BadgerBots Welcomes Cat Shehan as FIRST® LEGO® League and Outreach Coordinator

BadgerBots is thrilled to welcome Cat Shehan as our new FIRST® LEGO® League and Outreach Coordinator. As a FIRST® youth robotics alum, Cat saw firsthand how team robotics gives kids a place to explore, build confidence and find a lasting love of creative problem-solving.

Cat’s work will focus on giving more Wisconsin youth a chance to explore STEAM. She’ll do that by helping to grow FIRST LEGO League (a robotics program for students in grades 4-8), and by bringing hands-on STEAM activities directly to communities. Along with starting new FLL teams and supporting coaches, she’ll build partnerships that help BadgerBots reach kids who might not otherwise get to try robotics.

Cat’s background spans scientific research, classroom teaching, disability advocacy and community outreach. She holds a BS in Food Science from Purdue University, an MS in Food Science from Pennsylvania State University and an MAT in Early Childhood and Special Education from the University of Saint Joseph. Driven by a commitment to educational equity, Cat focuses on meeting families and organizations where they are, breaking down barriers to entry and increasing access to meaningful, hands-on STEAM learning.

“This role is about reaching more kids, whether that’s through FLL or a STEAM activity at a community event,” said BadgerBots Executive Director Mark Rushton. “Cat’s experience in education and outreach makes her a great fit for both.”

“Every kid who’s curious about STEAM should have a way to get involved,” Cat said. “I'm excited to bring hands-on STEAM to communities across Wisconsin so kids across the state can build and explore.”

Cat takes over the role from Emily Luffey, who recently became BadgerBots’ Lead Educator after Melinda McLaughlin’s retirement. We’re grateful for Emily's work growing FLL over the past year and excited to see her continue making an impact in her new role.

Please join us in welcoming Cat to the BadgerBots team!