One of NFPA’s strategic priorities is to increase the number of fluid power educated technicians and engineers. The Robotics Challenge initiative is one workforce development strategy implemented by the NFPA to fill that need. The program aims to bring an awareness of pneumatic applications in robotics to high school students and to stimulate increased use of fluid power products in these competitions. Additionally, the NFPA Robotics Challenge helps encourage high school students to use fluid power in real-world applications while also connecting them to resources that support their pursuit of higher education and fluid power careers.
Recently, NFPA Workforce Staff connected with the NFPA Robotics Challenge Scholarship Awardees to learn updates about their undergraduate experience.
Megan Tian, 2023 Awardee, is a junior studying Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Megan has been working toward her general education and introductory computer science classes, and plans to enroll in a thermodynamics or fluids course during the 2026-27 academic year to expand her understanding of hydraulics and pneumatics.
Outside of the classroom, Megan is involved with MIT's Motorsports team. MIT Motorsports is a team on campus that designs, builds, and competes an electric Formula 1-style car every year. Megan joined the Autonomous team where she has enjoyed learning about the mechanical & electrical engineering side of automotive technology while they are designing a new power steering and emergency braking system. Megan gave a shout out to NFPA Member Festo for donating parts for their emergency braking system.
Evan Tan, 2024 Awardee, is a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. Evan has been working toward his general education and introductory engineering courses. During the 2026-27 academic year, Evan will deepen his fluid power proficiency by taking "Mechanics of Fluids" and "Introduction to Mechatronics".
Last year, Evan joined the University of Arkansas Campus Robotics Team. This year, he shared that he is going to use fluid power for a project. While the project specifications are not finalized, the team is discussing different ideas and it will likely involve pistons and pneumatics to control arm movements. Evan is excited to update NFPA and its members with how the project turns out.
Thank you for your help celebrating the successes of NFPA Scholarship Awardees! If you would like to be a judge for next year’s NFPA scholarship programs, please contact Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com.