About Us

INNOVATION THROUGH ROBOTICS

Founded in 2011, Aperture Science is an award-winning FTC robotics team based at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Morganton. As a leading team in North Carolina, we have consistently ranked among the top teams worldwide, demonstrating excellence in design, innovation, and performance.

Beyond competition, our mission is to promote robotics and STEM education throughout North Carolina and beyond. Through outreach, mentorship, and collaboration, we aim to inspire the next generation of engineers, problem-solvers, and leaders in STEM.

108

TOTAL NO-PENALTY OPR

94%

GLOBAL NP OPR PERCENTILE

136

TEAM VOLUNTEER HOURS

1982

PEOPLE REACHED GLOBALLY

What is

First Tech Challenge

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is an international robotics program for students that combines the excitement of competitive robotics with hands-on STEM education. In FTC, teams design, build, and program custom robots to complete complex tasks in an annual game challenge.

Each season, participants engage in problem-solving, project management, and creative design, gaining real-world experience in a supportive and competitive environment. FTC fosters a passion for innovation, inspiring the next generation of engineers and leaders.

Cardinal Gibbons RobotStarter ChassisCRI EndgameRobot Demonstration at Spooky Science NightBull City FLL Scrimmage RefereeingFixing the RobotRobot Demonstration at Spooky Science NightBull City FLL Scrimmage RefereeingCardinal Gibbons RobotStarter ChassisCRI EndgameRobot Demonstration at Spooky Science NightBull City FLL Scrimmage RefereeingFixing the RobotRobot Demonstration at Spooky Science NightBull City FLL Scrimmage RefereeingCardinal Gibbons RobotStarter ChassisCRI EndgameRobot Demonstration at Spooky Science NightBull City FLL Scrimmage RefereeingFixing the RobotRobot Demonstration at Spooky Science NightBull City FLL Scrimmage Refereeing
Robot Demonstration at Spooky Science NightMiddle School Robot DemonstrationBranding WorkshopInto the Deep Kickoff Mechanical Concepts PresentationCardinal Gibbons MatchGroup Photo at 2024 KickoffCardinal Gibbons MatchLinear Motion WorkshopRobot Demonstration at Spooky Science NightMiddle School Robot DemonstrationBranding WorkshopInto the Deep Kickoff Mechanical Concepts PresentationCardinal Gibbons MatchGroup Photo at 2024 KickoffCardinal Gibbons MatchLinear Motion WorkshopRobot Demonstration at Spooky Science NightMiddle School Robot DemonstrationBranding WorkshopInto the Deep Kickoff Mechanical Concepts PresentationCardinal Gibbons MatchGroup Photo at 2024 KickoffCardinal Gibbons MatchLinear Motion Workshop

meet our team

Meet the members of Aperture Science! Our team brings together dedicated minds from across North Carolina, each contributing their unique skills to the team. Whether it's mechanical design, programming, or non-technical roles, every member plays a vital part in our success.

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Pete

Mechanical Lead

Dedicated Robor enthusiast.

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Ryan

Software Lead

I like software. I enjoy sprinting the halls of NCSSM and live in that one study room next to the cafeteria. I'm also the #1 Chick-Fil-A DoorDasher in the state.

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Sarrah

Non-Technical Lead

Hi I'm Sarrah, I do administration and nontechnical. I love rock climbing, roller skating, chemistry, applesauce and the color purple. This is my last season in FTC and I am so excited to compete in Into the Deep!

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Pippa

Mechanical
Non-Technical

Hi, I'm Pippa!! This is my fifth year in FTC and I've lost count of my years in FIRST. I love astronomy, art, listening to music, keeping plants, wire management, and meteoritics, but most of all, I love Aperture Science.

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Benji

Mechanical

I'm ben aka Benji aka pro Fortnite gamer I do mechanical!!! I also am way worse than peter at 8ball

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Alex

Mechanical

Hi, I'm Alex. I love music, biking, and robots. I plan to attend NCSU next year and keep making stuff!

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Parker

Mechanical

I'm Parker, a junior at NCSSM and a third year FTC member. I like robotics (What a surprise), but I also like to play soccer and video games.

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Juliet

Mechanical
Non-Technical

I'm Juliet Wang, a junior at NCSSM Morganton. I've been in FIRST for 4 years, and it's my first on Aperture Science. I love origami, indie music, and visual novels.

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Jacob

Software
Non-Technical

I'm from Greenville, NC, and this is my second year in FTC. I have a passion for electronics and programming, working on everything from microcontrollers to game development and web design.

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Audrey

Non-Technical
Software

Hi, my name is Audrey and I'm from Winston-Salem, nc! In my free time, I do robotics and I love to cook.

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Ansea

Non-Technical

Hey! My name is Ansea and I'm from Cary NC. This will be my third year being part of FIRST. In my free time I enjoy doing astrophotography and engaging in STEM opportunities.