FIRST Indiana Robotics (FIN) proudly announces the appointment of its new Student Board of Directors (SBoD) for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. This dynamic group comprises twenty-two outstanding high school students from grades 10 through 12, selected to champion youth robotics statewide and drive forward innovative ideas.

Selected from FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) programs, these students exemplify exceptional leadership, dedication, and a profound passion for STEM. Leading the board this year is Melina Mata, a senior from Morton High School in Hammond, serving as President.

“I’m honored to lead the FIRST Indiana Robotics Student Board of Directors this year,” said Melina Mata. “My goal is to amplify student voices across the state, foster stronger team connections, and expand leadership opportunities that reflect the diversity and enthusiasm of our robotics community.”

To view profiles of the student board and learn more, visit our website at  https://www.firstindianarobotics.org/student-board

Name

 Team Name School/Group

City
Melina Mata – President FRC 71 Team Hammond Morton High School Hammond
Hannah Harvey – VP of FTC FTC Roborioles Avon High School Avon
Liam McNeely – VP of FRC FRC 3176 Purple Precision Brownsburg High School Brownsburg
Harshil Gandhi – Secretary FRC 4926 Galactech Columbus Robotics Columbus
Rima Bell FRC 5484 WolfPack Career Academy South Bend
Jackson Bosecker FTC 17994 Ragnabotics North Posey High School Poseyville
Mason Cherwa FRC 3487 Red Pride Robotics Plainfield High School Plainfield
Edward Choi FRC 3494 Quadrangles/FTC 11329 I.C.E. RoboBoosters Bloomington
Vyom Desai FRC 4926 Galactech Columbus Robotics Columbus
Mason Hagan FRC 9453 Mount Vernon Wildcats Mount Vernon High School Mount Vernon
Audrey Hammer FRC 868 TechHOUNDS Carmel High School Carmel
Hafsa Heryadi FRC 461 Westside Boiler Invasion West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School West Lafayette
Peyton Holloway FTC Roborioles Avon High School Avon
Krysta Holman FRC 5484 WolfPack Career Academy South Bend
Emma Langlais FRC 868 TechHOUNDS Carmel High School Carmel
Jiping Liu FRC 3494 Quadrangles/FTC 11329 I.C.E RoboBoosters Bloomington
Brighid O’Toole FRC 5188 Area 51 Classified Robotics Terre Haute North Terre Haute
Faith Opafola FRC 3176 Purple Precision Brownsburg High School Brownsburg
Aarit Raju FRC 1741 Red Alert Robotics Center Grove High School Greenwood
Liberty Scanlin FRC 2197 Las Pumas New Prairie High School New Carlisle
Andy Scarfone FTC 19366 CTF Superior STEAM Bedford
Sophia Yang FRC 461 Westside Boiler Invasion West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School West Lafayette

Members of the SBoD are committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and embodying Gracious Professionalism® in all interactions. They will spearhead impactful projects, coordinate statewide monthly meetings, and participate in a variety of events throughout the year, including competitions, ecosystem development, and community outreach initiatives.

“I’m honored to have been selected for SBoD and excited for the opportunity to meet people from across the state and contribute to something where I can make a positive impact in the world of robotics.” Audrey Hammer, Sophomore from Carmel.

The 2025-2026 SBoD members launched their term with a retreat and orientation at RB Annis School of Engineering on the UIndy campus, where they received training and set goals for the year ahead. They will continue to engage in professional conferences, local outreach activities, and conduct listening sessions at robotics events with peers.

“Each year the Student Board of Directors makes a tremendous impact on the FIRST community and across the state as leaders in STEAM!  I am sure this group will continue that tradition.” Chris Osborne, Director of Programs, FIRST Indiana Robotics.

For more information about FIRST Indiana Robotics and the Student Board of Directors, please visit firstindianarobotics.org or contact Chris Osborne cosborne@firstindianarobotics.org.