Meet a Robotics Challenge Scholarship Awardee – Ayush Shah

The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation has awarded 5 scholarships to students who applied to the Robotics Challenge Scholarship. A minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, 1,000-word essay, letter of recommendation, and use of pneumatics in their FIRST or VEX competition robot were required from each applicant. The NFPA Foundation’s goal is to build awareness of fluid power benefits and careers among high school students.

One of the winners, Ayush Shah, is attending the University of Washington. We asked Ayush a few questions about winning the scholarship.

What does winning this scholarship mean to you?

Winning this scholarship is a milestone in my professional journey, affirming my passion for engineering. Not only will this scholarship aid me in paying my college tuition but it will also grant me the flexibility to invest time into projects that combine music and engineering. I hope to forge stronger connections in the robotics community with the support that NFPA has provided through this scholarship.

When did you first get involved in robotics? How did your experiences and roles in robotics evolve over time?

I first got involved in robotics as a part of FIRST’s FLL program in elementary and middle school. However, I got deeply involved in robotics in high school where I joined my school’s FRC team. During my first year, I learned the structure of FRC and the different electrical and pneumatic components virtually, which I built off in my sophomore year as an electrical lead and pit crew member responsible for the electrical and fluid power systems of our 2022 robot. I shifted towards the competitive and leadership aspects of FRC during my final two years of FRC, becoming the team’s robot operator while also being involved in the wiring of the robot. Lastly, as a senior, I took the title of the Program Manager responsible for the productivity of daily meetings while continuing to lead wiring and operate the robot as a member of the drive team. 

Where are you going to college? What made you choose this school? What activities are you hoping to participate in?

I will be attending the University of Washington in Seattle this fall. I chose this school for its commitment to technological research and advancement, its location in the vibrant Seattle area, and its strong music program. As an engineering student, I am eager to join UW’s Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE or UW Formula Motorsports) team and participate in the music program.

What are your career aspirations? What type of fluid power job do you hope to get after you graduate?

I aspire to work in assistive robotics, developing robotic prosthetics and other aid devices. Fluid power will be a critical component of my career, with different pneumatic and hydraulic systems potentially being utilized depending on the product design. I am also excited about the possibility of working in a field that combines music and engineering, such as being an engineer at a musical instruments company.

One way NFPA members can get involved with scholarship programs is to volunteer as a judge to serve on the application review committee or mentor a robotics team as they work towards incorporating pneumatics in their designs. This year 23 judges from 15 NFPA member companies reviewed 65 student applications to the Robotics Challenge Scholarship program. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com.