PHOENIX — A group of seven female ASU students won the title of world champions on Sunday after competing in the 27th International Robosub Competition.
Camila Treviño, project manager for Si Se Puede Foundation Stem Center, said the group, called Desert WAVE (Women in Autonomous Vehicle Engineering), was created in 2019 in collaboration with Arizona State University.
"It's part of the goals and the mission of Si Se Puede to continue to grow safe learning environments for underrepresented communities in STEM," Treviño explained. "Part of our mission, and doing that, is creating an inclusive environment for women to grow and learn in engineering."
Desert WAVE competed against 41 teams from 18 different countries with two autonomous underwater robots named Dragon and Baby Dragon.
"There are different missions that Dragon has to complete, including shooting torpedoes through a target, as well as being able to use vision to identify different colors when it comes to dropping markers," Treviño said. "We also have Dragon travel through the entirety of the pool to surface in an octagon area."
The group used technology such as laser printers, laser cutters, and computer numerical control (CNC) machines to create the robots.
Nany Esquivel, a team member on Desert WAVE, said as the oldest in her family, she wanted to set a good example and inspire others.
"Since I was little I always creative, I loved learning I was passionate about inspiring others as well," Esquivel said. " If you want to do something you should look for opportunities to do that."
Jaqueline Villanueva Castro, who is part of the electrical team, said as a first-generation college student, being accepted into Arizona State University was a big deal and noted her parents were in shock when she told them she wanted to join their engineering program.
"They didn't even know what that was," Villanueva Castro said. "When I explained it to them, they were still in disbelief and they were like, 'I don't even know is you're even going to make it. Are you going to be ok?' I explained to them, 'I'm going to do my best. I'm going to go down trying.'"
Paulina Garibay, the team's electrical lead who is also a first-generation college student, said what helped her the most was "not being afraid to ask questions".
"For me, I have to figure out what I want to do and how to do it," Garibay said. "That's what has really helped me and this group has also been a part of that."
Litzi Matancillas, the mechanic lead on the team, said some people doubted they could win the championship but said they didn't let it hinder their success.
"A lot of people didn't believe that an all-women's team could do it," Mantancillas said. "Winning first place, we were able to show we could actually win first place and just because we are women we can't do what we set our minds to."
In addition to winning the world title, Desert Wave was also awarded a $6,000 check.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.