In Ƶ’s Science Center building, a team of engineering students has been diligently working on project INNOVA – a hydrogen fuel cell-powered urban concept vehicle.
The project provides students with a hands-on opportunity to apply what they have learned in their engineering courses at Ƶ and helps them to expand their problem-solving and creative-thinking skills while fostering teamwork and leadership.
The INNOVA team led by Professor William Brownlowe recently received a much-appreciated donation of $5,000 from Dorman Products, Inc., of Hatfield, which will help with the costs of the project.
In February, three representatives from Dorman Products – Christine Mobley, Director of Talent Development, Celina McCabe, Manager of Campus Recruitment Programs & Onboarding and Kerrie Foye, Learning & Development Coordinator – visited Ƶ to meet with the INNOVA team and learn more about the project.
The INNOVA team includes Maxwell Anderson, team manager; Claudia Savella, driver; Nick Digioacchino, mechanic lead; Blake Bray, design lead; Karly Malone, fabrication lead; Arthur Busch, generalist; Connor Woodward, generalist; and Brownlowe, advisor.
“The students have spent countless hours designing and building INNOVA,” Brownlowe said. “This donation greatly helps them to realize their goal and also gives them a feeling of confidence because Dorman is investing in their work.”
The INNOVA team planned to compete in the in April, but the event recently was canceled due to concerns of a potential spread of the COVID-19 virus. According to the website, Shell Eco-Marathon is considering ways to honor students’ work possibly through virtual participation or engagement.
Held annually, the challenges teams to design and build an energy-efficient vehicle that will travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel. More than 1,000 students from North, Central and South America compete in the event.
Ƶ previously competed in the Eco-Marathon competition in April 2017 where they earned the Perseverance and Spirit of the Event award, receiving a sizable trophy and a check for $3,000, which helped to cover their costs for the project.