Mentors
“Mentors and Coaches are individuals from all backgrounds and disciplines who work with students to share their knowledge and
guide them through the season. Many Mentors contribute on a weekly basis during competition season, or support the team
with subject matter expertise on an as needed basis. Teams may have additional or more specialized roles or a combination of
roles as needed. In addition, Mentors help to foster the idea of Gracious Professionalism® and have the students do as much of
the work as possible.”
Mr. Yahnker
Coach
Chris Yahnker, P.E., leads robotics R&D for space exploration as the Division Chief Technologist for Autonomous Systems at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). His previous role as JPL’s Group Supervisor for Extreme Environment Robotics involved developing robots for challenging terrains on Earth and in space. His work has pioneered advancements in underwater technologies, autonomous sampling, and avionics for solar system exploration.
With 20+ years in new product development, Chris was formerly Chief Engineer for iRobot’s Maritime Systems Division, overseeing AUV development (e.g., Seaglider, Ranger). He holds a BSME from North Carolina State University and an MSME from Johns Hopkins University. He is a registered Professional Engineer, IEEE Senior Member, and co-inventor on 50+ US patents.
A FIRST Robotics mentor since 1998, Chris currently leads Team 691 at West Ranch High School. He is passionate about advancing robotic exploration to expand humanity’s frontiers.
Mr. Plata Ruiz
Coach
Hardware Development, Electrical Engineer with over twenty-one years (21) of career practice in the Research and Development of highly regulated (FDA Class III) implantable medical devices, including extensive experience supporting cross-functional engineering teams in Systems, Quality, Procurement, ATE, and Manufacturing. Possess a strong desire to learn and understand everything around me, while continuously developing skills in problem solving, product design, mathematical modeling, empirical research, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, statistical analysis, and data visualization.
Mr. Dolgin
Mentor, FRC Alum 691, WFFA
Aaron Dolgin is a FIRST Alumni of FRC 691 and has helped the team with his expertise in design, CAD, control systems, and project management. Aaron in his free time, when he is not managing a robotics competition or volunteering at one, likes to rock climb and mountain bike.
Mr. T
Teacher
Mr. Leatherberry
Mentor
- Charles Leatherberry is one of our mentors at Project 691 Robotics.
Ms. Clarke
Mentor
- Kelly Clarke is one of our mentors at Project 691 Robotics.
Mr. Govindarajan
Mentor
- Rajesh Govindarajan is one of our mentors at Project 691 Robotics.