Houston, Texas · FIRST Robotics
Robotics Coach · Nonprofit Founder · STEM Advocate
For more than two decades I've helped young people discover what they're capable of through competitive robotics — as a student, a coach, and a 2019 Woodie Flowers Award recipient. This is a home for my work in the FIRST community and beyond.
I'm a FIRST Robotics coach based in Houston, Texas. I got my start as a high‑school competitor in 2003 and never really left the community since. Today I coach robotics at St. Agnes Academy and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, leading two teams — Spectrum 3847 and its developmental team Photon 8515 — and I run two nonprofits that carry that work beyond the classroom.
My approach comes from a simple belief: robotics is the vehicle, but the real lesson is how to think. I care about instilling life skills, work ethic, and curiosity as much as mechanical, electrical, or software design. A background in Cognitive Science from Rice University shapes how I teach — with a focus on how people learn, communicate, and solve problems together.
Off the field I founded two nonprofits to widen access to hands‑on STEM education, and I volunteer throughout the FIRST community. I'm a relentless believer that the world can be changed through the lasting, positive influence of FIRST.
From student to lead coach — a continuous thread from 2003 to today.
Where it all began — competing as a high‑school student and falling in love with the culture of FIRST.
Returned to give back, mentoring the next class of students as an alum.
Deepened my technical mentorship across mechanical, electrical, and software design.
Building a program at St. Agnes Academy & Strake Jesuit that competes at the highest level while putting students first.
Spectrum's developmental team — giving rookie students more hands‑on build experience and their own competition season.
Bringing coaches and mentors together to share what works — because a rising tide lifts every team.
Volunteering at competitions to help teams pass inspection and get their robots on the field.
Two 501(c)(3) organizations I founded to widen the door to hands‑on robotics.
"Illuminating Pathways. Inspiring Innovators."
Radiant Robotics illuminates pathways in STEM education through engaging robotics programs and robust support for competitive teams. From foundational lessons in programming, engineering, and design to coaching and logistics for FIRST teams, the mission is simple: hands‑on experience is the best teacher, and every student deserves access to it.
radiantrobotics.orgHonoring a legacy of gracious professionalism.
Founded to honor the legacy of Dr. Woodie Flowers and the spirit of gracious professionalism he brought to FIRST, the Foundation celebrates and supports outstanding mentorship in the robotics community.
woodieflowers.orgFIRST Robotics Competition · 2019
FIRST's most prestigious mentorship honor, recognizing an outstanding mentor who best demonstrates excellence in communication and inspires students to be gracious professionals.
"Allen does not just teach robotics — he is dedicated to instilling life skills, work ethic, and curiosity in all his students. Allen fully represents what it means to be an FRC mentor — not just for our team, but for everyone in FRC and robotics." — Spectrum 3847 nomination essayRead the full nomination essay
FIRST In Texas District Championship
FIRST Robotics Competition
Indiana Robotics Invitational
Space City VEX
Dallas FRC Regional
Rice University · Sid W. Richardson College
Rice University
Written by the students and mentors of Spectrum 3847.
Allen Gregory IV, FIRST alum and mentor for Spectrum 3847, lives to change the world every day. Boundless enthusiasm, compassion, and resourcefulness are just a few of the many qualities he brings to the lab and the FIRST community. For the past 16 years, Allen has provided an invaluable font of expertise to all teams he has worked with in the FIRST community, tirelessly collaborating and communicating with teams around the world. His work both on and off the field perfectly exemplifies FIRST's values to us. Allen does not just teach robotics — he is dedicated to instilling life skills, work ethic, and curiosity in all his students.
As one of the most dedicated mentors in FRC, Allen is constantly active in the community through Chief Delphi, social media, and the Spectrum daily build blog. Allen is always eager to help inexperienced teams and provide advice on running an FRC team. He curates a series of online resources to assist new teams and is in constant contact with the many teams Spectrum helps.
Allen is an integral volunteer in the FIRST Community, often acting as Lead Robot Inspector at competitions and recently helped lead the inspection crew at FIRST Global. Andrew Harnett of FRC #5414 says that "Allen is consistently a mentor that I look to for guidance, and it's easy to find because he's always sharing tips, tricks and asking for feedback. He embraces coopertition and is quick to respond to requests of help of any kind. He impacts a much larger footprint than his own team."
A relentless proponent of STEM advocacy and communication, Allen inspires and educates us on the value of public speaking. From demos to TV interviews, Allen coaches us to leave our comfort zones and share our passion for robotics. We learn how to speak effectively with professionals, interested parents, young children, and our fellow FRC students and mentors, giving us the interpersonal skills we need to succeed.
As our team mentor, Allen is always ready to listen to ideas, providing counsel and guidance on everything from design issues to personal problems. Every team member is comfortable sharing ideas due to Allen's dedication to including everyone. Allen inspires us to challenge limits, love learning, and always possess a strong work ethic. We never just learn engineering concepts — with Allen, we learn entirely new ways of thinking for us to carry into our futures.
Allen fully represents what it means to be an FRC mentor — not just for our team, but for everyone in FRC and robotics. Allen has the impeccable ability to bring out the best in all his students, pushing our limits and making us realize we can do things we never thought we would be capable of. Allen dedicates himself to the idea that the world can be changed through the lasting, positive influence of FIRST Robotics and engineering. Through his tireless effort to educate and guide Spectrum 3847, Allen has left his mark on the FIRST community.
A career spent at the intersection of engineering, education, and service.
Whether you're a fellow mentor, a rookie team looking for advice, or want to talk robotics — I'd love to hear from you.