About Our Mentors

This is a student driven team, but we couldn't build a working robot without our great team of mentors. It is their job to guide the students through the design process, and ensure that they are working in a safe and professional environment.

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Linda Abraham - Main Mentor

Linda Abraham became involved with FIRST robotics in the fall of 2007, when she stumbled upon the program researching technology related summer camps. This year Linda was instrumental in starting the Forest Hills Robotics team and is the team coach. Linda is currently employed by Northrop Grumman as an IT Manager. She holds a BS degree in Computer Science from University of Massachusetts Lowell, a MS degree in Health Management Informatics, and is a certified Project Management Professional. She has 20 years of experience in the field of Information Technology.

Roger Smith - Programming and Web Design Mentor

Roger has been involved with the development of software systems for over 20 years, with a specialty in the areas of simulation and design. Lately Roger has been consulting as an internet applications engineer. Roger first learned the true value of FIRST in 2001 while attending a manufacturing conference where Dean Kamen was a speaker. After hearing Dean's talk, which focused heavily on the importance of FIRST, Roger was hooked. He vowed to get his own kids involved in FIRST Robotics Competition when they were old enough. In January 2007 he encouraged his family to get involved in FIRST and he has been involved ever since. This year Roger is mentoring the COMETS in programming, electrical and web site design.

James Bradt - Programming Mentor

David O'Connell - Fabrication Mentor

David O'Connell is Vice President of Engineering for Magna Mirrors of America, the largest interior and exterior automotive mirror supplier in the world. He joined the company in 2005 after after holding management and engineering positions at Delphi Delco Electronics, Delphi Packard Electric Systems, and Rockwell International. A native of Columbus, Ohio, O'Connell earned a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering from Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dayton. In addition, he holds Professional Engineer Certifications in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin and is a Commercial/Instrumented rated pilot. He, his wife and three children currently reside in Grand Rapids, MI.

Paul Van Huffell - CAD Mentor

Paul Van Huffell is an engineering professional with more than 16 years of plastics and other industry experience. He is team the team's CAD mentor.

Ron Klock - Mentor

Fletcher Cochran - Marketing Mentor

The Parents

The COMETS recognize the important role parents play on this team. They make many sacrifices to ensure that our students can attend every meeting, and play a vital role in supporting the team. THANK YOU PARENTS, we couldn't do this without you!