My first solar car race was Phaeton’s last race, the 2016 American Solar Challenge was a catalyst to my passion for solar car. After that race, I couldn’t take a real break from solar car because I wanted to keep designing, building, testing, and learning about the next thing.

Thankfully, there was always something to do next. Penumbra, our next car, was already in the works on computers and paper. At the beginning of 2016, I took the role of Assistant Mechanical Director. In addition to managing the mechanical team, I was responsible for the design and construction of all 42 urethane foam plugs for composite and thermoformed plastic parts. This process required that I handle donations from foam suppliers, trucking companies, and auto body shops. I also managed a few students that helped me design, cut, and glued thousands of blocks of foam that needed to envelop the design we wanted to machine. This process was non-stop to get Penumbra built before her unveil, but with plenty of all-nighters, we pulled it off.