Mechatronics Student's Interest in Robotics Sparked at STEM Camp

May 6, 2025 – Ellen Carrillo Mayoral was 13 years old when she was introduced to robotics and electronics at a STEM camp at Richmond Community College. Ellen was among 25 young girls who took part in the “Girls Exploring Engineering” camp in February 2020 hosted by women engineering instructors at RichmondCC. That day sparked an interest in her that would carry her forward to a degree in engineering.

Ellen, now 18, will be graduating from the Mechatronics Engineering Technology program at RichmondCC this May. She is a student in the Richmond Early College High School (REaCH) program, so she will be graduating with both an associate degree and her high school diploma.

“During the camp, I was introduced to many different things such as 3D printing, app development, electronics and robotics,” she said. “After learning more about each one and seeing how each works in more detail, I became interested in learning even more.”

As a REaCH student, she knew right away that she wanted to be in the Mechatronics program. This program is a combination of mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, and computer programming. Mechatronics engineers are trained in a variety of disciplines that assist them in designing, developing, and testing automation, intelligent systems, smart devices and industrial systems controls.

“I have enjoyed everything the program has to offer from the moment I started,” Ellen said. “From the mechanical parts such as mechanisms and hydraulic and pneumatics, the electrical parts such as circuit analysis, to the programming part such as PLCs.” 

Engineering instructor Annie Harden, who played a key role in developing the “Girls Exploring Engineering” camp five years ago, is excited to see the impact that the camp had on girls like Ellen.

“I was just so excited that it sparked something in her that made her want to come back and go into the Mechatronics program,” Harden said. “That was proof for me that having a STEM camp specifically for girls is very needed.”

For Ellen, what she liked most about the camp was learning to write code for a robot, as well as building an electronic circuit to power a light bulb or run a small fan.

“I liked everything that I was introduced to that day,” she said.

As Ellen prepares to graduate with her degree and start her career in engineering, she is thankful that she chose to come to RichmondCC, both for the camp and for college.

“RichmondCC has introduced me to new and different things. It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and has helped me grow as a person and interact with others,” she said. “I would recommend RichmondCC to others as a place where everyone comes together and helps each other out.”

For More Information

To learn more about the Mechatronics program or tour the campus, call RichmondCC at (910) 410-1700 or text (910) 518-9685. RichmondCC is now enrolling students for the summer semester.

University students who take summer classes can receive a discount on tuition through the Homecoming Special scholarship.

Complete a free application online today. Applications are good for one year.