MORE THAN ROBOTS
Iron Claw is more than a group of students building robots. We are a team that continually strives to make a positive impact in our community.
OUR IMPACT
Every year, we conduct outreach at local elementary schools and community service events. We strongly believe that people should be able to pursue STEM regardless of their backgrounds, so we have expanded our outreach program to include community service events for people of disadvantaged backgrounds. As our outreach program further develops, we endeavor to maximize the impact of our efforts in the lives of future technology leaders.
“To build and foster a student-led environment where members develop the STEM, business, leadership, and collaborative skills crucial to innovation in society”
– Iron Claw Mission Statement
“I joined robotics because it sounded interesting, but I wasn’t sure I’d fit in. At first, I just watched and tried not to get in the way. Then someone handed me a crimping tool, and suddenly I was wiring control systems. Now, I understand how all the pieces come together to make a robot work. I stay because there’s something satisfying about knowing it’s working because of you—and because this team makes you care way more than you thought you would.”
– Adrian Hsu, 2nd year
“I love having a place where I feel welcome and surrounded by people who are dedicated and always ready to help. As a freshman, there were times I felt lost, but I looked up to others. Now, as a sophomore, I want to be that person for the team—helping, resolving conflicts, and being a leader. It’s made me more of a ‘people person.’ You don’t find this level of dedication just anywhere—only in FRC.”
– Nova Jayaraj, 2nd year
“I never expected robotics to take over my life. I started with programming and wiring, but then I picked up machining, assembly, and videography. Now, I can’t walk past a project without fixing something. This team doesn’t hold your hand, but it gives you tons of chances to learn. Somehow, I’ve become the person people go to for advice. I stay because I love building, learning, and honestly, I wouldn’t know what to do without troubleshooting something.”
– Iliana Finney, 2nd year
“I thought I’d be a CAD person, but somehow I ended up handling the team’s public image, apparel, and the website. Now, I’m wiring control systems, building bumpers, and learning the equations behind it all. This team just gives you new skills and responsibility without warning. I stay because I’m never done learning, and honestly, I don’t think I’d want to be.”
– Roxanna Abdollahi, 2nd year
“I had no business joining a robotics team—I’d never built or coded anything. But something about the way everyone just does things made me want to try. At first, I was terrified to even touch the CNC, but instead of pushing me away, people taught me. Now, I’m the one showing new members how to use the bandsaw or explaining why we need 37 zip ties on a mechanism. I stay because I want others to experience that moment when they realize they can do this. Plus, I’d probably go through withdrawal if I wasn’t arguing about gear ratios with my friends.”
– Claire Mayder, 2nd year
