About_Us | STEM Coliseum (2024)

Why Mechatronics?

Mech​​atr​onics brings together entrepreneurship, technology, engineering, computing, AI, electronics, and precision manufacturing to create something entirely new. This convergence of these mixed competencies and abilities is the very essence of “the 4th industrial revolution” and the future of manufacturing, industry, and business in Maine. Mechatronics-related competitions, local, national, or world-wide, are an excellent way to simulate the challenges faced in the STEM workplace.

Our Vision

To inspire young people to be mechatronics and technology innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders through cost-effective, mentor-led experiential programs and competitions, cultivating workforce readiness for the benefit of Maine’s future.

OurBusiness Model

Our business model provides students with the resources and support they need to create and sustain their own STEM learning center. We operate as a public-private partnership between Maine students, teams, mentors, & businesses forming an entrepreneurial-minded culture where students share in the responsibility for its programming and 20% of the financial sustainability of the Coliseum.

• Understand human and industry competitiveness in the age of intelligent machines
• Understand the sustainable value of human “soft-skills”
• Understand the transient value of technical skills vs. life-long learning abilities and a growth mindset
• Perceive working on mechatroncis as a pathway toward a “AI-proof” career
  

• Establish an entrepreneurial minded business culture, where students help guide strategic program development
  
• Incorporate 21st century learning science to define mentoring best practices and learning content leveled for students ranging from ages 8 to 18
• Maximize a positive, risk-endorsing, emotionally-safe, high-persistence, learning climate
• Develop age group-specific onboarding programs increase early persistence and passion for STEM learning
  

• Focus on competency-based instruction and evaluation aligned to industry norms
• Leverage industry subject matter expert mentors in a craftsmanship learning model
• Develop Coliseum student leadership job roles based on industry-relevant skills and competencies
• Develop skills in the analysis of inherent biases in information
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• Pursue digital and experiential STEM and technology inclusion and diversity
• Practice servant-based leadership
  
• Embed community service ideals through community projects and partnerships
  

• Track student mastery over time using proprietary software to provide a digital transcript of learning outcomes utilizing a standardized taxonomy of workforce and academic competencies:
• Demonstrate workforce readiness and skills mastery to employers
• Establish High School and University articulation agreements for course credits
• Incorporate professional certifications and credential opportunities
• Establish Summer job shadow initiative
• Foster a post-graduate local internship network promoting viability of ME careers
• Facilitate peer-to-peer early career mentoring

Clare Greenlaw, Executive Director & Founder

Meredith Greenlaw,Board of Directors & Founder, General Manager

Meredith Greenlaw is an accomplishedprofessional serving as the Associate Director at IDEXX, Inc., where she brings her 29 years of expertise in leadership and innovation to drive impactful results. Beyond her corporate role, Meredith is a dedicated mentor and coach, leading the FIRST Robotics Team 172, Northern Force, and serving as the Robotics Coach at Gorham High School. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of STEM education, Meredith is committed to creating opportunities for aspiring young minds to thrive. Her two adult daughters have personally experienced the transformative benefits of robotics-related STEM programs, inspiring Meredith to champion initiatives that foster growth, collaboration, and community within the STEM field. Passionate about cultivating environments where STEM-loving students can flourish and connect, Meredith embodies a relentless dedication to empowering the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers

Matt Jones, Board of Directors, Computer Science Co-Lead

Meet Matt, a dynamic leader at Tyler Technologies since 2006, where he's played a crucial role building the future of Maines STEM economy as Director of the hugely successful Maine App Challenge. Through the Maine App Challenge, he encourages students to explore the world of higher education and careers in STEM right in their home state.

Known for his contagious enthusiasm, Matt actively engages with students across Maine, creating opportunities for education and career development. He's a strong advocate for STEM learning, facilitating initiatives that help students earn early college credits and bridging the gap between education and industry.

With strong connections to the Foster Center for Innovation at the University of Maine, Matt collaborates with STEM educators and programs to build a thriving network of business leaders statewide. His dedication to creating meaningful connections benefits students and professionals alike, making a lasting impact on STEM education in Maine.

John Kraljic, Pre-Engineering & Precision Manufacturing Lead

Meet John Kraljic, an extraordinary educator with a passion for shaping the future of STEM education! With an impressive 45 years of teaching experience, John has dedicated his career to inspiring young minds. As a FIRST Robotics coach for two decades, he's brought the excitement of robotics to students like you, leading teams to thrilling victories in competitions.

John isn't just about teaching; he's all about empowering students to reach beyond their comfort zones and embrace the exciting world of STEM. He's a pioneer in STEM programs, creating innovative curriculum and even spearheading Maine's first High School STEM diploma endorsem*nt program.

With advanced degrees in education and industrial arts from prestigious universities, John's expertise is unparalleled. He's received awards like University of Maine's Francis Crowe Honorary Engineer award for his outstanding contributions to STEM education in Maine. Now, he's here to guide you on an epic journey of discovery and innovation atthe STEM coliseum.

Sean Manning, Electrical Engineering Lead & Battle Bots Lead

With a diverse background spanning over three decades, Sean brings a wealth of experience to our center. Currently serving as an Engineer/Planner at Diodes Incorporated, Sean's expertise in engineering and planning shapes our cutting-edge robotics programs. Prior to this role, he held similar positions at ON Semiconductor and Fairchild Semiconductor, accumulating a total of 27 years in the semiconductor industry.

Sean's journey in STEM education began with a solid foundation in Electrical Engineering, earning his Master Electrician certification through the IBEW JATC program. He furthered his education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix, solidifying his technical prowess and passion for technology-driven solutions.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Sean is deeply involved in community outreach and mentorship. He has dedicated over 17 years as a Coach and Mentor for FIRST Robotics, a program renowned for inspiring youth in Science and Technology.

As head of our emerging BattleBots Duo league, Sean's passion for robotics and working with ME youth contiuesto look for new ways to engage Maine Youth in our STEM economy.

Billy Wall, LEGO Mentor, STEM & SAT Tutoring Lead

Serving as a STEM Camp Leader for the past 13 years, Billyleads summer robotics camps catering to ages 9-14 across multiple sites inMaine. He not only oversees the camps but also recruits and mentors high schooland college students to serve as camp counselors, fostering a culture oflearning and leadership.

Prior to his career in education, Billy served as a NetworkOperations Manager at Verizon Wireless for over two decades. His background intechnology management and radio paging networks and electronics adds a uniqueperspective to his approach in robotics education, blending technical knowledgewith hands-on teaching methods and real world workforce readiness.

Billy is now a STEM and Mathematics educator at Baxter Academyfor Technology and Science, in Portland Maine. He also serves as Lead Mentor FIRSTRobotics Team, 5687, the Outliers, where Billy brings a wealth of experienceand leadership to the team.

Billy's passion for math extends beyond the classroom as hehas dedicated over a decade to tutoring Maine middle and high school studentsfor math course success. His expertise as a Math Lab Education Technician atRegional School Unit 5 and a Math Teacher at various private and publiclearning institutions included preparing students for exams such as the SATReasoning Test and math competitions like MATHCOUNTS. Most recently he was oneof the lead tutors at The Study Hall, in Scarborough Maine.

Steve Martin,FIRST LeagueMentor

Meet Steve Martin. With nearly three decades at Fairchild Semiconductor/National Semiconductor, he's honed expertise as a package development, metal deposition, and photolithography engineer.

In December 1999, Steve embarked on his mentorship journey with FRC Team 58, igniting his passion for guiding young minds in STEM. While at Fairchild Semiconductor, he became the State Lead Mentor For First Robotics, where he dedicated time to monthly mentor calls, webcasts, and coordinating Maine's FIRST LEGO League events.

Steveis a visionary. He helped established, and served on the Board of, the Robotics Institute of Maine, supporting FIRST and VEX teams statewide. Spearheading a local FRC kickoff event and coordinating practice field access underscored his commitment to accessible resources.

As the landscape of ME robotics competitions evolved, so did Steve's involvement. From his contributions to planning the FRC Pine Tree Regional event to navigating its transition to a district model in New England, he remained at the forefront.

Recognition has followed Stevethroughout his robotics service to Maine's STEM youth. From receiving the Pine Tree Regional Outstanding Volunteer award in 2013 to being lauded as the Maine FLL Outstanding Volunteer for 2015/2016, his dedication has not gone unnoticed. Together with his wife, he even received the prestigious Outstanding Service Award for their contributionsto NEFIRST and Maine Robotics!

John Amory, Engineering Lead

John was an advanced robotics engineer for five years at Boston Dynamics, where he helped design a number of robots, including BigDogeam, RiSE, RHex, and LittleDog. Jon has a background in naval architecture and philosophy, which he studied along with engineering at Trinity College. He has a Master’s degree in Design Studies from Harvard University. Amory helped start FIRST Team 5687, The Outliers, and serves as their Lead mentor. Formerly of Baxter Academy, Jon is presently the STEM educator at Waynflete in Portland.

Fiadh, Co-Founder & Comfort Provider

Meet Fiadh, our adorable STEM Coliseum Robotics Center therapy dog! Fiadh is a fluffy bundle of joy who spends her days lounging on her green couch, patiently waiting to offer comfort to struggling STEM students (and coaches) when their projects hit a bump in the road. With her wagging tail and gentle demeanor, Fiadh brings a sense of positivity to our center.

While she may not be able to solve complex equations or program robots, Fiadh has a special talent for lifting spirits and providing emotional support. Whether you're feeling frustrated with a coding challenge or your robot isn't quite cooperating, Fiadh is always there with a reassuring cuddle and a warm smile.