MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
About
The Mississippi State University EcoCAR team is a seasoned competitor in the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC), with a proud history spanning more than two decades. The team has consistently demonstrated excellence, securing first place overall four times. The challenges they have participated in include Challenge X in 2004, EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge in 2008, EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future in 2011, EcoCAR 3 in 2014, the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge in 2018, and the current EcoCAR EV Challenge launched in 2022.
The team is composed of nine leads overseeing three technical and three nontechnical divisions. The technical teams focus on system design, propulsion controls, and autonomous technologies, while the nontechnical teams manage project operations, communications, and mobility challenge initiatives. Together, these groups collaborate to advance vehicle innovation and community engagement.
The team’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration is reflected in its outstanding job placement rates, 100% for graduates and over 90% for undergraduates. As the team enters Year 4 of the EcoCAR EV Challenge, its primary focus is on developing a fully functional and finely tuned vehicle prototype that demonstrates strong system integration, precise calibrations, and advanced software performance. Emphasis is placed on achieving high calibration maturity across all systems, refining driver-assistance and AI-based features, and delivering cohesive, professional presentations supported by clear calibration guides and user interfaces. The Mississippi State University EcoCAR team continues to push the boundaries of automotive technology while preparing the next generation of industry leaders.
Mission
The Mississippi State University EcoCAR team seeks to build better students by creating an environment that promotes excellence and integrity to empower students as they prepare for the future workforce. We want to equip students with knowledge that can be carried into their careers through the teamwork opportunities we provide. Our purpose as an organization is to provide students with hands-on educational experiences to widen their skills as they enter the workforce.
Year 4 Goals
- Expand community impact and brand presence through increased outreach initiatives and measurable online engagement growth
- Develop and validate a fully functional prototype through cross-team and inter-university collaboration to drive technical progress and testing success
- Refine system performance, calibration maturity, and integration quality to deliver a top-performing vehicle and standout competition presentation
Team Members
Dr. John Ball
Lead Faculty Advisor
Mississippi State University
Dr. Alejandro Martinez
Faculty Advisor
Mississippi State University
Tyler Hannis
Engineering Advisor
Mississippi State University
Matthew Riggsbee
Chief Engineer
Mississippi State University
Samuel Ball
Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Lead
Mississippi State University
Jacob Roberts
Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Lead
Mississippi State University
Isaac Alanis
Propulsion Controls and Modeling Lead
Mississippi State University
Dat Nguyen
System Design and Integration Lead
Mississippi State University
Bob Loflin
Propulsion Controls and Modeling Lead
Mississippi State University
Jessika Chin Quee
Mobility Challenge Lead
Mississippi State University
Grace McQuirter
Communications Lead
Mississippi State University
Agustin Troncoco
Communications Lead
Mississippi State University
Get Involved
What They’ve Learned from EcoCAR
“Through my experience with EcoCAR, I have gained valuable skills in software development, communication, and leadership. As a team lead, I mentor and guide new subteam members while also communicating and presenting data findings and key metrics to the team and project organizers.”– Isaac Alanis
Why Someone Should Get Involved in EcoCAR
“People should get involved with EcoCAR to get real-world, hands-on experience with a multidisciplinary engineering team. Working with EcoCAR opens endless possibilities to learn about the automotive industry, engineering, as well as how to effectively work on a team involving multiple people from varying backgrounds. Getting involved with EcoCAR means you are willing to go above and beyond, something that industry professionals not only appreciate but are actively looking for when hiring.” – Agustín Troncoso
What It Means to Be Part of EcoCAR
“To me, being a part of EcoCAR means that I will always be continuously improving myself in anything I do and learning how to apply myself in different ways that I never thought I could do.” – Jessika Chin Quee
Get Involved
Interested in joining the MSU EcoCAR team? Our program welcomes students from all majors and backgrounds who are eager to gain hands-on experience in automotive innovation and teamwork.
Subteam Descriptions
- Project Management (PM): Oversees planning, timelines, and deliverables to keep the team aligned and on schedule.
- Communications (COMMS): Manages branding, social media, recruitment, and educational outreach to engage both campus and community audiences.
- Mobility Challenge (MC): Focuses on inclusive design and collaborates with Communications to expand the team’s outreach and equity impact.
- System Design & Integration (SDI): Physically integrates custom parts and systems into the vehicle, ensuring seamless mechanical and electrical performance.
- Connected & Autonomous Vehicle (CAV): Develops automated driving features using advanced sensors, perception software, and AI systems.
- Propulsion Controls & Modeling (PCM): Designs and refines the control logic that powers the vehicle safely and efficiently.
Meetings & Volunteering
- Team all-hands meetings are held biweekly on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
- Volunteering and outreach opportunities take place once a month, providing a great way to get involved and give back to the community.
Contact Us
For more information, reach out to:
- Project Manager:Agustín Troncoso — [email protected]
- Lead Faculty Advisor: John Ball — [email protected]
Join the Team
Fill out our interest form here:
MSU EcoCAR Interest Form
Contact Information
Address
75 B. S. Hood Rd, Mississippi State, MS 39762
Faculty Advisor – Dr. John Ball
[email protected]
To learn more or get involved, please contact us at [email protected]
