VIDEO: How UND is partnering with VEX Robotics to build the engineers and scientists of tomorrow
In this video, you’ll hear about why VEX matters — not just as a competition, but as a community that builds skills in robot design, programming, teamwork, and problem-solving.
“VEX Robotics, to put it simply, is changing people’s lives,” states Andrew Dahlen, a mechanical engineering lecturer at the UND College of Engineering & Mines. A part of the VEX Robotics community for 15+ years, a frequent emcee of the VEX Robotics World Championship, and long-time supporter of regional robotics programs, Dahlen champions VEX Robotics activities at the college.
Aside from establishing and presenting the VEX Robotics North Dakota Signature at the Alerus Center and taking up the torch of the now-named VEX Robotics University of North Dakota Signature at the Mall of America (the highly sought-after unofficial kick-off of the competitive season), the college also appears at regional events. Supporting middle school and high school events with the right tools and mentorship, UND has gained a significant presence in the competitive robotics community.
But what’s the big deal with VEX Robotics, and why is UND at the helm of these tournaments and events?
“We see this as a pipeline for engineering and computer science talent,” explains Chad Frost, the college’s Director of Outreach, Recruitment & Career Development. “Anything we can do to make that pipeline bigger is beneficial not only to UND’s College of Engineering & Mines, but just to society in general.”
“I got into VEX Robotics when I was in middle school,” reminisces Carter Malone, a UND mechanical engineering student who emceed for the recent VEX Robotics North Dakota Signature at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. At first, he only joined because his friends got involved, but it quickly became an important part of Malone’s life — and a pivotal deciding factor on what to do after high school.
When asked what aspect of VEX Robotics stands out to him, Malone’s answer was immediate: the community. “When we were at the tournament for the North Dakota Signature, you could just see how electric all of those students were. It really is so awesome to have such an amazing community that loves this sport so much.”
The UND College of Engineering & Mines has decidedly embraced the community as well.
“What I’ve witnessed personally being at this for 17 years now: young folks growing up, not having any interest in engineering or technology-type careers,” says Dahlen. “The next thing you know, they’re in VEX Robotics. And then we find them here at the University of North Dakota.”
