

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

About
The Mississippi State University EcoCAR team is a seasoned competitor in Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC), with a proud history spanning over two decades.
The team has consistently demonstrated excellence, securing 1st 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, EcoCAR Mobility Challenge in 2018, and the current EcoCAR EV Challenge in 2022.
The team consists of eleven leads, with each lead overseeing their own subteam, and three tech teams. These subteams include Project Management (oversees progress and ensures standards), Communication (builds brand image and shares key messages about sponsors), Mobility Challenge (leads mobility projects and internal recruitment), System Designs Integration (handles the physical integration and development of parts), Connected Autonomous Vehicle (manages sensors and autonomous features), and Propulsion Control and Modeling (ensures vehicle controls work safely using Speedgoat). The team’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration is reflected in their impressive job placement rates—100% for graduates and over 90% for undergraduates.
As the team moves into Year 3 of the EcoCAR EV Challenge, their vision is to refine their fully electric vehicle, focusing on performance, efficiency, and the integration of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The team aims to continue pushing 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 3 Goals
- Continue to implement a fully realized software development workflow utilizing Git for managing controller and plant models, ensuring version control and collaboration efficiency.
- Enhance the vehicle's driving experience by refining calibration guides for all critical systems and successfully identifying, developing, and executing all vehicle-level test plans, specifically targeting propulsion and overall vehicle performance.
- Pass the on-road safety evaluation on the first attempt and complete the lateral control calibration event on a closed test track. Additionally, ensure the functional implementation of a non-integrated Driver Monitoring System (DMS).
Team Members

Dr. John Ball
Lead Faculty Advisor
Mississippi State University

Connor Kangheng
Co-Chief Engineer
Mississippi State University

Natalie Klein
Co-Chief Engineer
Mississippi State University

Claire Meeks
Project Manager
Mississippi State University

Kennan Nguyen
SDI Lead
Mississippi State University

Samuel Ball
Connected and Automated Vehicles Associate Lead
Mississippi State University

Jessika Chin Quee
Mobility Challenge Lead
Mississippi State University

Jacob Roberts
Connected and Automated Vehicles Senior Lead
Mississippi State University

Grace McQuirter
Communications Manager
Mississippi State University

Avri O'Daniel
Associate PCM Lead
Mississippi State University

Colin Bruce
SDI Co-Lead
Mississippi State University

Matthew Riggsbee
PCM Senior Lead
Mississippi State University
Get Involved
Our team offers numerous opportunities for students from all majors to get involved with Mississippi State University EcoCAR.
We have several paid leadership positions available, including Project Manager; Chief Engineer/Technical Specialist; Communications Manager; Mobility Challenge Lead (MCL); Propulsion, Controls, and Modeling (PCM) Lead; Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) Lead; and System Design and Integration (SDI) Lead. Each of these leaders oversees a subteam of students who play a vital role in our team’s success. member positions are open year-round, providing students with the chance to contribute and grow within the team.
Weekly meetings are held every Wednesday at 6 PM at our CAVS Research Building, with each subteam also holding regular meetings to discuss project insights and review deliverables. Additionally, events organized by the Communications and EiM teams offer further opportunities for subteam members to connect and support our organization. Our team has been actively focused on recruitment speaking in classes, tabling on the Drill Field, hosting an interest meeting with 60+ attendees, and engaging in STEM outreach at the local Air Force base.
Contact Information
Address
75 B. S. Hood Rd, Mississippi State, MS 39762
Faculty Advisor – Dr. John Ball
jeball@ece.msstate.edu
To learn more or get involved, please contact us at ecocar@cavs.msstate.edu