The Story & Achievements
As Co-President and Chassis Team Lead of Villanova's Baja SAE team, I helped guide our organization in designing, building, and racing an off-road vehicle. My role balanced team management with direct involvement in the core engineering of the car, culminating in competition at Baja SAE 2026 in New York.
A major part of my contribution was leading the Chassis Sub-team. I guided the team through multiple design iterations, optimizing the chassis for the best strength-to-weight ratio. Designing the chassis required approaching the car holistically, planning precise mounting locations and structural considerations for the engine, drivetrain, and suspension systems. Once the design was finalized, I was heavily involved in manufacturing the chassis.
On the administrative side, my co-presidency involved securing sponsorships to fund our operations and materials. I also ran hands-on SolidWorks workshops, helping newer members develop the CAD skills needed to contribute to the vehicle's design and engineering.
Key Engineering & Leadership Roles
- Chassis Design & Manufacturing: Led the Chassis Sub-team through extensive design iterations, optimizing strength and weight while ensuring integration with drivetrain, engine, and suspension components. Took a hands-on role in manufacturing the final frame.
- Team Leadership & Education: Hosted SolidWorks workshops to build the technical capabilities of the team, enabling members to contribute directly to the vehicle's design.
- Sponsorships & Management: Secured funding through sponsors, directly enabling the fabrication and development of the competition vehicle.
- Competition: Brought our engineering efforts to the track, competing alongside the team at Baja SAE 2026 NY.