MathWorks mentors help EcoCAR students strengthen their technical capabilities while gaining experience with the tools and processes used by engineering professionals. By connecting academic concepts to practical applications, these mentors help students approach complex engineering challenges with greater confidence and a deeper understanding of industry expectations.
“MathWorks mentors bring both technical expertise and real-world industry perspective,” said Connell D’Souza, Manager of Education Programs and an Executive Steering Committee Lead. “They help students connect theory to practice, navigate challenging project decisions, and make the most of industry-standard tools used across engineering disciplines.”
MathWorks mentors also help students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies used throughout the engineering process. By guiding students through technical challenges and complex project decisions, they encourage critical thinking, creative problem-solving and a deeper understanding of how engineering solutions are developed and implemented in real-world applications.
D’Souza said, “Beyond technical knowledge, we hope students gain confidence, curiosity, and a network of professionals who can support their growth. The most valuable mentorship relationships inspire students to look at the bigger picture and think about what they can achieve as engineers and future leaders.”
Through these relationships, MathWorks mentors help students recognize their potential as future engineers and leaders while preparing them to apply their knowledge beyond the competition.
Thank you to our MathWorks mentors:
- Julien Darrah: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Sam Reinsel: Georgia Tech
- Jordan Olsen: McMaster University and University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Kunal Patil: Mississippi State University and Virginia Tech
- Don Bradfield: Penn State
- Brandon Stevens: University of Alabama
- Riyadh Kenaya: Western Michigan University and West Virginia University
- Bao Nguyen: California State University, Los Angeles and Louisiana State University
- Josh Orlando: Colorado School of Mines
- Dakai Hu: The Ohio State University and Texas A&M University
- Kevin Burns: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Kevin Oshiro: University at Buffalo
- Fred Jaquelin: University of Tennessee, Knoxville and University of Waterloo
While each industry partner brings a different area of expertise to the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge, they share a common commitment to student success. Through technical guidance, professional development, and meaningful connection, all mentors help create an educational experience that extends beyond traditional classroom learning.
As students progress through the four-year competition, the relationships they build with their mentors will continue to shape their professional journeys. Together, GM, Stellantis, and MathWorks are not only supporting the development of innovative vehicle technologies but also investing in the people who will lead the future of mobility.
