Haydon Behl
Welcome to my site—I’m Haydon Behl, a San Jose Computer Engineer passionate about Robotics, Fintech ML, and upholding the ethos of Gracious Professionalism in everything I do.
Ethos
Why Teamwork Matters
Whether it’s developing a stock market classifier or a robotics challenge, the strongest results emerge from genuine collaboration and respect. Each of us brings unique insight to the table, and by sharing these skills openly, we achieve breakthroughs that no single individual could accomplish alone.
From orchestrating the Ribonanza RNA Folding Competition to designing AI-driven financial solutions, I’ve witnessed how gracious teamwork ignites the creative spark in every member. Honest discussions, respect for each person’s contribution, and a shared pursuit of excellence build the foundation of every project’s success.
Embracing Gracious Professionalism
The concept of Gracious Professionalism comes from FIRST, championed by the late Dr. Woodie Flowers of MIT. It’s about doing high-quality work, valuing others, and respecting individuals and the community in the pursuit of a meaningful life. Dr. Flowers taught us that empathy, humility, and genuine support for one another lead to the best kind of progress. He believed that “Societies get the best of what they celebrate,” and in FIRST, we celebrate those who lead by caring for their teammates and by inspiring a better world through STEM.
My own journey with FIRST instilled these values early. There, I witnessed how focusing on high-quality work and treating fellow competitors with respect does more than just build impressive robots—it builds character and fosters lifelong learning. Surrounded by mentors and peers who practiced Gracious Professionalism, I learned that true innovation arises when we uplift one another and celebrate each other’s achievements.
Looking Ahead
Over the years, I’ve contributed to local robotics builds, university-led AI labs, and high-frequency trading solutions in live markets. Rather than placing these accomplishments on a pedestal, I see them as stepping stones reflecting shared success. Each collaboration stands on its own, supported by a network of dedicated individuals who believe in bettering our world through thoughtful engineering.
As I move forward, I strive to let my work and partnerships speak for themselves. By continuing to learn from mentors, challenge my peers respectfully, and prioritize the well-being of our community, I hope to pave the way for creative breakthroughs that benefit everyone involved.
The Importance of Struggle
One of my most influential teachers in primary education once told me, “Without struggle, there is no progress.” These words have shaped my perspective on growth. Every significant innovation or discovery in my career has emerged from a stretch outside my comfort zone—facing new challenges, stumbling, and learning from the process.
Whether debugging complex robotics software or tuning the live data pipeline to an AI model for financial forecasting, the pressure of solving hard problems fosters resilience and a deeper mastery of our craft. I believe that engineers, and professionals of all stripes, can only refine their skills when they’re tested by adversity. Embracing the struggle means embracing growth—a mindset that has propelled me to consistently pursue higher standards and continue forging new frontiers with my team.
Thank you for visiting my site. Feel free to explore further for an in-depth look at my projects and other ventures. Together, let’s keep learning, striving, and celebrating what’s possible with engineering.