Building cars and building futures

As the most popular major at Virginia Tech, engineering students are constantly seeking ways to distinguish themselves for the work force. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Formula team is made up of students who work to design and build a car each year.

 

“It is probably the best hands on experience building, testing, designing that I’ve gotten other than actual internships,” said senior aerospace engineering student, Jessica Goeringer.

 

When Goeringer talks about Formula, it is apparent that this team is much more than a resume builder. As a part owner, she leads her team in the design and building process of the side pods of the cars, which help cool the radiator. 

 

The team works year round to build both a combustion and electrical car to compete against other student built cars from all across the U.S. as well as countries in Europe.

 

“Currently we are building this year’s car, but at the same time we are designing next year’s car. It’s a two year design process, but every year we have a car,” said junior aerospace major, Glenn Andrew.

 

However, none of this is possible without company sponsorships. According to the Formula team website, at least two-thirds of the budget for the production of the car is derived from money and parts donations from sponsors. 

 

Ford and General Motors are involved in the review process of the car, therefore the students are able to interact with these companies and receive feedback through the designing and building process.

 

Additionally, recruiters often come directly to the ware lab, where the car is built, while the students are working to talk with them about their ideas and contributions to the car.

 

“The partial integration with industry that we already do, helps get them out there, get them experience with industry and maybe provide them, if they’re lucky, with some actual contacts for jobs,” said Dr. Matthew Rice, the new faculty advisor for the team.

 

In 1988 the SAE Formula team was established on Virginia Tech’s campus. This year’s team hopes to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the program with a successful race at their competition in Michigan this spring.