My name is Joe Varnell and I have a passion for Robotics, STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and Mentoring. I have a BS degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). I’m an Engineer at Lockheed Martin where I started in the Software Engineering group, moved to Real-time simulations and on the Test Engineering.

I am a Super Nerd and Robotics is my Nerdvana.

I mainly mentor with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and their Robotics programs. I’ve also worked some with Vex Robotics (another good robotics competition) and BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology).

I also speak to kids about Engineering through work and Engineers week and Big Thought. I enjoy working with kids getting them interested in Engineering, Science and Technology. I especially like it when I see the kids have that “Hey, This is Cool!” moment or the “I want to do this!” moment. I don’t know everything about Robotics or Engineering but I am  life long learner and I know I learn a lot from the kids.

I’ve played with Lego Mindstorms robotics since about 2002, when I could claim “It’s for my son”. I didn’t have a goal at the time. After my kids got out of the house to college and jobs my son’s physics teacher, who is the coach for FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) asked if I could help, so I did. At first a couple of days a week for a couple of hours each time. Then, I went to a competition and I was hooked. Over the next years, during Robot build season I would work 40 hours a week at my regular job and 40 to 45 on FIRST. I started helping rookie teams in the area and helping via e-mail and phone calls when they weren’t in the area.

Now I also Volunteer at FIRST events doing FTAA (FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant), Robot Inspection, and whatever else is needed.

That’s a little bit about me. I’m hoping I can use this blog to help kids learn to love Robotics and Engineering as much as I do. And to be proud of their inner Nerd!