2008 Woodie Flowers Finalist Award Nominee: Jeff Stuart

The team members of Westside Boiler Invasion (WBI) say that Jeff Stuart is Mr. "He can do it all." Stuart, a Purdue University senior studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, is the senior advisor for WBI for the 2008 season. He has been a dedicated member of the team for four years, and in the FIRST Robotics program for eight. However, he is more than a mentor; he is a role model and friend. He continues to motivate and inspire our team in ways we never thought possible.

Jeff's diligence has been exemplified in many situations. In the lab, he accomplishes tasks with the underlying purpose of teaching others about the intricacies of complex science and mechanics. He embraces the na'vet" of first year members and fills their minds with useful knowledge by mentoring them one-by-one and giving them invaluable hands on experience. Not only does he teach the students new skills, he advises other mentors and senior members about the importance of leadership. Purdue mentor and former member, Andrea Pluckebaum says about Jeff, "He is always accepting of the decisions we make and pushes us to become effective leaders." Indeed, his inert willingness to help improve the teams morale and spirit has been critical to the team's success over the past few years.

More then a mentor, Jeff has proven himself to be true friend. What sets him apart from other mentors is his prerogative to personally make sure that all students have the tools needed to succeed. He takes time before and after meetings to help members with homework and understanding school related tasks. However, this can't begin to portray the full scope of his dedication to the team. Ashley Deutsch, a sophomore, finds that Jeff, "Does everything he possibly can to make the working environment a positive atmosphere. Early in build season, I had a problem that made me uncomfortable at meetings to the point where I dreaded coming. But Jeff took time out of planning the design to sit and talk with me until we came to a general consensus on a solution. From then on, I had a new found respect for Jeff and actually looked forward to coming to robotics again." Talking to students on an individual basis is something that reflects on a key facet of his personality: that being part of a team means that all members feel accepted and connected. Junior John Tyler Moore sums up Jeff's personality in a nutshell, "Jeff is just amazing, simple as that."

No matter what Jeff Stuart accomplishes in the future, we at team 461 are certain that his involvement with our team has manifested itself in amazing ways that no one thought were possible. We know he will accomplish very great things in the future, just like he believes we can. As Jeff said, "This week is about how you all function as individuals, it's not the advisors, but you that will make this team admirable."