SCAPPOOSE, OR — OMIC R&D, Oregon’s premier advanced manufacturing research and workforce development organization, recently partnered with the Centro PDX OPPS robotics team from Cornelius to provide critical machining support ahead of the team’s upcoming pre-qualifier tournament — a key stepping stone on their journey to state competition.
The Centro PDX OPPS team arrived at OMIC R&D with a clear goal and the raw material in hand — a piece of 6061 aluminum — but needed access to professional machining equipment and expertise to drill and cut the part to specification. OMIC’s team answered the call, working directly with the students to complete the component and keep the team’s competition preparation on track.
OMIC staff members John Timmerman, Cole Erhardt, and Mikala Stofiel worked hands-on with the robotics team throughout the process, guiding them through the machining steps and sharing industry knowledge along the way. The collaboration reflects OMIC’s broader commitment to inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals by connecting students with real-world manufacturing environments and experts.
“At OMIC, we believe that one of the most important investments we can make is in our students,” said Don Hendrickson, Executive Director of OMIC R&D. “When a group of young people show up with a problem to solve and the drive to compete, we want to be the place that helps them succeed. Experiences like these plant seeds for careers in advanced manufacturing and STEM — and that’s exactly the kind of community impact we’re here to make.”
The engagement also highlights the value of accessible, community-focused manufacturing resources for educational programs. As robotics competitions grow increasingly sophisticated, student teams often require precision-machined components that go beyond what school workshops can provide. OMIC’s professional-grade facilities and skilled staff bridge that gap.
“This is what OMIC is all about — opening our doors and sharing our capabilities with the community,” said Urmaze Naterwalla, Director of Research and Operations at OMIC R&D. “Working alongside these students gave our team a chance to show them what a career in advanced manufacturing looks like in practice. We’re proud to play even a small role in their success, and we’re rooting for them all the way to state.”
OMIC R&D continues to seek opportunities to engage with local schools, student organizations, and community groups to foster interest in manufacturing careers and STEM education throughout Oregon.