In 1999, the Solar Challenge expanded its educational outreach to students who have gone beyond the scope of the original project. Daniel Sandt, former team captain of the Northview High School Solar Car Team (Covina, California), rejoined the Challenge as the first Student Intern. Daniel's untiring efforts brought new perspectives to the race, and demonstrated interns can serve a vital, unbiased role in the administration of the Challenge.

For more information about the intern program, check out the Intern Program.

	Eric Andrechek Race Technology Officer Intern since 2021 College: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Major: Computer Science Former Team: Okemos Solar Car Team, Okemos, Michigan (2019-2021) I am actively pursuing my Computer Science Engineering degree from the University of Michigan, along with minors in Electrical Engineering and Entrepreneurship. In these programs, I am enjoying finding the intersection of engineering and business as I explore the startup industry where I get to try, fail, and try again to see what I can do - just like I did as a racer in Solar Car! I hope to be able to continue working on the racing technology systems behind the scenes to keep this challenge thriving so that future students can explore their passions and find their purpose just like me.
	Triton Shoup Chief Mechanical Judge Intern since 2021 College: Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas Major: Mechanical Engineering Former Team: Winston Solar Car Team, Dallas, Texas (2016-2020) Having graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from SMU this past May, I will continue my education by pursuing dual master's degrees in mechanical engineering and an MBA at the Cox School of Business. My goal is to use my education to propel my entrepreneurial spirit and build a business around an idea - either in the automotive or aerospace field. My time racing with the Solar Car Challenge planted the engineering seed and has led to my involvement in the SAE Formula-1 collegiate series. I am the current president of Hilltop Motorsports and will be competing in 2025. I credit Doc and the Solar Car Challenge for some of my most revered experiences. In addition to my passion for racing, I own a business that grows and sells coral for the marine aquarium trade.
	Liam Hubbard Chief Electrical Judge Intern since 2021 College: University of Texas, Dallas, Texas Major: Electrical Engineering Former Team: Coppell Solar Car Team, Coppell, Texas (2016-2019) I like to find the limit of what is possible in the world and work to see that frontier move ever forward. Each day presents a new set of challenges, and finding unique and innovative ways to push the boundaries of the circumstances we are given, drives me. Engineering has played a significant role in my life and I like to think that the engineering mindset plays a crucial role in ensuring that the world moves forward.
	Nafi Osmani Intern since 2021 Major: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science College: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Former Team: Staten Island Solar Car (2017-2019) I started working with solar cars in 2017 on my high school solar car team, Staten Island Solar Car, and I raced on the Texas Motor Speedway in 2019. I continued my solar racing career at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign on the Illinois Solar Car Team where I raced across the country in the 2021, 2022, and 2024 American Solar Challenge. Solar car has been a transformative experience in my journey and career path as an engineer and I want to give back to the organization and help inspire and mentor the next generation of solar racers. I'm a huge car guy and motorsports fan! I am getting my next car soon and plan to take it onto the track to have some fun. I am also looking forward to getting more experience as a marshal at my local track and applying to and hopefully marshal for the F1 United States GP and Las Vegas GP later in the year!
	Conner Reed Intern since 2022 College: Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas Major: Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technologies Former Team: Prosper Solar Car Team, Prosper, Texas (2018) With my background in manufacturing and mechanical engineering, my goal is to one day open my own engineering firm. Currently, I work at Priefert Steel, manufacturing solar panel mounts. I have a deep appreciation for design and love seeing teams bring new ideas to the competition each year.
	Nadia Auguste Intern since 2022 College: University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida Major: Marketing Former Team: Western HS Solar Car Team, Davie, Florida (2018-2021) I first became aware of what solar cars were in 2016, but I finally started working with them when I joined my team in 2018. This upcoming race will mark my fifth year as part of the SCC, and my fourth as an intern! I currently attend the University of North Florida where I am studying Marketing with hopes to combine marketing and media in my future career. I also work for my school as a tour guide which means I get to show people around and tell them all the reasons why I love the school and why they should too. I wanted to become an intern because solar cars are something I'm passionate about and it's a way for me to still be involved after racing. As far as hobbies go I love photography and reading, they're the two main things you'll find me doing outside of classes and work.
	Parker Baze Race Videographer College: University of North Texas, Denton, Texas Major: Marketing As of 2024 I received my associate's degree from Collin College and am going to UNT in the fall to get my bachelor's degree in marketing. I have been the lead videographer for 2 years now for the Solar Car Challenge and I'm looking forward to growing their social media platforms again. Hopefully, by the end of the summer, I will have over 100,000 views just on Instagram!
	Anika Escobar Intern since 2024 College: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering and minoring in Fire Protection Engineering Former Team: Iron Lions Solar Car Team, Greenville, Texas (2020-2023) One of my main goals in life is to graduate college, as nobody in my family has had the privilege to do so. Overall, I just want to make my parents proud as they came to this country with nothing but managed to give me everything and more. A dream of mine is to one day give back to my community and to inspire more girls like me to pursue a career in STEM, I just hope I can become a role model for girls in our town to break the gender barriers. I wanted to be an intern because the solar car community played a huge role in my journey into engineering. It's super rewarding to help out and hopefully inspire other students the way I was inspired.
	Justin Fox Intern since 2024 College: University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida Major: Mechanical Engineering Former Team: Western HS Solar Car Team, Davie, Florida (2019-2021) I'm a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Central Florida, set to graduate in Spring 2026. Since June 2023, I've been part of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control's CWEP program and currently serve as a manufacturing engineer at the Engineering Prototype Laboratory in Orlando. My experience in the Solar Car Challenge during high school taught me invaluable lessons, and I'm passionate about helping others discover the same excitement and growth. Outside of academics and work, I enjoy flying planes, mountain biking, hiking, and working out. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career as an engineer in the aerospace and defense industry and become a USAF pilot.
	Sebastian Sandoval Intern since 2024 College: Rice University, Houston, Texas Major: Mechanical Engineering Former Team: Covenant Cougars Solar Team, Colleyville, Texas (2022-2023) I'm a college student in engineering, and I've always loved working with cars. This led me to Solar Car in high school, but now I'm part of the rocketry and Formula SAE clubs at my college which will hopefully be competitive in competitions in the next few years. I'm hoping to use my education and solar car experience to work on similar interdisciplinary projects in the future in the aerospace or automotive industries.
	Mason Richards Intern since 2024 College: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado Major: Mechanical Engineering Former Team: Prosper Solar Car Team, Prosper, Texas I believe that participating as an Intern at the event serves as a unique opportunity to gain practical experience related to large-event logistics and organization. Additionally, I am looking forward to making new connections, visiting old mentors/teammates, and seeing the newest 'fleet' of high school solar cars.
	Sami Medudula Intern since 2024 College: University of Texas, Austin, Texas Major: Mechanical Engineering Former Team: Prosper Solar Car Team, Prosper, Texas (2021-2023) I am not entirely sure what I want for myself, but I am confident in knowing that I never dreamed or aspired to have a lot of money or be considered a very sophisticated engineer. I just want to experience all aspects of life and the world around me while living an active life where I learn new things every day. However, I do have a milestone of climbing to Mount Everest base and completing the IronMan triathlon. I do hope to eventually settle down with my own little custom shop and work on cars and random projects every day.
	Sebastian Gonzalez First Year Intern College: East Texas A&M, Commerce, Texas Major: Music Education Former Team: Iron Lions Solar Car Team, Greenville, Texas (2020-2024) The Solar Car Challenge has completely changed my life. Through their relentless dedication and unwavering devotion to student success, Dr. Marks and his race staff have made me more compassionate, productive, and determined. It is for this reason, among numerous others, that I wish wholeheartedly, to the best of my ability, to contribute to an activity that has given me so much in every aspect of my life. I firmly hold that, when paired with an adventure, education is the key to unlocking a truly fulfilling and impactful life, and being an intern for the Solar Car Challenge will permit me to put my philosophy into action. Some hobbies of mine include anything music-related, whether it is teaching, playing, listening, or composing, traveling, hiking, spending time with friends and family, cooking and baking, seeking new knowledge on random topics, and of course, the intricate and captivating world of solar cars.
	Walter Gaines First Year Intern College: Texas A&M, College Station, Texas Major: Aerospace Engineering Former Team: Fort Worth Country Day (2022-2023) As a Formula SAE EV team member, I work on the aerodynamics and any part of the car made of composite materials. I also get to work with high-end CFD software and have to justify every aerodynamic element of the car. I want to be an intern for many reasons, but it starts with all the opportunities the Solar Car Challenge gave me in high school. I was able to learn so much more than what the classroom taught me by being able to go out and put my hands on the car. I had to research so much I did not know about, but the desire to build a competitive car gave me all the drive I needed to go and learn. Once we had a place to start and we began building, the fun of this challenge was only starting. Seeing my plans come to life in front of me was so rewarding. I now want to give back to this challenge for all it did for me. I would not have gotten to where I am now without it, and since I had such a great time while at the races, I hope to go back to them and help.
	Richard Souchick First Year Intern College: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana Major: Mechanical Engineering Former Team: Fort Worth Country Day (2023-2024) I chose to return as an intern this year because I had the time of my life during my 2 years in the race. I would love to see new and returning teams feel the same adrenaline and excitement while scrambling to beat the scrutineering timeline, as well as the joy after passing and reflecting on their year (or more) of hard work leading up to it. I am also eager to learn more about the logistics that take place on the staff side.
	Hannah Valdez First Year Intern Former Team: Solar Falcon Solar Car Team (2022-2023) I want to be an intern with this prestigious challenge because I value everything this challenge encourages. When I took part in this challenge it felt like a home away from home even when I was over 1,000 miles away. This challenge felt like a family for all involved. It is a fun-filled experience where your "competition" is more like family. It's refreshing to see a challenge where everyone is kind and willing to help even those you don't know or are competing against. When I first competed in 2022 I was really excited because this was my first time away from home essentially by myself but little did I know that I would forever be a part of the Solar Car Challenge family, a family where even miles apart never ends. This experience also helped further enhance my want for helping others. I would love to be an intern with the Solar Car Challenge because of everything it stands for and encourages. This challenge encourages students to go above and beyond and think outside of the box. I was fortunate enough to compete in this challenge twice, and I would love to be an intern so that I can continue to help others on their journey as well, and even hopefully one day an opportunity for those less fortunate to experience this challenge as well and get involved.
	Arjun Vasudevan First Year Intern College: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania Major: Information Systems Former Team: Fort Worth Country Day (2022-2024) I am currently attending Carnegie Mellon University, pursuing a degree in Information Systems with a prospective additional major in either decision science or business operations. I am involved in Greek Life with the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, serving as the president of my class. I also enjoy attending general board meetings for the Investment Banking and Consulting clubs on campus. I wanted to become an intern in order to both stay involved with the Solar Car Challenge as well as inspire the next generation of visionaries. I know I personally knew what I wanted to pursue after taking part in the Solar Car Challenge and being able to help others find their passion is something I want to be able to do. My hobbies include: Urban Exploration as well as Sim-Racing. In terms of interests, I am currently interested in the intersection of technology and business, wanting to work on cutting-edge solutions to streamline backend operations.
	Matthew Bolding First Year Intern College: Texas Christian University & University of North Texas Major: Computer Science Former Team: All Saints Solar Car Team (2015-2018) I am attending the University of North Texas pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science; researching long-form, legal-based, LLM-assisted Q&A. I graduated from Texas Christian University in 2023 with a B.S. Computer Science, B.S. Mathematics; former TCU Ranger. I wanted to become an intern so that I could give back to an organization that has opened countless doors for me personally and professionally. Organizations cannot function without a dedicated group of volunteers and staff, so returning as an intern is my way of giving back and ensuring that the challenge faces as few staffing issues as possible. As a former participant myself, I also enjoy seeing how teams integrate more emerging technology into their vehicles and systems to optimize them beyond what was possible a decade ago. I like hiking, rock climbing, golfing, and going to football games. I also host a small home lab hosting various computing systems for my personal use.

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