BadgerBOTS Robotics is primarily a volunteer organization. The individuals involved in the organization have a passion for working with youth and a desire to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education to students and adults throughout Dane County.
Executive Director: Lisa Bartig
Ms. Bartig is the current Executive Director and Wisconsin FIRST LEGO League Partner. Lisa graduated from Carroll University with a degree in Computer Science. She is passionate about electronics and computing. She joined BadgerBOTS in 2013 when she was hired as the Wisconsin FIRST LEGO League Partner to manage Wisconsin’s 370 teams and 18 tournaments.
BADGERBOTS ROBOTICS – PROGRAM DIRECTORS
FIRST LEGO® League (FLL)
Lisa Bartig
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
Jeff Bartig
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
Nic Fouts & Jacob Steffler
BADGERBOTS ROBOTICS CORPORATION – OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Ben Senson
Mr. Senson is the founder of BadgerBOTS and a Madison Memorial High School (Project Lead the Way) Aerospace Engineering, Physics and Integrated Science teacher. Mr. Senson is also a PLTW Aerospace Engineering Master Teacher and curriculum developer. He is the author of “Aerospace Engineering: From the Ground Up”. He is a tireless advocate for science and technology education. His passion and talents for engaging and inspiring students of all ages in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is contagious and genuine. He has three children who are actively involved in the organization. Several of his earlier teaching accomplishments were detailed in a 2008 Isthmus cover story.
SECRETARY: Teri Hedges
Ms. Hedges is a teacher leader – math for the Madison Metropolitan School District and has been actively involved in the organization for a number of years. Ms. Hedges is currently the FLL Program Director.
TREASURER: Lisa Bartig
BADGERBOTS ROBOTICS CORPORATION – Board of Directors
Jeff Bartig
Mr. Bartig is a Senior Interconnection Architect for Internet2. Previously he served the University of Wisconsin for over 20 years in a variety of IT roles. For BadgerBOTS he is the director of the First Tech Challenge (FTC) program as well as head referee in the First Lego League (FLL) program. He has two children that have been active in BadgerBOTS. He has served on the board since 2012.
Karina Burkard
Ms. Burkard is currently a stay-at-home mom and her children have been very active in the BadgerBOTS First Lego League program. Karina has a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Rochester. She has extensive non-profit experience in parent support organizations, serving on boards and in officer roles. She joined the BadgerBOTS board in 2014.
Rory Foster (Chairman)
Mr. Foster is a patent attorney focusing on mechanical devices, hydraulics, controls, and other technology and previously worked as a mechanical engineer. He received his engineering degree from MIT and his law degree from Harvard. He started with BadgerBOTS as a mentor for a community center robotics club and is committed to expanding STEM opportunities for all children.
Jen Wicihowski
Ms. Wicihowski is the Marketing Director at Employee Benefits Corporation. Jen graduated from UW-Madison and has built her career in financial services working as a trainer, technical writer, marketer, and marketing leader. She is passionate about communication and giving community members access to education. Jen has brought her experience with communication and messaging to BadgerBOTS fundraising and marketing. She joined the board in 2018 through the Nonprofit Draft Day.
Joel Cryer
Mr. Cryer is an alumnus of BadgerBOTS’ FLL and FRC programs. He went on to attend UW-Madison, graduating with a bachelor’s in biological systems engineering in May 2018. He currently works on the UW-Madison campus in a Forest and Wildlife Ecology lab, and has strong interests in automated plant phenotyping. Joel has served in a range of volunteer roles within BadgerBOTS during and after college, and is excited to bring an alumnus perspective to the Board.
Damini Dhawal
Ms. Dhawal is the Manager of Application Development at American Family Insurance. Damini graduated from UW-Madison with Masters in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and has build her career in Engineering and IT working as a engineer, PM, and leader. She is a huge proponent of K-12 STEM education, and champion of Women in Tech. She has been a volunteer, and board of director for other non-profits in the past. She has also volunteered in several roles for Badgerbots as FLL coach for last 3 years, and been involved for last 6 years. She joined the board in 2020.
