I’m Thadeus Bates, an electrical engineering student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, passionate about robotics, renewable energy, and hands-on design. I enjoy bridging mechanical fabrication with electrical systems through work in machining, CNC, welding, wire harnessing, electrical integration, and troubleshooting.

At Cal Poly, I serve as an Electrical Supervisor in the Machine Shops, helping manage the Electronics Room and supporting students with safe equipment use, troubleshooting, and responsible fabrication practices. I also serve as Electrical Systems Lead and Project Design Lead for the Future Fuels Club, where I lead electrical design, troubleshooting, wiring, and system safety for alternative-energy projects. My work includes repairing and integrating the battery-management and communication systems of a diesel-to-electric tractor conversion, as well as leading the CAD design, fabrication, and manufacturing of a mobile solar power unit for Cal Poly’s Experimental Farm. I also contribute to electric go-kart and electric dirt bike projects and help train new club members.

Before Cal Poly, I served as Vice President and Director of Engineering for FIRST Robotics Competition Team 4738, the Patribots. I led robot design, manufacturing, CNC programming, and electrical work while mentoring newer members in fabrication and shop safety. In summer 2025, I worked as a Robotics Instructor with iD Tech, guiding students ages 9–17 through the engineering design process, from concept and prototyping to building, programming, and competition.