Dahlia Garas of the University of California, Davis, has been honored with the 2025 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award for her extraordinary leadership and mentorship within the EcoCAR Challenge.
A former Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC) participant herself—25 years ago during FutureTruck—Garas has since become a cornerstone of the UC Davis EcoCAR team.
As the Research Program Director for the Electric Vehicle Research Center at UC Davis, Garas brings over 20 years of experience in vehicle technology, much of it spent at the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS). In her role with the EcoCAR team, she mentors students across engineering, project management, communications, and outreach—equipping them with the interdisciplinary skills required to lead innovation in the rapidly evolving field of vehicle technology.
According to Dr. Daniel Sperling, Founding Director of ITS, Garas has been an instrumental figure in the development and continued success of the UC Davis EcoCAR team. “Garas consistently challenges students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and pursue technical excellence,” said Sperling. “Her guidance ensures that engineering knowledge and technical skills are applied to tangible problems, resulting in real progress and advancement for the EcoCAR team.”
Students from across the team nominated Garas for the award, citing her exceptional guidance and leadership that have shaped both their educational and professional journeys. Riddhi Puranik, Communications Manager, shared, “Dahlia believed in my potential long before I believed in it myself. Her encouragement was the catalyst for my growth.” That belief extended well beyond competition deliverables—Puranik also noted Garas’ hands-on support with graduate school applications and personal mentorship.
The team also emphasized Garas’ unique ability to help students translate classroom knowledge into real-world solutions through collaborative, hands-on work—often a transformative experience. Adam Ashkenazi, current Project Manager, highlighted Garas’ leadership across both technical and interpersonal dimensions: “Her dedication is felt in every corner of the project—from vehicle testing to last-minute technical inspections. She’s helped shape not just our team’s performance, but its culture.”
Beyond campus, Garas has helped forge meaningful community partnerships. Under her guidance, the team has hosted STEM outreach events for more than 170 Girl Scouts, inspiring the next generation of engineers. These efforts underscore her commitment not only to student development but also to broadening the pipeline of future STEM leaders.
As Dahlia Garas is celebrated as the recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award for the 2024–2025 academic year, we recognize her exemplary contributions to the AVTCs and the broader academic community—as both a mentor and alumni. Her nomination, supported by students, faculty, and UC Davis administration alike, reflects a profound truth about her impact: she doesn’t just advise—she transforms lives.
