2026 Race Crew

CREW CHIEF
Electrical Engineering, Class of 2027
Milford, MI

As our elected Crew Chief, Thomas is the final authority on all vehicle safety matters and is responsible for evaluating the car’s configuration with respect to the safety of the driver. He also ensures that all race crew members are properly trained with race protocols. Thomas serves as the 2026 Microsystems Lead and will be the team’s Engineering Director next year. In his spare time, he enjoys running and spending time with family.

TEAM MANAGER
Industrial and Operations Engineering, Class of 2027
Stuart, FL

This is Julia’s third year on the team. During her first two years, she served as the 2024 Operations Director and the 2025 Procurement Lead. Additionally, she was a member of the 2024 Race Crew that won the American Solar Challenge with our 17th car, Astrum. As Project Manager, Julia prioritizes the team’s goals and ensures strong coordination across the team’s divisions for both short- and long-term success. In her free time, Julia enjoys trying new restaurants, going to the gym, and spending time outdoors.

ENGINEERING DIRECTOR & RACE STRATEGIST
Electrical Engineering, Class of 2026
St. Louis, MO

Ronak first joined the Solar Car Team as a member of the Array division. A veteran of the 2023 Race Crew, Ronak returns this summer as the team’s Engineering Director and Race Strategist, being dually responsible for leading the improvement of an efficient vehicle and completing the Solar Trek successfully by collecting and analyzing data to use in our next design cycle. When he has free time, Ronak likes being outdoors.

BUSINESS DIRECTOR
Business Administration, Class of 2028
Ionia, MI

Near the end of his first year on the team, Evan was selected as the 2026 Business Director and will continue serving in this role next year. Evan manages the ins and outs of the team’s finances and is responsible for sponsor relations, ensuring strong partnerships that contribute to the team’s success. He also works on coordinating public engagement events, helping connect communities across the country with the team’s mission. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and making wicker baskets.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Industrial and Operations Engineering, Class of 2026
Mt. Pleasant, MI

Alex has served as the 2025 Operations Lead and is currently our Operations Director. He has experience with racing Millennium across the outback as a member of the 2025 Race Crew. Alex is responsible for the team’s logistical provisions on the road and at home. This includes procuring manufacturing materials and ensuring sponsor visits go smoothly. In his free time, he enjoys reading, watching Detroit sports, and playing video games.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Materials Science & Engineering, Class of 2029
Ann Arbor, MI

Lucy joined the team during her first semester of Fall 2025. She is excited to spend her summer traveling with the team across the country and being surrounded by a driven and supportive community. As Communications Director, she is charged with managing the external image and publicity of the team. Lucy works on event planning, the team’s social media pages, and media production. Outside of Solar Car, she enjoys watching movie adaptations, running, and journaling.

RACE OPERATIONS
Industrial and Operations Engineering, Class of 2028
Troy, MI

Hwany is a member of the Operations Division. During his first year on the team, he has worked on inventory, route planning and logistics, and procurement. On the Solar Trek, Hwany is the driver of the Chase support vehicle. Next year, Hwany will serve as the 2027 Operations Director. In his free time, he likes plane spotting, trying new restaurants, and playing golf.

DRIVER & RACE OPERATIONS
Industrial and Operations Engineering, Class of 2028
Orange County, CA

This is Emily’s first year on the team. On Race Crew, Emily helps coordinate transport for the car and team, arrange lodging, and outfit support vehicles. Additionally, Emily will be one of Millennium’s Drivers! Next year, she will step into the role of 2027 Procurement Lead. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends, sunsets, the beach, and traveling.

BUSINESS SPECIALIST
Business Administration, Class of 2028
Berkley, MI

Alex serves as the team’s 2026 Accounting Lead and will continue in this role next year. He oversees the team budget, monitoring and adjusting finances as needed. He also works to maintain strong sponsor relationships, recognizing the vital role their support plays in the team’s success. Outside of Solar Car, Alex enjoys reading, playing pickleball and volleyball, and visual art.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2029
Grosse Ile, MI

This is Cole’s first year on the team. He is a member of the Manufacturing & Testing Division and will serve as the division’s lead next year. Cole is responsible for maintaining the mechanical systems of Millennium. This includes the suspension and steering systems, the brakes, and the chassis. On Solar Trek, Cole is also serving as the Lead support vehicle driver. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, cooking, and rock climbing.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2029
San Francisco, CA

Zachary is a member of the Manufacturing & Testing Division and is in his first year on the team. He works on maintaining and improving the mechanical systems with a particular focus on Millennium’s wing. This includes printing, assembling, and refining wing components to ensure performance and reliability. Outside of Solar Car, he likes reading, making jewelry, playing water polo, and going to the gym.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2028
Newport, MI

Josh is a member of the Manufacturing & Testing Division. During his time on the team, Josh contributed to Millennium’s mule car welding and plug and mold layups. As a member of Race Crew, Josh is responsible for understanding and maintaining all of Millennium’s mechanical systems. This includes the suspension and steering systems. Josh enjoys 3D printing, woodworking, and automotive work.

DRIVER & MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2028
Boston, MA

During her first year on the team, Nicole helped with the construction of Millennium’s mule car and aided in composite layup and manufacturing. She is a member of the Manufacturing & Testing Division and will serve as the team’s Engagement Lead next year. In addition to maintaining the car’s mechanical systems, Nicole is also one of Millennium’s drivers. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and musicals.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Class of 2026
Grand Rapids, MI

Nate joined the Microsystems Division this year, where he contributes to the development of the team’s electrical systems. He worked on telemetry testing and plays a key role in maintaining Millennium’s electrical infrastructure, including the battery. Through his work, Nate helps ensure the car operates safely and efficiently on the road. Outside of Solar Car, Nate enjoys playing video games, building LEGO, and meal prepping.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Class of 2029
Okemos, MI

This is Jason’s first year on the team, building on his prior experience with his high school’s solar car team. He is a member of the Microsystems Division. On Race Crew, he manages Millennium’s electrical systems and works on wing controls, contributing to improving the car’s performance and reliability. In his free time, Jason enjoys reading, traveling, and classical music.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Electrical Engineering, Class of 2027
Rochester, MI

This is Kaden’s third year on the team. He has worked on Array Sim testing and Optivolt development as a member of the Array Division. As a part of Race Crew, Kaden works on the electrical systems with a focus on Millennium’s solar array, supporting its efficiency and reliability on the road. In his spare time, Kaden enjoys hockey, watching the Detroit Lions, and exploring Ann Arbor.

DRIVER & ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Computer Engineering, Class of 2029
Los Angeles, CA

Aikam is a first-year member of the Microsystems Division. He has experience with solar cars from his high school’s solar car team. On Race Crew, Aikam works on maintaining Millennium’s electrical systems and focusing on steering wheel design. Additionally, Aikam is one of Millennium’s drivers! Outside of Solar Car, Aikam enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the gym, drawing, and video games.

HEAD STRATEGIST
Computer Science, Class of 2028
Iowa City, IA

Tommy is the team’s 2026 Strategy Division Lead and will continue to serve in this role next year. He has a thorough knowledge of the team’s energy model, simulators, and strategy software. He is responsible for modeling and predicting the world around him to help make decisions on the Solar Trek. Outside of Solar Car, Tommy is a member of the marching band and enjoys playing video games with friends.