This month, we turn our STEM spotlight on Rebecca Whitaker, program delivery partner for FIRST Tech Challenge—Iowa at the University of Iowa College of Engineering.

Long and varied STEM career

Whitaker has served in a variety of STEM roles in the region through the years, including outreach for the UI College of Engineering, serving on the Corridor STEM Initiative (CSI), and as the first manager for the Southeast Iowa STEM Region.

While her STEM roles have varied, Whitaker's passion for robotics has been evident throughout. "In 2008, the leadership of the UI College of Engineering was inspired and motivated to do more STEM outreach to the younger populations," she says. "The dean of the college asked me to 'try this new project' and be the lead for FTC in the state of Iowa. Although my title has changed, the mission remains the same: to grow and support FTC in Iowa."

The importance of robotics learning

Whitaker describes herself as "fortunate" for the work she gets to do with school districts, 4H clubs, and other educationally focused organizations throughout Iowa and beyond. This includes collaboration with more than 400 volunteers who contribute to FTC events and industry partners who help provide students with real-world STEM experience.

"The Iowa FTC program is often seen as a model by many regions within the FIRST community," says Whitaker. "I have had the opportunity to share my experiences with other program delivery partners at annual conferences and have been invited to support events in six countries."

The importance of robotics learning extends well beyond participants' K-12 experiences, Whitaker adds. "FTC plays a crucial role in workforce development by preparing students for future careers in STEM fields," she says. "FTC students gain practical knowledge and experience that can be directly applied to the workforce. FIRST programs foster innovation and creativity, encouraging students to think outside the box and develop inventive solutions to real-world problems."