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About the Team

The LASA Robotics Team, AKA “Purple Haze,” is a group of high school students from the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) High School of Austin, Texas.

We share a common interest in robotics and engineering and an urge to solve problems beyond the textbook. The team attracts students of all types; about a third of team members are girls.

During competition seasons, we meet after school, before school, Saturday mornings, and even during lunch — whatever it takes to get the job done. While some see this as an obsession, we think it's fun.

A distinguishing aspect of the LASA Robotics Team is that we are student-run and mentor-guided. The Team elects team members to leadership positions, who work closely with our mentors. Underneath these leaders are subteam leads, each of whom manages a small group of students with a specific focus, such as robot construction or programming.

We also participate in many activities besides robotics competitions. We work to serve our community, inspire younger kids, and promote organizations such as FIRST and BEST. Read more below.

  • Our Competitions   ( 2 Articles )

    The LASA Robotics Team engages in two major competitions each year:

    BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology) in the fall -- specifically Capitol BEST and Texas BEST.

    FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in the spring -- specifically, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

    These are multi-faceted competitions, involving much more than building robots.

    The Team also sometimes participates in other competitions, such as with LEGO or VEX robotics.

  • Outreach and Fundraising   ( 5 Articles )

    Outside of competitions, team members work to help raise funds for team expenses, and also work to encourage other youth to pursue engineering (and science and math and technology). Sometimes, we combine these activities through events such as our SMART Camps or Wii Partii.

    Check out the articles to learn more.

    Also check out the "Fundraising and Outreach" Album in our Media Gallery.

  • Other Activities   ( 2 Articles )

    The Team does many things, including having fun,sometimes.

  • Team History and Overview   ( 4 Articles )

    Our teacher-coach, Anthony “Bert” Bertucci, started the LASA Robotics Team in 1995 to encourage student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We began participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition in 2000, and the BEST robotics competition in 1993. Since inception, the team has grown from 7 members to about 50.

  • Team FAQs   ( 6 Articles )
    Frequently Asked Questions about the LASA Robotics Team.
  • Showcase of Achievements   ( 5 Articles )
    Examples of our best work, awards, etc.
  • Pictures and Videos   ( 1 Articles )

    Drop Dead Design Day

    Visit our Gallery or our YouTube channel.