Akshay Patil - Builder, Designer, Programmer
School of Science and Engineering
FLL 2016-2020, FTC 2020-Present
Hi, my name is Akshay, and I'm in 10th grade at the School of Science and Engineering. This is my 7th year of FIRST, 4rd season of FTC, and 3rd season with 7172. I've been interested in STEM and programming since I started Tinker in kindergarten. I’m an avid reader and I love to participate in math competitions. My goal this season is to learn programming and explore CAD in Fusion 360. I'm extremely excited to see what we can accomplish this season!
Alyssa Fuscardo - Builder, Driver, Outreach, Notebook
Plano Senior High School
FLL 2018, FTC 2018-Present
Hi, I'm Alyssa Fuscardo. I'm currently a 12th grader at Plano Senior High School in Plano, TX. This is my sixth year participating in FTC. I have been interested in robotics and STEM ever since 3rd grade. I've been into STEM since I was in 3rd grade, and I have loved building with LEGOs ever since I was young. Outside of FTC, I do an assortment of activities and clubs such as cello, piano, Girl Scouts, choir, volunteering through my church for Special Needs, BPA, orchestra council and Environmental Club. In my free time, I love reading mystery and Sci-fi and listening to music.
Sophie Guerin - Designer, Builder, Driver
The Einstein School Plano
FLL 2016- 2018, FTC 2018-Present
Hi, my name is Sophie Guerin. I currently am an 12th grader at The Einstein School of Plano in Texas. This is my 6th year on 7172. In 5th grade, I was a programmer for my FLL team, 24811 The Techno Girls. Now I am a builder, designer, and driver for our team. When I'm not busy with robotics I'm Assistant Directing for the theatre at my school. In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends, watching Grey's Anatomy, and drinking Starbucks.
Rhea Senan - Builder
Lawler Middle School
FLL 2017-2019, FTC 2019-Present
Hi, my name is Rhea Senan and I’m a junior at Centennial High School. I’ve always enjoyed designing and building. This is my fifth year participating in FTC and before that, I was competing for two years in FLL. I enjoy the STEM subjects at school and am always open to new opportunities where I can learn something new. When I’m not working on the robot, I’m either swimming down at Texas Ford Aquatics, playing my violin, or dancing. I’m really excited to be working with this team and am looking forward to many great seasons ahead!
Benjamin Fuscardo - Programmer
Clark High School FLL 2018 - 2019, FTC 2021 - Present
Hi, my name is Benjamin Fuscardo, and I’m in 10th grade at Clark High School. This is my third year on Technical Difficulties, but I’ve been interested in engineering and programming for almost my whole life. On the team, I work on programming the robot, and some extracurriculars I do are, play the double bass for orchestra, participating in Boy Scouts, and playing tennis.
Shashank Gangaram - Designer, Builder
Plano East Senior High School ‘24
FLL 2018-2019 FTC 2020- Present
Hi, My name is Shashank Gangaram and I am currently in 11th grade at Plano East Senior High School and this is my fifth year in FTC. I was first introduced to Robotics by an FTC alumni who had 4 years of FIRST experience. Ever since I’ve had an interest in the STEM field and love learning more about it. Outside of robotics, I played soccer since I was 8 and I have been playing the viola since I was 10.
Shreya Gajakosh - Builder, Outreach
IB World School at Plano East Senior High School
FLL 2017-2020, FTC 2020-Present
Hi, my name is Shreya Gajakosh. I am currently an 11th grader at IB World at Plano East. This is my fourth year doing FTC and before that, I did 3 years of FLL. My love of STEM started when I was younger and I loved playing with Legos. I was introduced to robotics through my school’s gifted and talented program in 4th grade and I have been interested in STEM and robotics since then. I love exploring the different aspects of robotics and learning more each year. Outside of robotics, I enjoy reading, singing, drawing, and photography. I’m involved in volunteering at my school as well. My favorite school subject is math and I enjoy science as well. I am looking forward to having fun and learning more this season!
Srila Gangalakunta - Builder, Outreach
IB World School at Plano East Senior High ‘26
FLL 2018-2019 FTC 2021-Present
Hi, my name is Srila Gangalakunta and I'm in 10th grade at Plano East Senior High. This is my third year on the team, but I have tinkered with building and programming since 4th grade. Outside of robotics, I participate in a multitude of activities such as choir, congressional debate, art, and volunteering. I've already learned so much on this team and I'm excited to continue watching us grow throughout this season!
Hebe He - Programmer
Jasper High School
FLL 2018-2019 FTC 2020-Present
Hello, my name is Hebe and I’m currently a junior at TAMS. This is my fourth year in FTC and my second year on Technical Difficulties. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be on this team and learn more about robotics and things I’ve never seen before. During my free time, you will find me either drawing, playing clarinet (or participating in any band related activities like marching band), or watching Netflix.
Vedanth Venkatesh - Programmer
Plano West Senior High
FLL 2016-2018 FTC 2019-Present
Hi, my name is Vedanth Venkatesh and I’m a senior at Plano West Senior High. This is my third year on Technical Difficulties and I am very grateful for being on this team. I am learning so much information in just a few months! If I am not near the robot, you can either find me investing in stocks(or even crypto), biking, watching sports, or just chilling at home!
