Our Team

Rexx: Rexx joined our BuffSciBorgs in his freshman year, enjoys Robotics, and our FTC Robot, Drexx, is named for him. He has participated in Robotics since the 7th grade and had exposure to Robotics even younger with his older brothers. He also has participated in Soccer club and is a children's ski instructor at Holiday Valley. He plans on continuing his education in the Robotics field. In his own words, "Some of the learning experiences that I have gained for Robotics Club is teamwork and gaining knowledge about mechanical devices, motors, gears, belts, chains, and bearings while building robots."

Sumya: Sumya joined our team this year as a junior. She has a 4.0 GPA and is the number one ranked student in her grade. She enjoys working as part of a team and learning new things, which is why she joined robotics. She interacts very well with others and can take leadership if needed. She was also apart of the Science Olympiad team in her freshman year and won sixth place in the mousetrap racecar competition with the vehicle her partner and she built. This sparked interest in her for anything science related. She worked at Roswell Park Cancer Institute over the summer and watching the research scientists and doctors, which really intrigued her. She very much enjoys this club. She likes selling baked goods for our bake sales during lunch periods, taking pictures for our engineering book, and just being a part of the creation of a robot that will later be able to do what we ask it to do through code. She might also be one of the coders for the robot because she took coding as a sophomore with Ms. Tabor. Sumya says, “Overall, I'm having a great time in robotics and am looking forward to the competitions.”

Rohaney Alifa: Rohaney joined our BuffSci team in 2018 as a Freshman. She loves to watch funny cartoons, especially Shin-chan. She also loves to sleep. In Rohaney's words, "I love robotics because it taught me how technology has advanced and how we can use it to control a robot and tell it what to do."

Ivelis: Ivelis joined our team as a Sophomore.She joined Robotics initially because she wanted to help her peers out. She also joined the bowling team and enjoyed competing against other teams. She takes honor classes and is a very good student. She is enjoying the school year and is up to the challenge. She helps with baking brownies for our bake sales to help raise money for our team. When asked what she is learning from robotics, she says, “The most important thing I have learned is that we need to stay organized to succeed.”

Batool:

Batool joined the BuffSciBorgs in her freshman year. She loves to draw and design things. She can make things that are hard for others and is always positive with others.She likes to look forward to the future and is a hard worker. In her own words, “I like robotics club because it helps us in the future to be creative and make a difference in the world.”

Mr. Joseph B. Polat: Mr. Polat has been the Director of the Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School (BuffSci) since September 2015. A Ph.D. candidate at the State University of New York at Buffalo, Mr. Polat earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics Education from Bogaziçi University; and a Master of Arts degree in Applied Mathematics from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He also holds a Certificate of Advanced Education Leadership (CAEL) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Prior to joining the BuffSci team in 2011, Mr. Polat gained extensive experience in teaching, curriculum development and educational leadership in K-12 schools in New York, New Jersey and abroad. Mr. Polat has nearly 20 years of educational experience, spanning all areas of K-12 education with special emphasis on educational technologies and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics). His experience includes classroom teaching, coaching winning Robotics and Science Olympiad teams in New Jersey and New York, learning sciences, and forging collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders in addition to school administration.

In line with the goal of sustaining the nurturing culture at BuffSci, Mr. Polat places paramount importance on student achievement. He believes every student is endowed with a set of skills necessary to pursue their dreams; and he works tirelessly to ensure that necessary tools and supports are in place for each student to help them achieve their highest potential. Mr. Polat also acknowledges the great team of administrators, teachers, and support staff who work with him to fulfill the vision and mission of BuffSci and believes that dedicated teamwork transcends any hardships and obstacles along the way to success.

Ms. Serena Tabor: Ms. Tabor has been with the BuffSci team since September 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, a post-baccalaureate in Secondary Mathematics, and a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics Education from Western Governors University. Prior to joining the BuffSci team, Ms. Tabor worked for 25 years as a legal assistant/paralegal for various law firms in Western New York.

Ms. Tabor enjoys the way the math works in engineering and computer science. She believes FIRST is a great opportunity for students to learn about engineering and math while having fun in an environment of gracious professionalism, and she loves seeing the students succeed while doing so.

Jeff Britton: Jeffrey Britton is a design and mechanical mentor. He started mentoring BuffSciBorgs in the 2018 Rover Ruckus FTC season. Jeffrey is a FIRST alumni of team 4930 Electric Mayhem participating through all of high school. He was on mechanical and the lead robot designer, he was also a founding member of 4930. He was safety captain of 4930 for two years in addition to his other responsibilities to the team. He has expertise in computer aided design, 3D printing and is knowledgeable in machining and electrical layout. Jeffrey is a sophomore and a computer science with a minor in music at Canisius College.

Tanisha: Tanisha is a 2018 graduate of the Buffalo Academy of Science Charter High School. Born in Bangladesh, she began school in the United States at age 14 and immediately joined our BuffSciBorgs Robotics Club. Throughout her high school career, she has also been a member of the basketball team, soccer team, track team, chess club, Japanese culture club, the debate team, Science Olympiads, and the National Honor Society. She has been the main coder for the BuffSciBorg robots, and her participation and fondness for coding has led her to consider a STEM path for college.

In Tanisha's words, "The robotics team is more than just an after-school activity, it has the potential to be your extended family, and if you are dedicated enough, I guarantee you will be staying there more than your own home. It has taught me that going steady with a team has a much higher rate of success than carrying the burden by yourself. Your teammates are there to help you and advise you, and your mentors will be more than happy to guide you. It was a great experience!"

Isaiah: Isaiah is a 2019 graduate of the Buffalo Academy of Science Charter High School. As a member of our FIRST Robotics Club for five years, Isaiah has exemplified the FIRST Tech Challenge Core Values in his leadership, integrity, commitment, entrepreneurship and creativity, all while maintaining a spirit of gracious professionalism with his team and in his school as a whole. Isaiah takes the lead in making sure everyone has something to do and is gracious in answering any and all questions other team members may have. As captain of our FRC team, he ensures no student is left out of any of the activities involved in building, coding, promoting, and competing with our FTC and FRC robots. As President of his class, a member of student government, and a member of the National Honor Society, Isaiah is a model student who was selected as a semi-finalist for the FIRST Dean's List Award. Isaiah believes FIRST will provide him with an outstanding learning experience to accompany his passion for all things science and math.

Mahjabin: Mahjabin is a 2019 graduate of the Buffalo Academy of Science Charter High School. She has been a member of our BuffSciBorgs for three years now. She is a driver and driver captain during our competitions. In addition to Robotics, Mahjabin is also a member of the bowling club. She is still undecided for college majors, though graphic design and culinary arts are at the top of her list. In Mahjabin's words, "I've gained different learning experiences in my 3 years of Robotics. I've learned how to cooperate with others and take into account others' ideas. From our many Robotics competitions and events I've learned how to interact with other teams and have fun at the same time, and knowing the importance of Gracious Professionalism."

Rezwana: Rezwana is a 2019 graduate of the Buffalo Academy of Science Charter High School. She has been a member of the BuffSciBorgs since she was in 8th grade. Throughout her Robotics career, her knowledge of basic machinery has increased, and she has enjoyed creating special bonds with new people who are also her team members. She is also a member of the bowling team and takes AP courses. Rezwana plans a career in Engineering, which is a major reason she joined our Robotics team.

In Rezwana's words, "Being in this club made me realize the importance of teamwork and also realize how crucial it is to manage my time wisely."

Mr. Klay L. Diakos: Mr. Diakos is taking a hiatus from the robotics team as he concentrates on his position as the ENL/ESL teacher at BuffSci. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and his Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Buffalo, as well as his Advanced Certification in TESOL from D'Youville College.

Mr. Diakos has a burning passion for all things related to technology, and would therefore like nothing more than to see his valued students get hands on knowledge and experience with robotics. He personally believes there is no better place than FIRST for his students to gain this valuable experience.