Indianapolis, Indiana – When Natalia Avella looked up at the skies above her small Colombian hometown, she was just a curious child marveling at the vastness of space. But those nights planted a seed. Years later, that same fascination carried her across countries, shaped her academic path, and helped her spark a new wave of opportunity for her peers at Ivy Tech Indianapolis.
“I fell in love with space and the universe and space exploration in general,” Avella explained. “I fell in love with the philosophy behind it, the way it makes us question everything.”
For Avella, those questions did not remain abstract. They became a career ambition. Three years ago, she moved to the United States with a dream of becoming an aerospace engineer. Her first stop was what was then Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). But her trajectory shifted after meeting mentor Israel Doroteo, an Ivy Tech graduate who now works as a senior engineer at Eli Lilly and Company. Following his encouragement, she enrolled at Ivy Tech Indianapolis—and found not just classes but a community that felt like home.
“I came to Ivy Tech and I fell in love with everything … I stayed because of the people, the staff, and faculty. I just felt that sense of community,” Avella shared. “It helped me have a more personalized experience of learning.”
Now 21, Avella is an engineering student on track to graduate in May 2026. But she has already left a mark far bigger than her own transcript: she founded Ivy Tech Indy’s first Robotics Club, a student-led organization that has quickly grown into a thriving hub of innovation and teamwork.
Building Something New
For Avella, the idea of creating a robotics club was rooted in unfinished business. “Back in Colombia, I always wanted to join a robotics club in college,” she said. “When I got to Ivy Tech, I realized there wasn’t one, so I decided to start it.”
Starting a new club at a community college is no small feat. It requires not only paperwork and planning but also vision, leadership, and persistence. Avella leaned heavily on mentors who guided her journey. She credits Anthony Halmon, director of student life, development, and leadership; Alexander Banks, assistant director of student life; the chairs of the Advanced Automation & Robotics Technology program; the club’s advisors; and Marvin Smith, an Industrial Technology employer consultant.
“They’ve played a significant role in my personal growth, leadership development, and the founding of the Robotics Club,” Avella emphasized. “Seeing how they take action to improve our community inspired me to do the same.”
With their support and encouragement, she rallied fellow students, recruited officers, and began regular meetings. Within a short time, the group grew to 40 general members, with a committed core of 10 who met weekly to design, build, and compete.
A Trial by Fire
The club’s first big test came in the form of Real Sight Robotics, a combat robotics event. The team had only a week to design and build a robot capable of entering the tournament. The timing was grueling: it overlapped with finals week, leaving students stretched thin as they juggled exams and hands-on engineering.
Ultimately, technical issues kept their creation out of the competition. But Avella insists that what mattered wasn’t the outcome—it was the process.
“We didn’t fail, we learned,” she said. “We learned what we need to improve and how to solve problems in real time. It was about more than just robots. It was teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance.”
In her view, the ability to build a functioning robot in just seven days was itself a victory. The experience proved to students that even with limited resources and time, they could create something meaningful together.
Leading by Example
As the Robotics Club continues, Avella is preparing to pass the torch to new leaders. With her graduation approaching, she is balancing her responsibilities to the club with her academic workload and her involvement in other campus activities such as the Student Government Association. That balancing act has been one of her biggest personal lessons.
“I had to learn when to say ‘no’ and how to balance academics, leadership, and personal goals,” she said.
Even with the challenges, she has no regrets. In fact, she encourages new students to dive into as many opportunities as possible. “Go to events, meet people, and build relationships with faculty. You’ll learn more than just technical skills, you’ll grow,” she said.
Looking Toward the Future
Avella’s sights remain firmly fixed on the stars. After finishing at Ivy Tech, she plans to transfer to a four-year university to continue studying aerospace engineering. Her ambitions are bold: she wants to lead space missions that not only push scientific boundaries but also inspire humanity to reflect on its place in the cosmos.
“I want to lead missions that benefit humanity and inspire social awareness about space exploration,” she said. “It’s not just science—it’s about questioning our place in the universe.”
Even as she prepares for that next chapter, she remains active in the Robotics Club, supporting the new president and mentoring members. Her leadership has laid a strong foundation, ensuring the club will thrive long after she moves on.
Reflecting on her journey, Avella remains deeply connected to her roots. “Reconnecting with my roots reminds me why I keep going. I know where I came from and where I’m headed.”
A Lasting Legacy
Avella’s story is about more than founding a robotics club. It illustrates how one student’s determination can ripple outward, reshaping an institution and building opportunities for others.
“Ivy Tech has made a lasting impact on my life,” Avella said. “The people here helped me find my path and build a sense of community.”
From stargazing in Colombia to organizing combat robotics in Indiana, Avella has bridged worlds—literally and figuratively. She represents what happens when curiosity, community, and leadership intersect. Ivy Tech, once just a stepping stone, has become the launchpad for her vision of a future where space exploration isn’t just a scientific endeavor but a collective human quest.
For now, though, her legacy at Ivy Tech Indianapolis is firmly planted on the ground. It is built into the circuits, gears, and teamwork of the Robotics Club she founded—a club that will continue to challenge students, inspire innovation, and remind them that even small beginnings can lead to something vast.
