By: Ahmad Alamery
This week’s Green Garage Blog post is a team choice shining a spotlight on the visionary approach of the University of Michigan-Dearborn & Henry Ford College Battery Workforce Challenge team. As part of a national competition aimed at advancing EV technologies, this diverse team of students, led by esteemed faculty and in collaboration with industry experts, is not just competing; they are redefining the future of sustainable transportation.
At the helm of this innovative journey is a group of determined students from UM-Dearborn and neighboring Henry Ford College, guided by the expertise of faculty advisors like Dr. Azeem Hafeez and Associate Professor Dr. Xuan (Joe) Zhou. These students come from various disciplines, each bringing a unique perspective. Their shared mission is to create, develop, and seamlessly incorporate a cutting-edge EV battery system into an upcoming Stellantis vehicle.
What sets the UM-Dearborn team apart is their comprehensive approach to the challenge. Beyond the technical rigors of battery system design and vehicle integration, team members engage in a comprehensive learning experience that mirrors real-world industry practices. From project management and teamwork to communication and leadership, competition is a fertile training ground for developing various skills.
The collaboration with Henry Ford College is particularly noteworthy. As the first college in the country to offer a Battery Technician Certification curriculum, Henry Ford College’s involvement underscores the critical need for high-level engineers and skilled technicians in the burgeoning EV industry. This partnership enriches the educational landscape and strengthens the talent pipeline essential for the EV sector’s growth. Members from both campuses are working together and showing how critical collaborative efforts are in progressing EV technology.
UM-Dearborn’s participation in the Battery Workforce Challenge is more than just an academic exercise; it is a commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders in sustainable transportation. Team members like UM-Dearborn doctoral student Duncan Tyree exemplify this commitment. As the team’s project manager, Tyree is deepening his expertise in battery manufacturing and honing vital leadership and collaboration skills.
The UM-Dearborn Battery Workforce Challenge team embodies the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and education. By leveraging the unique strengths of each team member and embracing the challenges of the competition, they are not just aiming for victory. Still, they also contribute to the broader mission of advancing sustainable transportation solutions. As they continue their journey, their efforts serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future engineers, technicians, and environmental stewards, charting a path toward a greener, more sustainable future.
