Tapped Minds - Built for the Moon: Inside Boise State's Student-Led Lunar Robotics

About this event

Looking for an easy way to learn something new and connect with others? Tapped Minds is a monthly Boise State Alumni Association event that brings interesting ideas out of the classroom and into a relaxed, social setting.

Join us on the first Monday of each month from 6–7 p.m. at Lost Grove Brewing for an engaging talk from someone in the Boise State community.

This month’s topic: Built for the Moon: Inside Boise State's Student-Led Lunar Robotics

What does it take to build a robot designed to explore the lunar surface? Join Oliver MacDonald, a Boise State graduate student in the College of Engineering, and instructor of the Bender Autonomous Robotics Systems (Bender ARS) team, for a behind-the-scenes look at the engineering, creativity and collaboration behind student-led lunar robotics.

Oliver will introduce the NASA Lunabotics Challenge and explore what goes into a season of building, testing and problem-solving. From navigation and chassis to drivetrain and regolith, discover how students across engineering subteams work together to design an autonomous robot and tackle the challenges of lunar exploration.

Learn how hands-on robotics, open-source technical content and cross-disciplinary collaboration help students develop the skills and resilience needed for careers in the technology industry. Oliver will also share the team's competitive journey, future goals and the opportunities this experience creates for students beyond Boise State.

Come curious and discover what it takes to build for the moon.

The presentation lasts about 30 minutes, followed by time for questions and casual conversation. Expect something more like a TED Talk: approachable, engaging and designed to spark curiosity.

Tapped Minds is open to alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members, and there is no cost to attend. An RSVP is encouraged to help with planning, but walk-ins are always welcome.

As a bonus, $1 from every beer sold between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. will be donated to the Boise State Alumni Association to support alumni programs and community-building efforts.

✅ RSVP FOR TAPPED MINDS HERE

Tapped Minds is presented by the Boise State Alumni Association and proudly supported by Lost Grove Brewing.