One of the defining aspects of the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge is the opportunity for students to learn from professionals at the forefront of the automotive industry. For each participating university, mentors from General Motors (GM), Stellantis, and MathWorks work alongside student teams, sharing their technical expertise, industry knowledge, and real-world experience. Their guidance helps students navigate complex engineering challenges while offering a firsthand look at the collaboration and innovation that drive the future of mobility.
More than technical advisors, these mentors are invested in developing the next generation of automotive leaders. Whether reviewing designs, offering feedback, answering questions, or providing career advice, they empower students to grow both personally and professionally throughout the four-year competition. Their dedication creates an invaluable learning experience that extends far beyond the competition vehicle, leaving students with the confidence, skills, and industry connections to succeed long after EcoCAR.
For General Motors, mentorship extends beyond technical guidance to helping students develop the skills and connections needed for successful careers in the automotive industry. GM mentors provide access to unparalleled support for students as they navigate the challenges of vehicle development throughout the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge.
“GM mentors play a critical role in the success of the EcoCAR program,” said Bill Cawthorne, Chief Engineer of the GEN1 Renewable Energy Storage Systems and an Executive Steering Committee Lead. “They are the front door for students to GM’s knowledge, resources, and people, helping each team address its unique technical and organizational challenges.”
Beyond engineering, GM mentors offer support in program management, professional development, and career preparation. By building meaningful relationships with students, these industry professionals help prepare participants for the expectations of the automotive workforce.
Cawthorne said, “GM mentors are much more than technical resources. They are coaches, career advisors, and trusted partners for EcoCAR students.”
Through their involvement over the next four years, GM mentors help students develop the technical confidence needed to become the next generation of automotive innovators.
Thank you to our GM mentors:
- Tom Gorgia: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Ed Argalas: Georgia Tech
- Julie Pan: McMaster University
- Gary Rushton: Mississippi State University
- Jason Ekelmann: Penn State
- Patrick DiGioacchino: University of Alabama
- Mark Lazar: University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Lynn Gantt: Virginia Tech
- Roberto de Paula: Western Michigan University
- Jessica Swan: West Virginia University
