Northfield Nightbots
FRC Team #10686
Our Mission
The Northfield Nightbots team exists to advance the education of students in the Northfield community in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by preparing for and participating in FIRST Robotics competitions.
These activities help build skills and confidence far beyond the classroom to include technical knowledge, engineering design, teamwork, personal responsibility, leadership, and professionalism.
Our mission is to increase access for groups that are under-represented in STEM fields, to use our knowledge to serve our community, and build a balanced, diverse, and talented team of young engineers.
About Our Team
Our Story
We are a grassroots team that was founded in January 2025 by freshman, Habib Seid in the Northfield community of Northeast Denver. When he mentioned to his Biology teacher that he wanted to start a team, she reached out to FIRST Colorado and the Nightbots were formed.
With the generous support of the Argosy Foundation and a Google equity grant, we built our very first competitive robot, dubbed "Lil Sneaky". We have students with a diverse array of identities and cultural backgrounds.
Despite getting a late start, we were able to pull together a team of over 20 students with skills in programming, electrical, media, fundraising, imagery, and construction. Defying all odds, we finished in 14th place out of over 50 teams from all around the globe. To top it off, we won the coveted "Rookie of the Year" award at the Colorado Regionals!
What We Do
Each year, our team designs, builds, and programs a robot to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition, one of the world's leading STEM programs for high school students.
This experience gives our members the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. Students gain valuable skills in design, coding, electrical systems, and fabrication, while also developing business, leadership, and communication abilities that prepare them for the future.
Our Mission
Our mission is to increase access for groups that are under-represented in STEM fields, to use our knowledge to serve our community, and build a balanced, diverse, and talented team of young engineers. These activities help build skills and confidence far beyond the classroom to include technical knowledge, engineering design, teamwork, personal responsibility, leadership, and professionalism.
Achievements
- Rookie of the Year Award - Colorado Regionals 2025
- 14th Place Finish - Out of 50+ international teams in debut season
- First Robot "Lil Sneaky" - Successfully competed in inaugural season
- Team Growth - Expanded to 40+ dedicated students
Team Members
40+
Founded
2025
Ranking
14th
of 50+ teams
Rookie of the Year
Colorado Regionals
FIRST Robotics
What is FIRST?
Inspiring the Next Generation
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global organization dedicated to motivating young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST encourages students to learn through hands-on programs that combine creativity, problem-solving, and mentorship.
Through participation, students gain confidence, develop leadership and collaboration skills, and connect with mentors and peers who guide them in pursuing STEM opportunities. FIRST inspires students to think critically, innovate, and prepare for future careers in engineering, technology, and beyond.
FIRST Robotics Competition
Inspiring the Next Generation
FRC challenges high school students to design and build full-scale robots for annual competitions. Teams tackle complex engineering problems, develop coding and fabrication skills, and collaborate on strategy and teamwork. Mentors provide guidance, and students practice Gracious Professionalism®, gaining real-world experience and preparing for future STEM careers.
FIRST Tech Challenge
Engineering Challenges for 7-12 Grade Students
FTC allows students ages 12–18 to design, build, and program robots to compete in challenging, strategic games. Teams apply engineering, coding, and problem-solving skills while learning teamwork and leadership. Mentors guide students throughout the process, fostering growth, innovation, and Gracious Professionalism®.
FIRST LEGO League
Building Skills Through Play and Innovation
FLL introduces students ages 9–14 to STEM through hands-on, team-based challenges. Each season, teams research a real-world problem and build LEGO® robots to complete specific tasks. Students learn creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills while exploring science and engineering in a fun, supportive environment.
Mentors & Coaches
Guiding Our Team
Our mentors and coaches bring real-world experience in engineering, science, and technology to help students turn ideas into reliable designs. They support skill-building, safety, project planning, and iteration while keeping the students in the driver's seat.
Anna Noble
Biology Teacher
Anna Noble is a Biology teacher and brings a strong background in scientific problem-solving, data-driven thinking, and lab safety to the Nightbots. She supports students with research-minded design decisions, clear documentation, and disciplined testing, skills that translate directly to building a dependable robot. Anna loves helping students connect classroom science to hands-on engineering.
Yukta Thadi
Engineering Teacher & Coach
Yukta Thadi is an Engineering teacher and helps students develop practical engineering habits, from brainstorming and CAD fundamentals to prototyping, iteration, and manufacturability. She emphasizes strong design process, teamwork, and using constraints (time, materials, budget) to make smart choices. Yukta enjoys helping students grow confidence with tools, design reviews, and real-world problem solving.
Taed Studer
FIRST Mentor
Taed is our FIRST mentor for the 2026 Season. He comes with over 40 years of experience as a pediatric orthotic and prosthetic engineer. He has mentored FIRST robotics teams in CA for 20 years
Kendall Hunter
Biomedical Engineering Professor
Kendall is a professor of Biomedical Engineering on the Anschutz Medical Campus with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. He's always loved programming, mechanics, and video games. Expertise: Mechanics (dynamics, solid mechanics, etc); Programming; Numerical Methods; Computer Vision. First year with team.
Steve Curtis
Technology & Operations Leader
Steve Curtis is a technology and operations leader with experience building and mentoring teams. He enjoys helping students learn how to solve problems, work together, and turn ideas into real-world solutions.
Mark Mehringer
Coach
Political consultant and data scientist with experience in polling, focus groups, and data modeling. Has worked with environmental groups, tech startups like Nextdoor.com, and various campaigns. Passionate about diving into new data challenges.
Interested in Mentoring?
Join our team of dedicated mentors and help shape the next generation of engineers and innovators. We welcome professionals from all backgrounds who are passionate about STEM education.
Contact UsSupport Our Mission
Investing in STEM
As our team grows, every member plays a vital role in our success. With over 40 dedicated students contributing their skills and creativity, our impact—and our expenses—have grown too.
We rely on donations, grants, and sponsorships to fund materials, competition fees, and travel costs. These funds help us compete nationally and showcase our team's innovation and talent.
Beyond competition, we're committed to giving back—by inspiring younger students, expanding access to STEM, and building partnerships with local businesses.
Every contribution helps us build not just robots, but opportunities for the future.
Sponsorship Levels
Soar
$5,000+
- Large company logo on banner
- Company logo on robot sponsor panel
- Company logo on team shirts
- Logo and company link on website
- 4 free team shirts
- 2 free hoodies
Glide
$1,000+
- Company logo on banner
- Company logo on robot sponsor panel
- Company logo on team shirts
- Logo and company link on website
- 2 free team shirts
- 1 free hoodie
Ascend
$500+
- Company logo on team shirts
- Logo and company link on website
- 2 free team shirts
Rise
$250+
- Company logo on team shirts
- Logo and company link on website
Our team would not be possible without the support of parents, students, and Northfield community members who share our vision of developing an inclusive and welcoming community for all interested in building robots.
Our Corporate Partners
Resources
Help Us Succeed - Support Our Team!
You can help Northfield Robotics by donating, sharing our story on social media, or volunteering your time. Every contribution helps our students build, learn, and compete at their best.
Donate Directly
Donate Today
Support Northfield Robotics by contributing directly. Every donation helps our students build robots, travel to competitions, and gain hands-on STEM experience.
Donation LinkShare & Sponsor
Spread the Word
Share our sponsorship information with your network! Access our sponsorship packet below to see ways to support and share with potential sponsors.
View Sponsorship PacketVolunteer
Join Our Team
Lend your time and skills! Mentors, coaches, and volunteers make a huge impact, guiding students and helping them succeed on and off the field.
Join Our Team!
Being A Part of FIRST
Joining Nightbots means collaborating with a student-led team to design, build, program, and drive a competitive robot while learning leadership, communication, and technical skills that transfer far beyond robotics. New members are welcome at any experience level; we'll help you get trained and plugged into a subteam.
- Fill out the application: https://forms.gle/yYV9XBrpBBrwzDuo9
- Sign and read our handbook
- Register with FIRST
- Come to our meetings!