O V E R C L O C K
Derek Zhao
Overclock Robotics Alumni
Worlds Qualifier 3 Year Veteran Shop Manager
Key Achievements
🏆
11
Competition Awards
ACROSS 3 YEARS
📅
3
Years Active
🌍
2
Worlds Appearances
Career Summary
Derek Zhao served as Shop Manager during his three years in robotics, qualifying for the VEX World Championship in both 2019 and 2020. His first season culminated in a Tournament Finalist award, followed by a standout 2020 season where he earned Excellence, Amaze, and Build awards. The 2021 season brought consistent success in Robot Skills competitions, with two championships and five second-place finishes. Across his robotics career, Derek accumulated 11 competition awards, with particular strength in Robot Skills events. His technical achievements include one Excellence Award, which recognizes overall program quality, and multiple championships in Robot Skills competitions.
Leadership & Project Experience
Shop Manager - VEX Robotics Team 16099B
2020-2021: Change Up
Maintained a clean, organized, and safe workspace at all times
Oversees the proper use and storage of tools and materials
Ensures all team members follow safety protocols during build sessions
Keeps inventory of parts, tools, and consumables
Trains new members on equipment usage
Coordinated workshop operations to support competitive robot development
Coordinates equipment maintenance schedules and repair protocols
Member - VEX Robotics Team 16099C
2019-2020: Tower Takeover
Contributed to assigned tasks within their sub-team (build, code, notebook, etc.)
Stays engaged, asks questions, and learns actively from team leaders
Participates in team training and skill development programs
Supports team documentation through photos and progress notes
Assists with inventory management and organization tasks
Participates in team outreach and community engagement activities
Contributes to team troubleshooting and problem-solving sessions
Shop Manager - VEX Robotics Team 16099M
2018-2019: Turning Point
Maintained a clean, organized, and safe workspace at all times
Oversees the proper use and storage of tools and materials
Leads equipment calibration and quality control processes
Manages workshop scheduling and resource allocation
Coordinates emergency response procedures and safety protocols
Leads workshop efficiency analysis and improvement initiatives
Ensures all team members follow safety protocols during build sessions
Career Achievements
2021 Season
Change Up • Team 16099B • Shop Manager
2x Robot Skills Champion
2x Robot Skills Champion
Best combined autonomous and driver skills score demonstrating programming mastery, precision driving, and pressure performance.
Tier 3 Robot Skills Award
5x Robot Skills 2nd Place
5x Robot Skills 2nd Place
Second-best skills performance showing strong technical execution and strategic optimization in both challenge portions.
Tier 3 Robot Skills Award
2020 Season
Tower Takeover • Team 16099C • Member
Excellence Award
Excellence Award
Most prestigious award recognizing exceptional performance across all competition areas including documentation, interviews, and gameplay.
Tier 3 Judge Award
Amaze Award
Amaze Award
Combines competitive excellence with exceptional presentation skills, positive attitude, and ability to engage others.
Tier 1 Judge Award
Build Award
Build Award
Superior craftsmanship, innovative mechanical solutions, and robust construction with meticulous attention to manufacturing quality.
Tier 2 Judge Award
2019 Season
Turning Point • Team 16099M • Shop Manager
Tournament Finalists
Tournament Finalists
Finalist alliance teams reaching championship match through outstanding competitive performance, strategic thinking, and adaptability.
Tier 3 Performance Award
Technical Skills & Competencies

Workshop Management

Tool Management Safety Protocols Workspace Organization Equipment Maintenance Inventory Control Safety Training

Core Participation

Team Collaboration Active Learning Task Execution Meeting Participation Event Support Team Values

Core Robotics

Problem Solving Engineering Design Process Teamwork Critical Thinking Innovation Communication

Competition Excellence

World Championship Elite Competition Overall Excellence Robot Skills Performance Optimization Championship Performance
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