By Viviana Nelson, Colorado School of Mines
In year two of the Battery Workforce Challenge, the Colorado School of Mines & Arapahoe Community College’s team has been hard at work pushing our capabilities. We reached three major milestones including securing a dedicated workspace, strengthening team connections and overcoming complex thermal simulations. These accomplishments have shaped our technical growth and reinforced our collaborative spirit.
A space to call our own
In year one, the PackMules lacked a dedicated workspace, often borrowing classrooms for meetings, which impacted team culture and efficiency. That changed in March 2024 when the team secured a new space and prioritized its development.
“As of February 2025, the PackMules are proud users of the best workspace on Mines’ campus, complete with a dedicated high-voltage clean area, parts and battery storage, multiple assembly workstations, and a team meeting space with computers, five 40-inch displays, couches, a kitchenette, and even a pool table,” said Wesley Swieter, a Mines student and the team’s project manager.
Affectionately called the Bay, this workspace is now available 24/7 to students from both Mines and ACC, serving as the hub for collaboration and competition deliverables. Having a dedicated space has improved camaraderie, allowing members to meet, troubleshoot and innovate efficiently.
Strengthening team connections
Fostering strong relationships was a key focus this year, strengthening our dynamic with our vocational partner and improving retention. A highlight was launching a mentorship program, pairing new members with experienced members.
Deidra Von Frame, an ACC student mentored by Mines’ Maxwell Barragy, found great value in the experience.
“It’s great being able to work with the PackMules team!” Barragy said. “I’m able to reach out to other team members easily via Slack whenever I need. My team and leads have helped guide me on specifics for deliverables. Winter Workshop really brought our team closer.”
Deidra’s insights helped refine our mentorship program, reinforcing that shared experiences build the best connections.
Winter workshop played a key role in bringing the team together, and we plan to expand mentorship initiatives with structured knowledge-sharing sessions.
Conquering thermal simulations
Thermal simulations posed a significant challenge, requiring multiple redesigns and troubleshooting efforts. Dylan Cheng-Lynn, a Mines student and first-year team member, played a key role in tackling these obstacles.
“The process was definitely a challenge, with redesigning and simulations to run, but the team really persevered and kept a great attitude throughout,” Cheng-Lynn said.
By utilizing office hours offered by BattChallenge organizers, the team learned to effectively use GT-Suite, a thermal modeling software from competition sponsor Gamma Technologies. Through numerous iterations, the PackMules developed an optimized cooling strategy, ensuring our system meets performance and safety requirements. These lessons will serve as a foundation for future improvements.
Looking ahead and staying connected
As we move forward, these milestones remind us of how far we’ve come — and how much further we can go. The PackMules are excited to continue innovating, collaborating and overcoming challenges together!
Want to follow our journey? Stay up to date with our latest developments by following us on LinkedIn and team webpage. Join us as we drive the future of electrification!
