Written by: Isaiah Wrice
Finding Her Footing in FutureTruck
In her era of the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC), FutureTruck (1999-2004), Dahlia Garas began her work as a member of the University of California, Davis team as part of the aerodynamics and composites subteam before eventually becoming a key member working on the battery systems design, helping to develop the housing and cooling for the high voltage battery that powered their vehicle. She recalls that this was how she first began to understand how mechanical, electrical, and software components combine together to create a complete product.
Lessons that Shaped Her Career
Dahlia’s time in FutureTruck laid the foundation for her future. “AVTCs taught me how to manage large projects and organize people with unique skillets, while also building my leadership and time management skills.” After graduating, Dahlia went on to manage research projects at Southern California Edison and returned to the University of California, Davis to become the Research Program Director for the Vehicle Research Center at UC Davis where she oversees advanced mobility and technology applications. “In many ways a lot of my current work mirrors my work from my time in FutureTruck, I enjoyed my time so much in my competition that I just naturally continued it in my professional life.”
Guiding the Next Generation
In addition to leading research projects at UC Davis, Dahlia also serves as Faculty Advisor for the current UC Davis EcoCAR team, where she helps students bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical engineering. In her role she emphasizes team wellbeing and communication as much as the technical aspects of the competition.
“EcoCAR is a student-led competition, and my goal is to make sure that students have a positive and supportive environment,” she says. “This is supposed to be challenging but fun. I want students to want to come to the garage and feel good when they do.”
Seeing the Competition Evolve
Being a former competitor, Dahlia has witnessed how the competition has grown and changed.
“The competition now mirrors what happens in industry with developing new technology, and there is much more of an emphasis on software, sensors, and integration between systems.” Under Dahlia’s mentorship, the UC Davis EcoCAR team has thrived, moving into higher placements throughout the competition, and she witnessed firsthand the amazing growth in her team.
“Some of our team come in with little experience and leave being able to run full systems and articulate complex concepts like the innovators that they strive to be.”
Last competition year, Dahlia received recognition as Outstanding Faculty Advisor, nominated by her students and peers. She took this as a great piece of affirmation. “It means everything, it shows that my team felt supported and valued through my efforts.” Dahlia’s experience as a competitor and industry professional helped her in supporting her team.
Full Circle
When asked what advice she would give to AVTC competitors, Dahlia smiled and said “You get out what you put in, the more you invest, the more you learn, and the more you can reap the benefits that an amazing competition like this has to offer.”
From curious student to industry-experienced advisor and award-winning mentor, Dahlia’s story is a full circle moment that truly embodies the EcoCAR spirit. From learning the fundamentals of vehicle systems as a student to shaping the direction of an award-winning team, she’s shown what it means to keep growing while giving others room to do the same.
