Meet The Team

I am currently immersed in the dynamic intersection of education and technology, holding dual roles that reflect my diverse expertise. At Vinci STEAM Education LLC, I am a dedicated STEAM teacher and Robotics Competition Team Coach. In this capacity, I not only deliver captivating lectures but also provide coaching for the FIRST Tech Challenge, fostering innovation and excellence.

Concurrently, I contribute my skills as a Senior Software Engineer at Symbotic, specializing in the intricate realm of routing for multi-agent systems. This dual engagement allows me to seamlessly navigate the realms of academia and industry, shaping my unique perspective on the evolving landscape of robotics engineering.

My academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where my research delved into pivotal areas such as reinforcement learning, stochastic optimal control, game theory, motion planning, and formal methods. This academic foundation serves as a robust underpinning for my professional roles, enabling me to make significant contributions to the field.

My educational background further includes a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.A. in English Language and Literature from Harbin Institute of Technology, China. Building upon this, I pursued and attained dual Master's degrees in Computer Science and Robotics Engineering from WPI, refining a skill set that positions me at the confluence of theoretical understanding and practical application.

It is the fusion of academic rigor and hands-on experience that ignites my passion for propelling the field of robotics forward. This intricate blend equips me with the insights and capabilities necessary to navigate the complexities of this ever-evolving discipline, driving innovation and progress in the world of robotics.

Hello! I am Zach Haga and I have been researching intelligent systems (computational neuroscience and cognitive robotics) for more than 20 years.  I am proud to be a part of Vinci and look forward to interacting and supporting the next generation of roboticists here at Vinci STEAM Educations.​​​​​​

Chenyu taught his first student in robotics in the summer of 2017 and taught over 200 students in robotics, coding, and innovation classes. Chenyu was a VEX IQ head coach in Vinci STEAM Educations in 2018 and led over 15 VEX robotics competition teams and won over 30 trophies, including SNE Regional Champions, awards at the CREATE US Open, and awards at the VEX World Championship. 

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By offering great content to benefit students as the ultimate goal, Chenyu, and his coach teams have developed over 150 hours of interactive, comprehensive, and fun teaching materials for robotics, coding, and innovation. So, students can enjoy and learn solid knowledge at Vinci STEAM Educations.

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Chenyu graduated from Brown University MS in Engineering.​​​​​​

Shuai Yuan  taught in University of South Carolina after graduation and equipped himself with extensive experience interacting with students.

Venturing beyond academia, he embraced the dynamic landscape of software engineering within SWIFT, where he harnessed his analytical acumen to craft elegant and efficient solutions that powered intricate systems.

His multifaceted journey led him to the inspiring realm of education again, this time within the VEX Robotics ecosystem. For a rewarding year, he undertook the role of an educator, imparting the principles of robotics, problem-solving, and creativity to students through engaging VEX IQ and VEX V5 programs. This experience enabled him to combine his passion for teaching with the excitement of cutting-edge technology, nurturing the next generation of innovators.

His diverse background equips him to approach challenges with a holistic perspective, integrating his skills to create meaningful and impactful contributions in VEX.

David, an extraordinary robot coach with an unwavering passion for the world of robotics. 
Graduating from Northeastern University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, David's expertise spans across various domains. 
With four years of hands-on experience in VEX robotic competitions and education, he has become proficient in 3D modeling, robot design, structure design, and the art of building and strategizing for competitions.

David's leadership skills shine brightly as he has successfully led more than 50 students to victory at the world championship, earning numerous trophies along the way. 
His dedication to his craft is evident in his boundless enthusiasm for robotic competitions, which fuels his commitment to mentor and guide young minds in this exciting and innovative field. 
As a coach, David serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging creativity, fostering teamwork, and instilling a sense of excellence in all his students. 
With his wealth of experience, knowledge, and unyielding passion, David stands as a true role model in the realm of robotics.

With a passion for steam that ignited in high school, Coach Engels swiftly advanced, undergoing two years of specialized training and shining in the First Robotics Competition. Before even stepping into college, he volunteered at the esteemed Harvard Museum of Natural History, bringing the intricate world of glass plants to life for visitors. He further showcased his prowess by leading hands-on engineering workshops at the MIT Museum.

Academic excellence led him to secure a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Post-graduation, Coach Engels invested thousands of hours teaching young minds at the Pioneer Charter School of Science, even initiating a robotics club that amplified students' intrigue in the discipline. Now, he is a proud educator at Vinci STEAM Educations, where he continually inspires his students.

Beyond the classroom, Coach Engels is an avid robot enthusiast, always tinkering and building. His commitment to continuous learning and aspiration to master robotics in the next decade underscores his dedication to the field.