Mentors

Here you'll find current mentors working with TigerTronics.
For those who previously mentored for TigerTronics, please click here.
To see teachers working with TigerTronics, who are also mentors, see the Teachers page.
All mentors are ordered alphabetically by last name.

Mr. Seth Appleman is an employee of BAE Systems in Johnson City, New York, were he has worked on programs for Boeing Commercial Electronics, commercial engine controls, and BAE's hybrid bus program. He has a BS in Computer Science from Syracuse University and is working on a masters in Computer Science at Binghamton Univresity. In his spare time, Mr. Appleman enjoys running and spending time with his wife and his dog.
Mr. Andy Berner has worked for BAE Systems and its heritage companies since 1984 in hardware design. He is currently a Senior Principal Engineer in the Circuit Design Engineering organization. Mr. Berner holds a BSEE from RIT.  In addition to his involvement in US FIRST he has been a long-time travel soccer team coach. Mr. Berner
Mr. Justin Bogart works at BAE Systems. He helps the team with the poster and the design of the t-shirt.
Mr. Dave Chianucci has worked as an Electrical Engineer for the past 27 years at IBM, Lorral, and Lockheed Martin. He is currently a Hardware Technical Lead Engineer specializing in high frequency receiver and system development at Lockheed Martin. Mr. Chianucci's hobbies include motorcycling, coaching, hiking, and woodworking. Mr. Dace Chianucci
No image yet Mrs. Michelle Chianucci. This is Michelle's first year as a FIRST mentor. She is involved in sorting, organizing and locating team inventory.  She also coordinates the meals which are provided seven nights a week throughout the six week build season, and is instrumental in other organizational and coordination aspects of the team.  Mrs. Chianucci enjoys card making, camping, hiking and spending time with her family.
Mr. Jason Danek is an Electrical Engineer at BAE Systems.  He is currently a system/test engineer for military vehicles. Mr. Danek holds a BSEE from RPI and is an avid skier.  He also loves mountain biking. No image yet of this mentor.
Sean Daugherty Mr. Sean Daugherty Mr. Sean Daugherty has worked in the aerospace industry for twenty years developing flight/safety critical systems through varying Software Engineering and Systems Engineering roles. He has recently decided to change careers to become a teacher and will begin classes in January 2010. Mr. Daugherty holds a BSEE from Clarkson University and an MSEE from Binghamton University. In addition to his involvement in FIRST he has been an active mentor of UEHS Science Olympiad teams since 2003.
Mr. John Deskur.  A machinist at BAE Systems, Mr. Deskur is a godsend because he knows how to use every tool that has ever been made. John Deskur
No image of this mentor yet. Mr. Matt Jasperson grew up in Northrup, NY.  He graduated from Binghamton University where he received his BS in Computer Engineering.  Mr. Jasperson is currently working on the MULE autonomous vehicle at BAE Systems in Johnson City, NY.
Mr. Sean Keenan has worked in engineering roles at Xerox Corporation and BAE Systems for approximately 15 years. He is a graduate of Binghamton University with a Masters of Art in Teaching in Physics. Sean Keenan
Mrs. Marcia Kreczko is the teams PR mentor. She helps the students in fundraising, donations, sponsorships and anything else that is PR related. She's married and has three children. Her favorite place to go is the beach.
Ms. Holly Kreczko, a TigerTronics alumni of 2009, attends Ithaca College at the Roy Park School of Communications. Her major is in Documentary. Holly Krezcko
No image of this mentor. Mr. Frank Macaluso is employed by BAE Systems.  He graduated from Binghamton University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and was a member of FIRST when he was a senior in high school.  He enjoys automotive restoration as a hobby.
Mr. Jeff Martinez is a former Lockheed Martin Owego Engineer.  This is his second year with TigerTronics and his ninth season as a mentor (2002-2005 Team 229 and 2006-2008 Team 84). Mr. Martinez is now a Binghamton University Grad Student working to become a high school Physics teacher. He says that "FIRST is awesome and I hope to see you there." No image of this mentor yet.
Mr. Ernie Mauro Mr. Ernie Mauro is a photographer at BAE Systems. He has helped TigerTronics and its members with both photography and video media, as well as graphic design.
Mr. Michael Shore is a Systems Engineer at BAE Systems, where he works on High Power Storage and Conversion systems. Mr. Shore holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Penn State University and is currently perusing a Masters in Electrical Engineering as well. His hobbies include building model cars and trucks, racing Nitro RC vehicles, reading, and working around the house. When the weather isn't terrible he can sometimes be seen riding his motorcycle. Mr. Michael Shore
Mr. Tim Slocum Mr. Tim Slocum is a circuit design engineer at BAE Systems. In his spare time, he is also a soccer referee.
Mr. Chris Stasik is a systems engineer at BAE Systems. Mr. Stasik did his undergraduate work at Binghamton University and is now perusing a masters in Computer Science. Mr. Chris Stasik
Mr. Chris Waldenburg Mr. Chris Waldenburg.  is the team's mentor coordinator.  Mr. Waldenburg grew up in Northport, NY and graduated from Lehigh University with a BS in Electrical Engineering.  He currently is an electrical engineer at BAE Systems.  In his spare time, Chris likes to go to the gym.  He is also a fan of jazz and modern music, and plays the saxaphone and piano.
Mrs. Elaine Wintergrass has worked for many years in Software and Systems Engineering in the Flight Simulation Industry. She is currently a Sr. Systems Engineer at Rockwell Collins in the Mission Avionics Group and holds a BS in Computer Science. This is Elaine’s first year as a FIRST mentor. Elaine enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children and dreams of retiring to the beach someday.
Mr. Jonah Wojtanik Mr. Jonah Wojtanik is an Engineering Manager for BAE Systems Platform Solutions in Johnson City.  He is responsible for the Systems Engineering group for the Commercial Avionics business area, mainly commercial engine controls and electronics serving various Boeing aircraft.   He has been with the company for 5 years and started with BAE Systems as an Engineering Leadership Development Program (ELDP) member in 2002.  Prior to this current role, he contributed to the business as the Supervisor of the ELDP and in Product Design and Systems Engineering while working in Aerospace Controls, New Business Development, Military and Commercial Engine Controls, and the Orion VII hybrid bus program.

Jonah graduated from the University at Buffalo with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.  He is originally from Olean, NY and now lives in Endicott, NY with his wife Stacey.  When he's not doing US FIRST Robotics, he enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with family.