Meet a Robotics Challenge Scholarship Awardee – Emily Bolin

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, Emily Bolin, is attending Grace College. We asked Emily a few questions about winning the scholarship.

What does winning this scholarship mean to you?

Winning the NFPA Robotics Challenge Meritorious Award is an honor. Being recognized for my efforts in robotics is truly humbling, and I wish to continue to have a positive impact on all those in robotics. Robotics has become an integral part of my life. It has helped me find and work on my passion and know that there is a community that I can look to for support. This scholarship will help to continue my growth in education of a career I became passionate about from robotics.

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

I was first introduced to robotics in my sophomore year of High School after transferring schools. My first year was mainly observing those around me, specifically looking at those integral to the design and engineering process. These early days helped pave the way I led my team in the following years. Eventually taking on a leadership position, helping my team stay on task and help them grow within their specialties while also being head of the design and engineering process. Because of robotics, my experience working with others in a competitive environment, both with my team and others during tournaments, has grown immensely, helping shape how I collaborate with others.

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

I am going to Grace College located in Warsaw, Indiana. I chose this school because of its location, relationship, and internship opportunities with the Orthopedic Capital of the World, 10 minutes off campus. The engineering department is smaller and accredited, helping accommodate and place students into internships in their desired interest following their Freshman year. While at school, I hope to study abroad, participate in intramural sports, join the rock climbing and outdoor club, and start a robotics club.

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

Hydraulic and pneumatic technology development in prosthetics is new and promising. Although not yet widely used or commercially available, thanks to these advances, prosthetics can now mimic biological action and are now lighter, more flexible, more comfortable, and more durable to the user. As these advances further develop, the more expensive products become commercial. Upon graduation, I intend to help forge the path for availability while helping aid in the developmental process and design for hydraulic and pneumatic prosthetics so that advanced prosthetics may be available for the average user.

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.