Navy Challenge Launches Teen From Robotics Win to Internship

When Joseph Shanklin placed second in a Naval Surface Warfare Center robotics challenge as a high school sophomore, he discovered more than a trophy. He found his future career in mechatronics.

The 2024 High School Innovation Challenge at NSWC Dahlgren Division in Virginia introduced the Westmoreland High School student to Python coding and robotics. "It was very fascinating," Shanklin said, describing how the competition laid the foundation for his passion.

That passion turned into action faster than most teens plan their college majors. After graduating in May at age 18, Shanklin returned to the same Navy facility through the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program this June.

His summer project? Creating software for an all-terrain autonomous rover with object detection capabilities. The team built robots that could navigate Naval Support Facility Dahlgren independently, designed to serve as moving targets for testing weaponry and demonstrating autonomous tracking technology.

Team lead Joseph Marsh, a directed energy computer scientist, called Shanklin "a rockstar from day one." During daily team meetings, Shanklin shared knowledge freely, helped stuck teammates find solutions, and welcomed input on design decisions.

Why This Inspires

Shanklin's journey shows how early exposure to challenging projects can ignite lifelong passions. The Innovation Challenge gave a curious sophomore the tools and confidence to pursue a specialized field combining mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer science.

His leadership during the internship proved that young people don't just absorb knowledge. They contribute meaningfully to complex projects while still in their teens.

The experience taught Shanklin lessons beyond coding. "Throughout this internship, I learned that collaboration and teamwork is probably one of the most important things," he said.

Now Shanklin is heading to serve in the Virginia Air National Guard, with plans to study mechatronics at Virginia Tech. His ultimate goal? Returning to NSWC Dahlgren Division to support sailors by contributing to shipboard systems.

He encourages other students to seize similar opportunities. "Get involved with Dahlgren," Shanklin said, crediting the Innovation Challenge as his biggest helping factor.

For students wondering if they're ready for advanced programs, Shanklin's path offers reassurance: sometimes the competitions that seem intimidating become the experiences that change everything.