The Button Master: FIRST^® Alum Turned Aerospace Panel Expert

Meet Alex, alum of FIRST^® Robotics Competition Team 1718 “The Fighting Pi.” Officially recognized by FIRST^® as the Button Master, Alex is now utilizing his STEAM and button collecting expertise to foster skills and STEM excitement among the next generation of changemakers. He has passionately served as a mentor for the “Fighting Pi” and now for FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1498 “The Polar Pilots.”

Inspired by his first introduction to robotics when attending his brother’s robotics state championship, Alex began collecting buttons early on. He attributes community activities such as button collecting to helping him feel included in the robotics world. This sparked his passion for STEM, leading him to becoming an Aerospace Panel Builder at Intec Automated Controls.

Now traveling and working on projects like NASA’s Artemis program and a reusable rocket program, Alex is dedicated to bringing everything he learns from his time in the field to the students that he mentors.

Keep reading to learn more about the Button Master and how his FIRST participation inspired his STEM journey.

FIRST Staff: Can you share some information about your current role at Intec Automated Controls?

Alex: I build, wire, install, and troubleshoot control panels that run turnkey aerospace manufacturing. I also help train and manage quality control for the other builders that I work with.

FIRST Staff: What is your favorite part of your current role as an Aerospace Panel Builder at Intec Automated Controls?

Alex: I get to travel all over the U.S. to places like NASA and Boeing to aid in the implementation of the control panels. I also get to have my hand in some amazing projects, like the Artemis program and the New Glenn reusable rocket program, among many others!

FIRST Staff: What is the hardest part of your job?

Alex: It must be when I install a panel on-site and there is a technical issue. This has to be figured out quickly so that the panel can be ready in time. I utilize the problem-solving skills I learned from FIRST in these moments that require quick thinking.

FIRST Staff: How do you use STEAM skills in your everyday work/life?

Alex: I am always using math and engineering in my job to either fix electrical drawings that are incorrect or to double check safety circuits, making sure everything functions properly.

I even use engineering on my button armor! I have had to overcome some practical issues for an upcoming project I am working on called “Project Drywall.”

Alex with two-time Survivor contestant and FIRST alum, Christian Hubicki

FIRST Staff: Can you share more about your button collection? How did all of this get started?

Alex: About nine years ago I was at the FIRST Robotics Competition state championship in Michigan with my brother (a student on a team) and my father (a mentor). This was my first introduction into robotics, so I was wide-eyed exploring with another mentor when I stumbled across someone who had a trench coat filled with buttons. I was so mesmerized that I vowed that one day I would have one of my own.

After I made my first jacket, it was such a hit with the community that I decided to expand and build it into a suit of armor. The more popular the armor got, the more I decided to expand.

FIRST Staff: Can you share the impact that community traditions like button trading have had on your passion for STEAM?

Alex: There are many community traditions that I greatly enjoy and some that sadly are no longer practiced as much, like how teams would call out to each other in the stands between matches and get them to dance. But button collecting and trading is by far my favorite because it allows anyone and everyone to bring home a little souvenir from teams in your community and around the world. Anyone can start a collection, allowing them to join a small community within the larger community.

FIRST Staff: Can you share your thoughts on the impact of your personal/professional work in STEAM?

Alex: I feel like I am making a difference. I take all of my experiences from my work and share that knowledge with my students. Opening a whole new world of opportunity that they did not even know existed, like I did not until someone opened that door for me.

Alex with two-time Survivor contestant and FIRST alum, Christian Hubicki

FIRST Staff: Who is a “Person of STEAM” who inspires you?

Alex: 100% Mark Rober! I adore his creativity and ingenuity. I always think to myself, “How would Mark solve this?,” when presented with a situation that I feel is out of my skill set. I have dreamed of working with him to fabricate something for my armor to help inspire new collectors to never give up because they think it is too hard.

FIRST Staff: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Alex: Never give up, no matter how hard or unobtainable you feel it might be; never stop trying. Because one day you will turn around and see how far you have come.

FIRST Staff: Do you have a message you want to share for students who are participating in FIRST today?

Alex: Do not be scared to try something new and do not care what other people might think. If you want to try something new, or join a random conga line at competitions, or go meet students from other schools, states, or even countries. Then go, because one day you might end up being covered in way too many buttons getting your picture taken.

Alex with two-time Survivor contestant and FIRST alum, Christian Hubicki

FIRST Staff: What advice do you have for someone wanting to start a button collection like yours?

Alex: Never stop collecting, the only thing stopping you from getting a collection as big as mine is yourself. Be creative, be relentless, and be ready. Because these buttons get heavy quickly.

Also, I have been at the top too long. I am waiting for someone to dethrone me as The Button Master.

Are you a person of STEAM? Share your story with #PeopleofSTEAM on social media or send us your story at marketing@firstinspires.org.