UFH: Dr. Joseph Johnson

[Karthik]

For a man who I've only spoken to in passing a handful of times over the years, it's amazing how much "Dr. Joe" has shaped my FIRST career. I have many great memories of my first ever FIRST event at GLR in 1998, but two special ones surround Dr. Joe.

The first ever FIRST match I saw featured the fabulous Chief Delphi bot. The match started with the Chief raising it's elevator to descore a big ball in the 3 pt. position. Then it happened. The robot moved sideways. My jaw hit the floor. "How'd they do that?" I was fascinated by swerve drive. Seeing a robot that cool inspired me to continue in FIRST. I wanted to learn how to make that happen. But moreso, I wanted to be able to make people's jaws drop. If you take a good look at the 1114 robot from 2004, you'll notice many similarities to the CD bot from 1998. No coincidence at all.

The other memory of Dr. Joe that sticks out in my mind has to do with his pre and post match rituals. I'll never forget the FIRST time I saw him do the "ooga chant" as I call it. The whole crowd was pumped up and into it. I'd never seen this kind of energy at an educational event. It was crazy, and I loved it.

Dr. Joe has been a FIRST pioneer in these two major ways. He's always been a technological innovator, providing inspirational designs for all to see. And on the other side, he has helped create the "rock concert" like atmosphere that sets FIRST apart from any other event of it's kind. (Yes, from the "ooga chant". Seeing someone as respected as Dr. Joe show that much enthusiam, makes each of us less self conscious to do the same) The impact of this can't be overstated. It makes FIRST friendly to all types of young people. This kind of environment that's exciting for all, can only help us achieve our long term goal of a culture change.

It's fitting the Dr. Joe and Raul have been honoured consecutively. Dean Kamen has always wanted engineers to havena celebrity like status. Well in my books, these two are the biggest stars we've got.

Congratulations Dr. Joe Johnson, and thanks for making my 8 year ride that much more exciting.