Who We Are
About Us
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What is MECHASIS?
MECHASIS is a student-led non-profit organization that empowers youth to explore robotics, electronics, and sustainability through hands-on learning. We provide affordable, beginner-friendly Arduino-based robotics kits and host engaging workshops for elementary and high school students—especially in under-resourced communities. Our mission is to make STEM education accessible, practical, and inspiring for the next generation of innovators.
About Our Organization
Our Mission
To democratize access to robotics and STEM education by providing hands-on, affordable, and sustainable learning opportunities for youth—especially in underserved schools and communities.
Our Vision
A future where every student, regardless of background or resources, has the tools, mentorship, and confidence to explore, build, and innovate through technology.
Meet the team
Terry Zhao
Founder & Executive Director
Terry co-founded Mechasis to bridge the gap in STEM education by providing accessible
robotics kits to schools without robotics programs. With a background in engineering and
youth leadership, he drives the organization’s vision, leads project development, and fosters
community partnerships. Outside of Mechasis, Terry enjoys skiing and tennis
Owen Qu
Co-Founder & Director
Owen played a pivotal role in shaping the early direction of Mechasis, helping to design its
first educational kits and programs. While focusing on his own academic pursuits, he
continues to provide strategic input and support for special projects.
Nate RJ Levy
Secretary
As the organizational heartbeat of Mechasis, Nate keeps meetings running smoothly,
coordinates communications, and ensures the team stays on track. With a knack for
organization and an eye for detail, Nate helps transform ideas into action. In their downtime,
they enjoy baseball and fragrance collection
James Wang
Outreach & Partnerships Lead
James Wang leads Mechasis’s community engagement efforts, building relationships with
schools, sponsors, and other organizations to expand the reach of our programs. Their
dedication to making STEM opportunities equitable has helped Mechasis grow rapidly within
the community. Outside of work, James Wang enjoys public speaking, hiking, and mentoring
students.
Damon Burton
Technical Lead
With a strong passion for engineering and problem-solving, Damon designs and refines the
robotics kits that power Mechasis’s mission. From sourcing affordable components to testing
prototypes, they ensure every kit is both educational and fun. When not working on
Mechasis projects, Damon can be found tinkering with electronics and competing in robotics
competitions.
What We Do
Our Story
Story of MECHASIS
i. MECHASIS began in Vancouver, BC, when a group of high school students noticed a troubling divide: while many private schools had access to advanced robotics equipment, coding classes, and STEM clubs, most public schools had little to no exposure to these opportunities.
ii. As students from both public and private school backgrounds, we saw firsthand how unequal access to STEM education could limit a student’s curiosity, confidence, and career prospects. Robotics should be fun, hands-on, and available to everyone.
iii. To close this gap, we started sourcing reused Arduino components and designing affordable DIY kits that students could use to build real, working robotics projects. We then brought those kits into public classrooms and community centers, running workshops that introduced students to basic electronics, coding, and engineering principles in a creative and approachable way.
iv. What started as a passion project in Vancouver has since grown into MECHASIS: a youth-led, sustainability-driven nonprofit dedicated to making robotics education accessible for all. Our mission is to empower students from every background to build, explore, and innovate- one kit, one workshop, and one spark of inspiration at a time.
Get Involved
Join a Global Movement in STEM Education
Become part of a vibrant community that has sent out 60+ robotics kits to students across 5+ countries, empowering young innovators through hands-on learning in robotics, electronics, and sustainability. Whether you’re a student, educator, or professional, MECHASIS offers meaningful ways to contribute: