Andrew Botchwey
About Me....
My name is Edward Andrew Botchwey and I am a Senior at Charles R. Drew Charter School. I am a writer, researcher, and avid learner/student. I've always been interested in exploring the intersection of science and creativity, and I plan to study Robotics/Mechanical Engineering as an undergraduate student.
In my free time, I enjoy practicing Muay Thai and playing Tennis. As a leader on Drew's tennis team, these activities reflect both my commitment to physical fitness and mental clarity and focus. I also spend time volunteering with FODAC (Friends Of Disabled Adults and Children), where I apply my technological and hands on skills to repair wheelchairs for people who are disabled.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I am also a published author. I recently published my first novel titled "The Infection," a gripping tale of survival in a world plagued by a deadly virus. As a Student Researcher in Georgia Institute of Technology's LIDAR Lab, I work on an Adaptable Gripper for Complex Tasks, which is meant to make tasks in varying environments far easier and more convenient to complete. I was chosen to represent Drew Charter School in the 2023 International Science Fair for my work on this project.
Overall, my varied interests and experiences have helped shape me into the person I am today. I am excited to continue exploring new areas of study and pursuing my passions both inside and outside of the classroom in writing, research, community impact, and learning.
Future Goals
I aspire to become a Robotics Engineer and establish a business that pioneers cutting-edge technology to elevate human experiences. To achieve this, I plan to attend a prestigious engineering university after high school and through this educational journey, acquire business acumen and advanced skills in robotics.
My primary pursuit is to create robots that can perform dangerous tasks to decrease/mitigate the risk to human life present in jobs undertaken by firefighters, police officers, construction workers, and others in potentially unsafe careers. Through this work, I hope to serve society through advanced robotics technology that can elevate the human experience while ensuring the safety of individuals who risk their lives for others every day.
Honors and Awards
School:
Spanish Honor Society (10th grade)
Honor Roll with Distinction, 98-100% (5th grade to present)
#1 Male Tennis Player (9th grade), #3 Male Tennis Player (11th grade)
Science Fair (8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grades)
Principal’s Honor Roll (5th grade to present)
Top Reader Award (4th to 7th grades)
District/Regional:
Science Fair, Atlanta Public Schools, Bronze Award (10th), Project: “M.E.D Drone”
Science Fair, Atlanta Public Schools, Silver Award (9th), Project: “Tennis Tank 2.0”
Science Fair, Atlanta Public Schools, Silver Award (8th), Project: “Tennis Tank 1.0”
Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl (8th, 9th)
Poster presentation award, Project Engages, Georgia Institute of Technology (summer 2022, 11th grade)
Georgia Tech Best EV3 Programming from a GT Summer Camp (8th grade)
Hands on Atlanta, Outstanding volunteer recognition (10th)
Science Fair, Atlanta Public Schools, Naval award (12th) Project: “An adaptable gripper for complex tasks”
State:
Science fair participant, Project: A dexterous gripper for precise and delicate tasks (11th grade)
Governor’s Honors Nomination (Engineering), State Semifinalist (10th)
Drew Charter School Debate Team, Atlanta Urban Debate League State Championship (9th)
Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl (8th)
National:
Broadcom Masters, for outstanding performance at a District Science Fair, Society of Science's fair in 2019 and as a top science fair project in the nation (8th)
Yale University, Science and Engineering Association, Inc - Most outstanding exhibit in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (11th grade)
International:
Chosen to present project: “An adaptable gripper for complex tasks”