The Mid-Pacific Owl Robotic was re-established in 2016 to offer STEM learning opportunities for students of the Mid-Pacific Institute through their participation in competitive robotics. Students from grades 4 through 12 are invited to join the program and experience the excitement of robotics.
Re-established in 2016In just a few years our program has been transformed from a high school club to a full functioning robotics program spanning across the entire campus. Elementary, Middle and High school aged students now have the opportunity to learn robotics together creating a synergy of STEM learning.
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Our GoalOur goal is to provide skill-appropriate STEM learning opportunities to students grade 4-12 through participation in competitive robotics. The program offers various robotic platforms to capture the interest of all students such as VEX IQ, CREATE Drones, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition.
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Meet Our Coaches!
Katelin Kaneen
Head Coach
Education Technologist and Weinberg Building Manager
Coach Katie brings 8 years of technical and mechanical experience at Apple Inc., in both
retail and corporate settings and has hands on experience with repairing phones and
computers as well as data analysis patching on the Acoustic Software Engineering team.
She has degrees in both Psychology and Computer Science, software engineering.
Katie has also always had a deep interest in mechanical engineering,
CAD and engineering design.
"I have always enjoyed robotics in general to some degree and it wasn’t till I came to Mid-Pacific did I really see how powerful this program can be in students' lives. Our robotics team is more than just a group of students building a robot—we are a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and future engineers working together to push the boundaries of technology. I want to see our team continuously inspire each other through learning, leading and embracing challenges. The robotics program is an incredible launchpad for real-world success in all fields." ~Coach Katie
Head Coach
Education Technologist and Weinberg Building Manager
Coach Katie brings 8 years of technical and mechanical experience at Apple Inc., in both
retail and corporate settings and has hands on experience with repairing phones and
computers as well as data analysis patching on the Acoustic Software Engineering team.
She has degrees in both Psychology and Computer Science, software engineering.
Katie has also always had a deep interest in mechanical engineering,
CAD and engineering design.
"I have always enjoyed robotics in general to some degree and it wasn’t till I came to Mid-Pacific did I really see how powerful this program can be in students' lives. Our robotics team is more than just a group of students building a robot—we are a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and future engineers working together to push the boundaries of technology. I want to see our team continuously inspire each other through learning, leading and embracing challenges. The robotics program is an incredible launchpad for real-world success in all fields." ~Coach Katie
Hunter Henfey
Assistant Coach
Mid-Pacific Institute In House Substitute Coordinator
Hunter Henfey's experience is a combination of technical knowledge and development in student leadership with a strong focus on teamwork, problem-solving and collaboration. He brings five years of hands on work knowledge in the electrical field, troubleshooting, systems design and practical engineering concepts and and equal amount of time running youth programs and camps. He quickly developed a passion for teaching, leadership, and fostering a positive team environment.
"As a coach, I strive to create a space where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to take ownership of
their work. Robotics is about more than just competition—it’s about working together, respecting different ideas and building something greater as a team. My goal is to help students develop the skills and confidence they need to collaborate effectively, push their creative limits and grow as both engineers and teammates."
~Coach Hunter
Brian Grantham
Director of Educational Technology
A veteran educator, Brian Grantham began teaching social studies at Mid-Pacific Institute in 2002. He quickly moved into middle school technology before becoming Director of Educational Technology and overseeing the Weinberg Technology Plaza. Brian provides support and training for K-12 grade levels at Mid Pacific Institute and continues to expand the robotics programs through elementary, middle school and high school.
Under his leadership Mid-Pacific Robotics is growning and continues to connect academics and technology with positive hands on experiences. Officially joining the FRC team in 2016, Brian has served as head coach and continues to provide coaching, administrative and logistical support
to all of the students, coaches and mentors of Team 6704.
Director of Educational Technology
A veteran educator, Brian Grantham began teaching social studies at Mid-Pacific Institute in 2002. He quickly moved into middle school technology before becoming Director of Educational Technology and overseeing the Weinberg Technology Plaza. Brian provides support and training for K-12 grade levels at Mid Pacific Institute and continues to expand the robotics programs through elementary, middle school and high school.
Under his leadership Mid-Pacific Robotics is growning and continues to connect academics and technology with positive hands on experiences. Officially joining the FRC team in 2016, Brian has served as head coach and continues to provide coaching, administrative and logistical support
to all of the students, coaches and mentors of Team 6704.
Thank you to our 2022-2023 Alumni Coaches!
Tom Lyu
2022-2023 Robotics Coach Tom is a 2020 Mid Pacific Alumni and 7th-12th Grade Owls Robotics veteran. He has attended State Championships in VEX, FTC and FRC as well as the FRC World Championships and the U.S. CREATE Open. Tom is currently working towards his degree in computer science with a focus on AI research. When he is not studying or coaching robotics Tom freelances in 3-D modeling using creating functional, versatile and ergonomically designed objects. |
Skyler Sybounmy
2022-2023 Robotics Coach Skyler is a Mid-Pacific Graduate in the class of 2019 and studied robotics through both Middle and High school. He twice competed in the First Robotics World Championships with Mid-Pacific's FRC teams as well as VEX and FTC competitions. He is currently a member of Mid Pacific Institute's Educational Technology department and coaches the 2022-2023 robotics teams. When he's not teaching robotics Sky is working as ATMOesports' broadcast producer and director for their emergent gameplay tournaments. |