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From Robotics to NASA: A Young Innovator's Journey in Engineering and Entrepreneurship

Science, Engineering & Technology

Robotics / Electronics / CAD

Start Date

December 2024

End Date

February 2025

Sessions Completed

77 sessions

Assets

<div class="assets-links"><a class="assets-link" href="https://cc-proposals.vercel.app/proposals/f99fcca0-2e03-47af-9a85-cae4b1fe2c21"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Project Portfolio</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://cc-proposals.vercel.app/proposals/f99fcca0-2e03-47af-9a85-cae4b1fe2c21"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">NASA Presentation</div></a></div>

Gallery

Student & Mentor

Student

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-top-info"><div class="inter-700 _20">Jack Zitterman</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Avenues The World School</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Grade 7</div></div>

Personality

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-tags-wrapp"><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Innovative</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Curious</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Creative</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Enthusiastic</p></div></div>

Interests

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-tags-wrapp"><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Robotics</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">3D Printing</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Engineering</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Chess</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Space Exploration</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Gaming</p></div></div>

Mentor

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-top-info"><div class="inter-700 _20">Skye Horiguchi</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Stanford University</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Aerospace Engineering & Product Design</div></div>

Personality

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-tags-wrapp"><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Patient</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Encouraging</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Enthusiastic</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Goal-Oriented</p></div></div>

Interests

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-tags-wrapp"><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Aerospace Engineering</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Product Design</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">CAD Modeling</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Robotics</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Space Technology</p></div></div>

What They Set Out To Do

A bright 7th grader with a passion for robotics and engineering, Jack sought expert guidance to develop his technical skills and bring his innovative ideas to life. This neurodivergent innovator's determination to attend MIT and create advanced robotics drove him to seek daily mentorship, focusing on functional projects and expanding his technical capabilities.

The Perfect Match

<div class="case-study-match-wrapper"><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Shared Vision</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Skye's aerospace aspirations and hands-on engineering approach perfectly align with Jack's innovative robotics and space exploration projects</div></div><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Technical + Creative</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Skye's Stanford engineering expertise and artistic background complement Jack's diverse interests in robotics, game design, and entrepreneurship</div></div><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Project Development</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Daily sessions provide the structure and guidance needed to transform Jack's ambitious ideas - from Mars rovers to business ventures - into tangible achievements</div></div></div>

Project Milestones

Initial Robotics & Design Exploration
December 2024
Explored foundational robotics concepts and began work on mosquito elimination robot design.
Bug Killer Bot Development
January 2025
Evolved design from laser-based to automated salt gun system, completed CAD models and servo motor integration.
Mars Rover Innovation
January 2025 - February 2025
Designed innovative Mars rover protection system and presented concepts to NASA representatives.
Board Game Creation
February 2025
Developed 'Wizertry' board game concept, created character designs, and established social media presence.
Mini Munchies Business Launch
February 2025
Initiated food business venture, developed branding, and began outreach to manufacturers.

Skills Developed

  • Advanced CAD modeling using Shapr3D
  • Technical documentation and presentation
  • Engineering design principles
  • Project management
  • Business communication
  • Website development
  • Social media content creation
  • Entrepreneurial thinking

Challenged Overcomed

  • Evolved from basic to independent CAD designer
  • Progressed from concepts to multiple concrete projects
  • Developed from seeking validation to trusting creative instincts
  • Advanced from ideas to practical implementation
  • Moved from individual work to professional outreach

What’s Next

Jack aims to scale his Mini Munchies business concept through local manufacturer partnerships while continuing to develop his engineering projects. He plans to deepen his CAD and robotics skills through hands-on prototyping, with a focus on bringing his innovative mechanical designs to life. Long-term goals include expanding his understanding of materials science and advanced fabrication techniques while nurturing his growing interests in both technical design and entrepreneurship.