Formula SAE

Composites Project Lead at Formula Racing UC Davis

Formula SAE Electric is an international racing competition where student teams engineer and build an electric race car.

My responsibilities

As composites project lead on the Formula SAE team at UC Davis for two years, I supervised a multidisciplinary team of students in designing the vehicle body, developing and executing manufacturing processes for all composite and vacuum thermoformed components on the car, and instructed new members in CAD design and CNC practices. I also managed team progress, coordinated task distribution, created budgets and schedules, and acquired sponsors, all of which led to a fully sponsored composite package on UC Davis’s vehicle.

I never pulled an all-nighter over homework, but I did for Formula.

Aircraft fabric application

I implemented the use of aircraft fabric to cover many body panels. This material was rules compliant and 1/10th the weight of a composite structure.

Nosecone trim and fit

This photo was taken at 4am. Formula can include some crazy hours.

Painting the car

The custom, ergonomic fiberglass seat is also installed for trim in this picture. The seat greatly improved driver comfort.

Sponsorship

Formula is only possible through sponsorship. We cold called and then cold called some more. Many thanks to the kind individuals who donated their goods and services to our team!