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About Us
Core Values
LVRA program Core Values are rooted in cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving through teamwork and application of fundamentals of STEM.
About Us
- Las Vegas Robotics Academy (LVRA) offers a comprehensive program introducing youth (ages 6-16) in Las Vegas area to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through fun and exciting robotics programs.
- LVRA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Nevada that is aimed at inspiring youth and preparing them for the future. Beginners on the program are introduced to fundamentals of STEM while working together to solve fun challenges and building models. As participants progress, they will take their background knowledge of STEM to put it into practice as they work in teams to design and build robots. Once the participants are ready to move into a competitive setting they are provided with an opportunity to compete locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. LVRA curriculum is designed to offer students thrilling, sports-like challenges, build their self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a lifelong impact on STEM learning and interest.
LVRA Founders
Las Vegas Robotics Academy is co-founded by two highly accomplished local engineers Dr. Mirnabi and Dr. Bonabian.
Dr. Mirnabi and Dr. Bonabian have over 60 years of combined academic and practical engineering experience.
About Las Vegas Robotics Academy
Dr. Mirnabi
- Dr. Mirnabi is a distinguished expert in Information Technology and Network Engineering with more than 20 years of professional experience. He completed his postdoctoral research as a scholar at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2016–2017), a Ph.D. in IT–Network Engineering in Armenia (2010–2013), a master’s degree in IT/Network Engineering (2008–2010), and a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering (2003–2007).
- With over 12 years of teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels, Dr. Mirnabi has guided the academic and professional development of countless students in Information Technology and Computer Science. His research contributions include 12 published articles with more than 270 citations, an h-index of 6, and an i10-index of 3, as reported by Google Scholar.
- Beyond his academic and professional accomplishments, Dr. Mirnabi is deeply passionate about youth education and innovation. From 2021 to 2025, he served as a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) coach, leading student teams to earn notable rankings at Nevada state competitions. In 2025, he guided a Las Vegas team to compete at the prestigious international tournament hosted by Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts.
- By combining advanced technical expertise with a dedication to mentoring, research, and innovation, Dr. Mirnabi is widely recognized as a leader in the IT, education, and robotics communities.
Dr. Bonabian
- Dr. Bonabian brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the program through his higher education achievements and over 35 years of practical experience in major engineering and construction projects worldwide. Dr. Bonabian holds a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah, a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). Dr. Bonabian received a bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics
- Since moving to Las Vegas in 1989, Dr. Bonabian has been involved in various large-scale design and construction projects in Southern Nevada including major roadways, bridges, tunnels, wastewater treatment facilities, runways, parking structures, and buildings. Dr Bonabian served as an airport executive (Deputy Director of Aviation) in charge of construction and engineering projects at the Harry Reid International airport for 12 years. Highlights of his accomplishments at the airport were the management of the design and construction of Terminal 3 building including the associated roadway system, parking structure, underground tram facility, and airfield infrastructures. Dr. Bonabian developed a passion for science and mathematics at a very young age that prepared him for challenges throughout his professional career. He brings the same passion and knowledge to the Las Vegas Robotics Academy to help in creating future STEM professionals.
- Dr. Bonabian is also a familiar face in the youth soccer community in Nevada and nationally. Dr. Bonabian, a former professional soccer player, founded the Players Soccer Club (formerly Neusport and Tabagators Club) in Las Vegas in 1989. Over 20,000 youth players have participated in the soccer club over the years with many having advanced to play in high school and collegiate programs across the country. Dr. Bonabian, a Hall of Fame youth soccer coach, brings his expertise in teaching, team building, coaching, and motivating young people in achieving their academic and professional goals. Introducing thrilling, sports-like challenges build students self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a lifelong impact on STEM learning and interest.