For Nathan Matlack, robotics has always been more than just a hobby; it’s been a family affair and the foundation of his career. His journey began early, inspired by his mom, Kristi Matlack, who started the robotics program at their local school district and remains a coach today. Additionally, Kristi is part of the RECF’s esteemed STEM Hall of Fame. His father, Clint, was equally involved throughout the years by volunteering at tournaments and later joining the RECF after retiring from a long career in the technology industry.
“I was building with blocks before I even knew what robotics was,” Nathan said. “When VEX IQ began in 2013 in my area, I jumped in and never stopped.”
From elementary school through graduation in 2022, Nathan participated in VEX Robotics every year. His team, 6008B – The Rolling Wheels, stayed consistent from middle school through high school. “We named it after literally rolling wheels down the hallway in sixth grade, and it stuck.”
In his junior and senior years, Nathan attended Tri-Rivers Career Center’s RAMTEC program, an engineering initiative, which provided hands-on training in robotics automation and offered industry certifications. This experience directly launched his career. When a company visited the program, Nathan submitted a resume, got an offer, and started working as a robotics applications engineer straight out of high school.
“College is a great path for some, but I wanted real-world experience,” he said. “Robotics helped me develop the skills and confidence to go right into the workforce.” He credits the RECF and VEX Robotics with preparing him far beyond the technical skills he needed. “Notebooking, interviews, communication, collaboration, it all translated,” Nathan said. “We’d plan our strategy for judges, and when it came time for real job interviews, I already knew how to walk in and deliver.”
Nathan also competed at the VEX Robotics World Championship three times, gaining valuable cross-cultural experience that now applies to his job. “I remember strategizing with a team from across the world by drawing out diagrams. Today, I do the same when working with international clients.”
Even as he advances professionally, Nathan remains connected to the RECF and VEX Robotics community by judging at local events and supporting major competitions, such as the Kalahari Classic Signature Event. He’s constantly amazed at how today’s students continue to innovate. “I look at their designs and think, ‘How are they already doing this?’ The bar keeps rising.”
His advice to students thinking about joining robotics teams? “Just go for it. You’ll make lifelong friends, gain real skills, and open doors you didn’t even know existed. And if you’re already on a VEX Robotics team, you’ll never stop improving. That mindset will take you far.”
Nathan’s robotics journey is a powerful example of how early STEM experiences, combined with family support and hands-on learning, can pave a clear path from the classroom to a career.
