Mississippi physics professor brings his passion to FTC
Rural Mississippi is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of robotics programs. But Dr. Kevin McKone, a professor of physics at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, MS, works hard to make sure students there are hooked on robots.
Prior to starting with FTC in 2012, when the program first came to his state, Dr. McKone had already spent five years teaching middle school summer camps, leading FIRST LEGO League teams and coaching his college-level MATE team.
When Mannie Lowe, the former Georgia FTC Affiliate Partner, set up FTC shop in Mississippi for the Ring It Up! season, Dr. McKone was one of the first to reach out to him for more information about the program.
"He said the one thing all FIRST organizers love to hear: 'What can I do to help you?'," said Mannie.
Dr. McKone's previous experiences with kids and robots made him the perfect candidate to assist in setting up FTC in the region. Despite his rookie status as an FTC Coach and Volunteer that year, he was confident taking on the roles, thanks to Mannie's guidance and mentorship.
Dr. McKone wasted no time diving into the program. In addition to volunteering as a lead inspector at the inaugural state championship, he helped start five FTC Teams, held training and programming classes, hosted a scrimmage and, this season, became a qualifying tournament host.
With two years of FTC now under his belt, Dr. McKone says he has many positive and exciting stories from his time working events and with teams, but his favorite ones are those when the students get excited seeing their hard work paying off.
"I see year after year the lack of STEM in my freshman engineering students," said the college professor. "FTC is a great hook into why STEM is important."
He also sees the program improving the community in his area. With all five of the teams in his county advancing to the MS State Championship this year, it's offered a rallying point for his region.
"FIRST programs are so important. Young students get exposed to CAD, 3-D printing, programming, design, team work. How could you not support a program like this?"
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| Dr. McKone at the FTC Qualifying Tournament at Copiah-Lincoln. |
When Mannie Lowe, the former Georgia FTC Affiliate Partner, set up FTC shop in Mississippi for the Ring It Up! season, Dr. McKone was one of the first to reach out to him for more information about the program.
"He said the one thing all FIRST organizers love to hear: 'What can I do to help you?'," said Mannie.
Dr. McKone's previous experiences with kids and robots made him the perfect candidate to assist in setting up FTC in the region. Despite his rookie status as an FTC Coach and Volunteer that year, he was confident taking on the roles, thanks to Mannie's guidance and mentorship.
Dr. McKone wasted no time diving into the program. In addition to volunteering as a lead inspector at the inaugural state championship, he helped start five FTC Teams, held training and programming classes, hosted a scrimmage and, this season, became a qualifying tournament host.
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| Dr. McKone, far right, with his underwater robotics team, Seawolf Underwater Robotics Engineering |
"I see year after year the lack of STEM in my freshman engineering students," said the college professor. "FTC is a great hook into why STEM is important."
He also sees the program improving the community in his area. With all five of the teams in his county advancing to the MS State Championship this year, it's offered a rallying point for his region.
"FIRST programs are so important. Young students get exposed to CAD, 3-D printing, programming, design, team work. How could you not support a program like this?"
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