By Em Jankauski
Michael Laughlin will lead the Battery Workforce Challenge Program for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Laughlin is a technology manager for the Technology Integration Program in DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office. He brings more than 25 years of experience in transportation energy and emissions activities. Laughlin holds a Master of Business Administration from Walsh University and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron.
Let’s catch up with DOE’s new program lead as he readies to take the helm just as the BattChallenge kicks off year two of its collegiate competition.
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Q: What excites you the most about being the DOE sponsor of the BattChallenge collegiate competition?
A: “What really excites me is the ability to see the positive impact of DOE sponsorship and leadership to create new skills and opportunities for the student participants. They are the next generation of scientists, engineers and technicians who will create and sustain the decarbonized transportation future we are all striving to achieve. Our sponsorship helps create this space for learning about battery technologies. Who knows, the next Nobel Prize-winning scientist might be getting their start in the BattChallenge!”
Q: As we prepare for year two of the competition, what are you most excited to see our BattChallengers accomplish this year?
A: “I am most excited to see the teams begin to translate the theoretical and analytical work into hardware, especially as the teams will be receiving their vehicles this year. It will be great to see teams move their concepts into the real world.”
Q: You’re going to be our BattChallengers’ biggest champion. How do you hope to amplify their efforts?
A: “I aim to take every opportunity I can to talk about the great work these teams are doing, especially with audiences that might not yet be aware of BattChallenge. I have the privilege of speaking many times each year to groups large and small who are interested in sustainable transportation, but who might not have heard about the work we are doing to educate the next generation of battery engineers that these organizations might need in the future. I also want our VTO communications team to have a steady stream of good news to broadcast to all our stakeholders.”
Q: What words of wisdom would you like to share with our BattChallenge team members and faculty as they kick off year two?
A: “Keep up the great work and keep a positive attitude. You are doing great things and have a unique opportunity to learn and grow, even if things don’t always go to plan. You’re learning about technology and creating connections that will last a lifetime. Make the most of this time you have.”
