Craft Coalition represents MSU at european robotics event
In July 2025, FIRST® Tech Challenge Team 20694, Craft Coalition, advanced as one of Kentucky’s top robotics teams and represented the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics and Morehead State University at the inaugural FTC European Premier Event in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
The event brought together 96 of the best robotics teams from more than 25 countries.
Led by Dr. Rachel Rogers, assistant professor of research and Craft QEP mentor, and accompanied by Craft Academy Academic Advisor Kathryn Davis, the Craft Coalition delegation included recent Craft Academy graduates Jonah Clements-Mattingly (Mt. Washington), Tiffany Zhang (Winchester), Ryan Triplett (Greenup) and Jaxson Brewer (Georgetown), along with seniors Olivia Robinson (sophomore from Mt. Sterling), Noah Day (sophomore from Nicholasville) and Lucas Howard (sophomore from Bonneyman).
For Robinson, the experience was as personally enriching as it was academic.
“It was my first time traveling internationally, so getting to visit another country while representing Craft Academy made the experience even more special,” Robinson said. “Meeting and competing with teams from all over the world opened my eyes to how STEM connects people globally.”
The students toured ThermoFisher Scientific, a global leader in laboratory innovation known for its advanced microscopes and research technology, where they explored cutting-edge facilities and witnessed how science drives real-world solutions. They also visited Eindhoven University of Technology, one of Europe’s top engineering institutions, where they engaged with researchers and gained valuable insight into international STEM education and career pathways.
Reflecting on the event, Robinson said the lessons learned through robotics go far deeper than engineering alone.
“It’s so much more than just building a robot. It’s about creativity, teamwork, and pushing yourself to grow in ways you don’t expect,” she said. “Opportunities like this can be truly life-changing, and I’m so grateful I was able to experience it.”
Beyond competition, the group explored historic landmarks in Eindhoven, such as Saint Catherine’s Church. Rogers emphasized how the trip helped students expand their perspective and develop valuable skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
“Through this event, the team gained valuable insight into the international robotics community, built lasting connections with peers from around the globe, and returned home with new ideas, deeper inspiration, and unforgettable memories,” Rogers said. “The experience reinforced teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and global awareness, skills that will serve them well in their future academic and professional endeavors.”
She added that opportunities like this reflect the Craft Academy’s mission to nurture excellence through experiential learning.
“The Craft Academy remains deeply committed to supporting STEM excellence, and robotics continues to be a cornerstone of our experiential learning programs,” Rogers said. “Opportunities like this help our students grow academically, professionally, and personally.”
The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics is a dual-credit academy for academically exceptional Kentucky students. Craft Academy provides students with a postsecondary residential experience to complete their junior and senior high school years by enrolling in college courses. The Craft Academy aims to meet the unique educational needs of the Commonwealth's academically gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. The academic rigor of the Craft Academy challenges students to excel at their highest level through project-based STEM+X courses and hands-on learning experiences emphasizing innovation, design, creativity, and civic and regional engagement.
To learn more about the Craft Academy, email craftacademy@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2093.
