Breaking Barriers: ASU Female Students Win International Robosub Competition
Breaking stereotypes and making history, a group of seven female ASU students emerged victorious at the 27th International Robosub Competition, outshining 41 other teams from 18 different countries.
Camila Treviño, the project manager for Si Se Puede Foundation Stem Center, spearheaded the creation of the winning team known as Desert WAVE (Women in Autonomous Vehicle Engineering) in 2019 through a collaboration with Arizona State University. The team’s mission was not only to excel in engineering but also to provide a safe learning environment for underrepresented communities in STEM fields.
Desert WAVE showcased their skills using two autonomous underwater robots, Dragon and Baby Dragon, to complete various challenging missions. These included tasks like shooting torpedoes through a target, using vision to identify colors, and navigating through the pool to surface in an octagonal area.
The team utilized cutting-edge technology such as laser printers, cutters, and CNC machines to build their robots from scratch. Nany Esquivel, a team member, emphasized the importance of setting an example and inspiring others, especially as a first-generation college student.
For Jaqueline Villanueva Castro, being accepted into Arizona State University’s engineering program was a significant achievement, breaking barriers as a first-generation college student. Despite initial skepticism from her family, she persevered to pursue her passion for engineering.
Paulina Garibay, the team’s electrical lead, highlighted the value of seeking guidance and not being afraid to ask questions. This approach, coupled with determination, played a crucial role in their success at the competition.
Litzi Matancillas, the team’s mechanic lead, reflected on the doubts and challenges they faced as an all-female team but remained resilient, ultimately proving their capabilities by clinching the championship title.
Aside from the prestigious world title, Desert WAVE also received a $6,000 cash prize, solidifying their place as trailblazers in the field of autonomous vehicle engineering.
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