Team Liberia consists of passionate high school students who share a common interest in robotics, engineering, and technology. The students are selected based on their skills, enthusiasm for STEM, and ability to work collaboratively on different projects. The team is poised to make a significant impact at the 2024 FIRST Global Robotics Challenge. The event, themed “Feeding the Future,” focuses on innovative solutions to global food security challenges through robotics and technology.

Goals and Aspirations
Team Liberia aims not only to excel in the technical aspects of the competition but also to foster a spirit of collaboration and innovation. The team plans to use this platform to inspire other students in Liberia to pursue careers in STEM and to demonstrate the impact of STEM education on solving real-world problems. Team Liberia hopes to gain invaluable experience, network with peers from around the world, and bring back knowledge that can be shared within their local communities to further the cause of STEM education in Liberia.

Mentors
The team is guided by dedicated mentors who provide expertise, guidance, and support for the students.

Team Members
Isiaka D. Massalay: Isiaka is a senior student with a passion for technology. His technical skills have been pivotal in helping the team through complex problem-solving processes. Isiaka is known for “being intrigued by all things tech.” Being a part of the STEM club and participating in the 2024 FIRST Global Robotics Competition empowers Isiaka to be better and improve his technological skills. He envisions an innovative future for STEM and robotics in Liberia that is inclusive and involves people who are passionate about innovative development and problem-solving.

Favorlyn K. Korfeh: Favorlyn is an inspiring young lady with a dream of becoming Liberia’s first chemical development engineer. She is the team’s strategist and researcher. She helps the team develop winning strategies and innovative solutions by analyzing the different rules and objectives of the competition. Favorlyn is excited to participate in the 2024 FIRST Global Robotics Challenge because it is going to allow her to take a step toward her dream by providing her with the knowledge and guidance she will need to develop new strategies by researching and collaborating with students from all around the world to help improve crop productivity, sustainability, and food security for not only Liberia but the entire world.

Lovette Young: Lovette focuses on the project management and logistics of the team, coordinating the team’s efforts, and maintaining timelines. Lovette believes that by embracing technological advancement, the next generation can be equipped with skills and knowledge to help solve problems in Liberia and beyond.

Rachel F. Gbatu: Rachel is a senior student at Effort Baptist High School. Her vision for STEM and robotics in Liberia is to get widespread recognition and provide more opportunities for young Liberians.

Jeronetta M. F. Beh: Jeronetta is a junior student at the Haywood Mission Institute. She envisions a thriving ecosystem that empowers and inspires the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Jeronetta believes in using STEM as a tool to drive innovation and positive change in the world.

Samuel M. Stevens: Samuel believes that STEM/Robotics will become a leading topic and an interesting field of study and sport to support critical thinking in solving real-world problems. He also believes that the FIRST Global Robotics Competition will provide him with the opportunity to showcase his skills, teamwork ability, and sportsmanship and collaborate with other like-minded individuals to work towards a common goal.

Ahmad O. Jundi: Ahmad enjoys technology and aspires to make a significant impact in the world through his computer skills. He expects the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge to provide a platform where young people can come together and innovate solutions that address global food security issues using STEM and robotics. His vision for STEM and robotics in Liberia is to see these fields grow and become an integral part of Liberia’s educational system. He believes that by fostering a strong foundation in STEM, young people can equip the next generation with the tools they need to solve pressing problems and drive economic growth.

Prince Kiatamba: Prince is a junior student at the Nathan E. Gibson Memorial Academy School. He has a passion for programming and coding. Prince assists with the software aspect of the team.

Endurance Times: Endurance is 14 years old and a student at Christ the King Catholic School. She aspires to become a commercial pilot and further become an airline pilot. She assists with building and maintaining the robot’s mechanical systems, ensuring it can perform the different required tasks efficiently.
Joseph Gayflor: Joseph is a junior student, and he aspires to become an aircraft engineer. At the age of 16, he specializes in design and 3D modeling, contributing to the structural and aesthetic aspects of the robot.

Solomon Prince Billot: Solomon has a strong interest in computer science and engineering. He has skills in different programming languages. His focus is on programming the team’s robot in autonomous and teleoperated modes. Solomon is looking forward to getting more insight from the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge, which is going to enable him to contribute to the development of Liberia.

Rohi O. Nelson: Rohi is 17 years old and an aspiring gynecologist. She anticipates that this challenge will provide a platform to explore innovative solutions to global food security issues through the lens of STEM. Rohi is eager to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, share ideas, and learn from their perspectives to address critical issues. Rohi’s vision for Liberia is one of transformation and empowerment. She believes that by fostering a robust STEM education and embracing technological advancements, the next generation can be given the skills they will need to prepare them for the future.

Richard A. Flomo II: Richard is skilled in operating and testing the robot. His hands-on approach ensures that the robot performs optimally under any condition. His mission is to provide other young people in Liberia with the privilege to hear about STEM education and get involved in hands-on learning activities through the STEM Club-Team Liberia school and community initiatives.

Austin D. Soper Jr. is 17 years old and a senior student at the B.W. Harris Episcopal School with the aspiration of becoming an environmentalist specializing in sustainable technology to solve real-world problems. Austin’s expectations for this year’s FIRST Global Challenge, theme “Feeding the Future,” are to work collectively with other passionate students from across the globe to develop innovative solutions to address sustainable challenges and foster critical thinking. He is excited to participate in the FIRST Global Challenge to learn from diverse perspectives and contribute to solving real-world problems.

William M. Teah II: William M. Teah II is 17 years old and a senior student at St. Kizito Catholic High School. He is one of the team’s mechanical designers, and he helps with the physical construction of the robot. William constantly challenges himself to learn and grow, both professionally and personally, at every opportunity he has. The FIRST Global Robotics Challenge will not only allow him to excel in his career but also provide a platform where he can use his skills and experiences to make meaningful impacts in Liberia and around the world.

Amos Paye Jr.: Amos is a student of the Licosses Demonstration School, and he is passionate about electronics and circuit designs. Amos believes that participating in the FIRST Global Challenge presents a unique opportunity for him to contribute to solving global challenges using STEM and robotics. He envisions a future where STEM education is accessible to all Liberian youth and robotics is used as a tool for innovation and development in various sectors of society. He is eager to participate in the FIRST Global Challenge because it allows him to engage with like-minded individuals from around the world, collaborate on innovative solutions, and showcase the potential of STEM and robotics to address pressing global issues. Through this experience, Amos hopes to gain valuable skills, knowledge, and inspiration that will empower him to make a positive impact in his community and beyond.

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