Natick employee helps students bring robots to life

By Jane Benson, NSRDEC Public AffairsJuly 7, 2015

Jerry McCarthy NSRDEC STEM Outreach
Jerry McCarthy, an engineering technician at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, or NSRDEC, is committed to Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM, outreach. He helps high school students take their robot... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

NATICK, Mass. (July 6, 2015) -- Jerry McCarthy's skills and experience benefit Soldiers, students and even a few robots.

McCarthy is an engineering technician at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, or NSRDEC, and he is committed to science, technology, engineering and mathematics outreach at Natick High School. He works extensively with the robotics teams.

"Jerry is a terrific asset to the Fabrication Cell at NSRDEC, where his talents run the gamut from expert operation of a variety of Computer Numerical Control machines, such as lathes and milling machines, to welding and fabrication of new prototypes and equipment for the Soldier," said Ken Rice, team leader for NSRDEC's Design Engineering and Fabrication Team. "Jerry has taken a strong interest in STEM outreach, taking considerable personal time to help local students compete in national robotics competitions."

McCarthy enjoys bringing his knowledge to local students.

"Teaching is something I like doing," McCarthy said. "I have a passion for what I do, and I like to share it with people."

McCarthy believes that hands-on learning is essential. By building the robots themselves, the students increase their mechanical understanding of how things operate.

"Participant involvement is a huge part of teaching," he said.

Doug Scott, 2014 Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year, values McCarthy's help and expertise. Scott is a lead teacher for ROBONATICK. He led the Natick High School Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam to the White House Science Fair, where the team presented a robotic device used to assist firefighters performing underwater rescues.

"The skills Jerry taught to my students will last a lifetime," said Scott. "He was generous with his time, patient with the students, and made sure each student had an opportunity to learn. I am thankful for the time he was able to spend with my students."

One Natick High School student believes that by teaching them fabrication skills, McCarthy helped students take their robots to a higher level. Fabrication skills enabled club members to be better able to make custom parts, an important aspect of robot creation.

"Little tricks make a big difference," said McCarthy. "Typically, you have to work in the trade for years to know these things."

Another student appreciated the chance to use an arc welder and other tools that would have been difficult for her to learn on her own. McCarthy also taught the team about the drill press and band saw.

"These tools are handy to have," said McCarthy. "But if you misuse them, they are also very dangerous. It's important to teach the students proper techniques and safety."

"The best and most effective STEM outreach occurs when individuals, such as Jerry, share their time and talents with the young adults in our community," said Joanna Graham, NSRDEC's STEM outreach coordinator. "Natick High School's robotics team not only had the opportunity to learn from one of our subject matter experts in the field of metal fabrication and welding, they got to see firsthand how important science, technology, engineering and mathematics is in creating tangible solutions to real-world problems."

"These kids are very open to learning," said McCarthy. "The evolution of their knowledge is amazing. They are doing this on their own time after school. They take it seriously. These kids are brilliant. I'm hoping some will become future (NSRDEC) employees."

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The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to ensure decisive overmatch for unified land operations to empower the Army, the joint warfighter and our nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.

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U.S. Army Materiel Command

Army.mil: Science and Technology News

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