Matthew Plank is working towards a B.S.E. Bachelors of Science in Engineering (Computer Systems Engineering) from Arizona State University.  Matthew is very interested in all areas of robotics.  He received Associates in Science and has over 8 years of experience in Management and Supervisory roles. 
This is his second year with the NASA Space Grant Program. Last year Matthew Plank was the Team Lead of the ASU/NASA Space Grant Robotics team, which focuses on systems engineering of underwater vehicles.  This year he is working with Dr. Srikanth Saripalli in the design, construction, testing, and programming of a vehicle to assist astronauts on other planets. This vehicle, named Raven, is a battery-operated rugged outdoor vehicle, with a seat to transport astronauts.  Raven will also feature its own robotic manipulator system and autonomous control with an array of sensors.
 Matthew is still involved with and mentors the ASU/NASA Space Grant Robotics Team.  He also plans to branch out to the world of flying robotics and autonomous vehicles such as quadcopters/helicopters.