Eight years ago, as a high school student, Bryson Potts competed in a SeaPerch competition, helping to design an ROV. He enjoyed the experience so much that he pursued a career in science, becoming a mechanical engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division in Florida.

Today, Potts gives back by volunteering as a mentor at SeaPerch events. Potts was one of many people involved with the 2024 International SeaPerch Challenge, held this spring at the University of Maryland. The event featured more than 170 competing teams of elementary, middle and high school students from around the world. 

The U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR)-sponsored program brought together students to showcase the ROVs they built as part of a curriculum designed to boost their skills and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). STEM is a critical focus area outlined in the Naval S&T Strategy released in April by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.

RoboNation’s SeaPerch program gives teachers and students the resources they need to build ROVs from kits comprising low-cost, easily accessible parts and to follow a curriculum that teaches basic engineering and science concepts with a marine engineering theme.

Learn more at: https://seaperch.org/programs/2024-challenge.