Written by: Boone Gibson
What happens when precision engineering meets hands-on, career-ready students? You get a powerhouse collaboration between Rose-Hulman and Ivy Tech students that are ready to solve real world EV challenges. These two Indiana based schools are driving the future of electric vehicles through the Battery Workforce Challenge.
As we enter year three, our team is proving that innovation happens fast when theory and practice share the same garage that we call the Batt Lab. Rose-Hulman’s engineers bring analytic design, modeling, and systems expertise while Ivy Tech’s technicians bring practical knowledge of safety discipline and assembly precision. Together we are designing, testing, and building a battery for a fully functional RAM ProMaster EV. Learning to think and act like industry professionals. Our story is more than just a student project; it’s a glimpse into the next generation of electric vehicles and the workforce being built right here in Indiana.
Get to know the Team
What does it mean to you to be involved in the BattChallenge?
“Being involved in the BattChallenge helps me get ahead in my career,” said Zach Ebert, Engineering Manager (Rose-Hulman). He added, “I get real, hands-on experience working on an EV battery system, not just class projects. It teaches me how to solve problems, work with a team, and manage time and resources. I also learn how to communicate with industry partners and handle real engineering responsibilities. Overall, BattChallenge helps me stand out when I apply for internships and future jobs.”
Why should others get involved in the BattChallenge?
Reese Rouch, BDU Team Lead (Rose-Hulman) said, “Other students should consider joining Battery Workforce Challenge because it combines what we learn as an undergraduate student applied directly to industry. There are many opportunities for true industry work as well as many ways to potentially gain real work or internship experience over the summer.”
What have you gained from being involved in the BattChallenge?
“I gained a lot of valuable experience due to the hands-on learning that we get to do through the challenge, as well as working in an actual engineering work environment,” said Ian Myska, Vocational Team Member (Ivy Tech).
What are you most looking forward to in year three of the BattChallenge?
Boone Gibson, Communication Lead (Rose-Hulman) said, “In year three of BattChallenge, I am most excited to see all our team’s hard work finally pay off. Three years of patience, planning, and preparation flowing together to create something we are truly proud of is going to be very rewarding. Along this journey I believe the memories of those late nights, early mornings are what MAKE this competition worth it.”
Fun Facts about the Team
- How many different majors are there on the team?
- Our team consists of 6 different majors, Biomedical, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Engineering. Along with Computer Science and Design Engineering.
- How many of your team members have been involved in the BattChallenge for all three years?
- We have 13 team members that have been involved in BattChallenge for all three years. It has been amazing to see the development and growth of our team over the last three years.
- What’s something unique about your team or university/vocational school’s involvement?
- Our BIC (Branam Innovation Center) is frequently confused with the BIC (Battery Innovation Center).
- What unique skills or competencies does your team possess?
- Being from a smaller Division III school allows us to truly appreciate the opportunity to compete against recognized big name schools with significantly greater resources inspires the team to punch outside their weight class and work even that much harder.
- Any other fun facts?
- We are an all-undergraduate team, but our graduate students are part of Rose-Hulman’s R Squared program where students, with significant incoming course credit and through careful selection of technical electives, can earn their master’s degree during their four-year undergraduate program. We have no traditional full time graduate students on the team.
What makes this team special isn’t just the job at hand, it’s the people behind every bolt, cell, and 3-D model. Each milestone has tested our ability to collaborate and communicate. As we move through Year Three, we shift our focus from the design to real world integration. Every wire we route and test we complete brings us one step closer to our shared goal. We are safety minded, workforce ready, and passionate to finish this Year Three of Battery Workforce Challenge Strong!
If you are interested in being a part of such an amazing team, reach out to our Communications Lead Boone Gibson or come to one of our team meetings, we meet from 5-6pm Est. in E104 at Rose-Hulman, can’t wait to see you there.
