Ben Kolligs, Class of 2007
We caught up with Berkwood Hedge School Class of 2007 alum, Ben Kolligs, to talk about life, robotics, and his
favorite Berkwood Hedge memories!
Where did you end up going to high school?
I went to Berkeley High School.
If you decided to pursue college or post-college degrees, where? If you attended college/grad school, what did you study and why?
I went to Lewis and Clark College and studied physics and math. I loved thinking about the universe and wanted
to learn more about how it worked! I went to graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University and studied Robotics,
because I discovered that I loved working on robots during my first job after undergrad!
What are you pursuing today? Or a current project you’re working on or inspired by?
I am currently working as a Robotics Software Engineer at Ambi Robotics here in Berkeley. We build robotic systems that help with logistics operations. Our flagship system, the AmbiSort A-Series is used by major mail carriers, like Pitney Bowes and OSM Worldwide, to sort mail.
What’s your favorite memory at Berkwood Hedge School?
The class camping trip! I remember bringing my bike and cruising around the campsite with some of my classmates. I don’t remember exactly where it was, but I have some vivid memories of the cookout and bike riding.
What was your favorite class at Berkwood Hedge School?
My favorite class was science with Vera!
What do you believe you learned/took with you from Berkwood Hedge School that stays with you today?
I learned about the importance of treating people how they wanted to be treated. The students at Berkwood Hedge (myself included) received individual care and attention which helped me immensely as I was learning and growing.
Where do you live today?
I live in Kensington with my fiance. I have been all over the world but there’s no place like Berkeley.
Thank you for talking with us, Ben!