Alumni

On TALON 540, we create a family dynamic between members, because the work we do extends beyond the robot we build. This bond causes many of our alumni to continually return to advise the team. Our alumni base includes over 50 students who readily assist the team in various facets. As our motto goes, “We are more than a robot. We are a family.” The bonds created on this team last a lifetime.

After 540

TALON 540 prides itself in producing tomorrow's engineers by inspiring kids to pursue engineering in college. In fact...

  • 98% of TALON 540 members go on to a four-year college.

  • 99% of those that go onto a four year college pursue a STEM field as their primary major.

Our graduates have reached success in their undergraduate education and in their professional careers; below is a selected story.

Alumni Stories

During the 2012 build season, Ravi was the CAD lead and an integral designer in the construction of the robot TALON 5.0. To have 5.0 cross the large metal bump in the center of the field, Ravi designed a unique eight-wheel drivetrain. The system featured a standard four-wheel drivetrain, with four additional raised wheels in front of their standard counterparts. To drive the system, Ravi did extensive research with belt drives and designed a belt drive system for the first time in TALON 540 history. His system was resilient, effective, and revolutionary. As a result, he won a scholarship with FIRST sponsor Gates Belts for his work with belts in TALON 5.0. Ravi was flown to Gates headquarters and given a monetary prize, shown to the left.

“As an alumnus of TALON 540, I still come back and provide insight from my experience when it’s needed. I look forward to watching this team grow and evolve over the next several years.”

— Owen Billard