Written by: Antonia Martinez
Before beginning his career at MathWorks, David Barnes experienced the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs) from the student side—gaining a firsthand understanding of the technical rigor, collaboration, and perseverance required to succeed in collegiate engineering competitions. That experience now allows him to connect with students not only as an industry professional, but as someone who has once stood in their shoes.
Barnes earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Alabama while taking on a leadership role within the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge series. During his time in the competition, he served as the team’s Engineering Manager, leading vehicle simulation and controls efforts. That hands-on experience with real-world systems helped shape his transition from student competitor to industry professional, and ultimately led him back to EcoCAR as a mentor.
“The hands-on experience with modern automotive engineering in EcoCAR helped me find an interest in how technology can be used by teams to solve real problems,” Barnes explains. “That interest continues to fuel me in my current role as a Product Manager for Software Development Workflows in MATLAB.”
Today, Barnes channels that passion through his mentorship role with EcoCAR by supporting teams such as Illinois Tech. As a mentor, he provides technical guidance on Model-Based Design for the propulsion control module (PCM) and connected and automated vehicle (CAV) sub-teams. He has been especially encouraged by the team’s growth in software validation this year. “One of my favorite parts of this year was seeing the progression of the PCM team’s adoption of testing to ensure that the vehicle responds correctly in a variety of real-world scenarios,” Barnes says. “I was glad I could help support them as they implemented tests from their vehicle requirements.”
Mentorship plays a critical role in EcoCAR’s hands-on learning model, and MathWorks Mentors like Barnes are instrumental in bridging the gap between classroom theory and industry practice. By providing students with direct access to experienced engineers and product leaders, MathWorks helps teams not only strengthen their technical skills using MATLAB and Simulink, but also develop professional habits aligned with real-world engineering workflows.
Barnes emphasizes that EcoCAR’s value extends beyond technical proficiency. While experience with industry-standard hardware and software is essential, he believes teamwork and organization are what truly set students apart in the eyes of employers.
“EcoCAR students gain experience forming teams, organizing complex work, and collaborating under real deadlines,” Barnes notes. “Those skills become key differentiators for them as individuals entering the workforce.”
Mentors like Barnes provide both technical insight and encouragement throughout the competition, helping students navigate challenges while celebrating progress along the way. Reflecting on his own journey, Barnes encourages students to embrace the collaborative experience and build lasting relationships.
