POCATELLO — Idaho State University student Angel Nava has earned a gold medal in Electronics Technology at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

Nava made history with this win by being part of the first program to win the national Electronics Technology competition three years in a row, according to a news release from ISU.

During the competition, Nava demonstrated technical skills in electronics troubleshooting, circuit analysis, testing and system diagnostics while competing against the top state championships from across the country.

The SkillsUSA Championships are designed and judged by industry professionals. They are the premier showcase of technical and career education.

Nava’s victory is an accomplishment for ISU’s Robotics and Communications Systems Engineering Technology program. No program in SkillsUSA history has earned a gold medal in the same national competition for three consecutive years.

Shane Slack, robotics coordinator for the College of Technology, said in the news release that Nava is an example of what a young person from Idaho can accomplish with determination and hard work.

“Our students winning this competition for three consecutive years shows why they are in such high demand,” Slack said in the news release.

After the competition, SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis met with Nava to discuss the significance of this achievement and its impact on ISU and SkillsUSA.

The Robotics and Communications Systems Engineering Technology program teaches skills in electronics, robotics, automation, communications systems, industrial controls and advanced manufacturing. Students in the program have the opportunity to learn through hands-on lab experiences, industry partnerships and national competitions.

This accomplishment continues a tradition of excellence at ISU and strengthens its reputation as a leader in workforce development and technical education.

More information about the program can be found at isu.edu/robotics.