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STEM Hero

Dave Lavery

About
STEM Hall of Fame profile picture for Dave Lavery inducted in 2012.

B.S., Computer Science, Virginia Polytechnics Institute. M.S., Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence, George Mason. Program Executive for Solar System Exploration at NASA, oversight of design & development for next gen. Mars exploration spacecraft. Responsible for 2 Mars Rover missions & Euro-U.S. Mars Rover missions. Lead creation of 2016 Mars Rover Mission & Mars Advanced Technology Program. Founded & directs NASA Robotics Alliance Project.

Details

Wisdom: When I was younger I admired people like Neil Armstrong, Chuck Yeager, and John Glenn. Their exciting accomplishments inspired me and led to my career in space exploration. Today, I continue to be inspired and humbled by the achievements of those around me. These Hall of Fame inductees will inspire the next generation of heroes, and I am honored to be included among them.
Award: STEM Hero
Year: 2012
Title: Program Executive for Solar System Exploration
Organization: NASA
Location: Washington, DC, USA
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2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
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Robot Shipping Option
Freeman is our shipping partner for the VEX Robotics World Championship. Teams choosing to ship should ensure that their robots arrive on or AFTER May 5, 2025 to the Kay…
Judges observe participants at VEX Robotics World Championship
Volunteer | VEX Robotics World Championship
WE NEED PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU TO POWER THE VEX ROBOTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! Whether you participate solo or with a group of friends, family, or coworkers, you’ll make a huge…