlines and tolling industry. This year, I am the Software coach with FTC team 18227 Area 52. Looking forward to the new season!
Coach Frank
Hi, I am Coach Frank. I am a professor at Collin College with background in Engineering and CAD. I started FTC in 2023-2024 season with Area 52, and continue to be the Engineering Coach. I am always excited seeing the wonderful progresses of every team member and look forward to help and support them in the new season.
Coach Young
Hello, I’m Coach Young. I’m a former surgeon and now a biomedical scientist in gene therapy. As a high school student, I achieved the extraordinary feat of winning Olympic-level championships in math, physics, and chemistry. Passionate about mentoring and creativity, I enjoy collaborating with young people to unlock the full potential of the world through new ideas and discoveries!
Coach Justin
My name is Justin Jing, and I am a hardware coach in Area 52. I enjoy working with my team together to resolve problems. As a professional chemical engineer in pharmaceutical industry, I encourage my team to figure out feasible strategies to target short-period, mid-range and long-term challenges. I am glad to grow with our team members, building skills in engineering and project management. Always keep learning, keep moving forward!