Alexandre dropped in to visit Mulgrave this past summer, catching us up on his latest adventures.  Currently attending the University of Michigan, Alex is studying Aerospace Engineering.  His studies have been going extremely well, and he has come to greatly appreciate the power of calculus!  Alex’s excitement was very evident as he told us about his involvement in Michigan’s solar car team.  Over 150 students work together to design, construct and develop a solar car to race in the World Solar Challenge.  Alex, having just completed his first year at the University of Michigan, has been named the Interim Engineering Director.  He will gain valuable experience working with the current race team on their car, Continuum, and have a central leadership role in the development of the next car in 2009.  Profiled in SolEx, the University of Michigan solar car team newsletter, Alex shares his enthusiasm about being part of an incredible team.

“I have been a part of athletic teams and service groups for the majority of my high school life.  I knew coming into the University that I wanted to remain active and join a team, but was still unsure as to which one to commit to.  The Solar Car Team got me hooked from the beginning.  From the first mass meeting, I knew this would be a chance for me to learn a lot and share my passion for cars and technology with other inspired students.  The opportunity of designing, building, and racing a car on the other side of the globe was something I couldn’t let pass by.” (p. 28)
http://www.engin.umich.edu/solarcar/multimedia/solex_summer2007.pdf

It sounds like Alex has had an amazing first year at the University of Michigan, finding the perfect project that captures imagination, challenges learning, and brings teamwork and leadership into focus.  We look forward to seeing you cross the finish line, Alex!

 http://www.engin.umich.edu/solarcar/pics_unveiling.html