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I joined the Human Powered Vehicle Project in my second semester at the University of West Florida as a freshman volunteer. My goal was to learn how to bring value to a engineering team, as this was my first exposure to such a responsibility. I did not yet know any CAD software, but I shadowed my upper level classmates to learn as I went. Once I became a sophomore in the Fall of 2018, I was allowed to register as a team member in the engineering department.

 

My role was to provide support in the research of the vehicle, network with local bike shops to gain practical info and discounted parts, and present our findings at regional and state conferences to gain support and recognition.

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The project, though prominent in other colleges nationwide, was new to UWF when I joined. Despite this hurdle, we gradually improved until we had a bike design created. The team was then given a intro to TIG Welding lesson so we could begin cutting/welding/grinding the steel metal tubing we acquired into a functional bike.

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My role ended in May of 2019 because I transferred to the University of Central Florida. Though I couldn't stay to see the completion of the project, I am proud to say I was a member at the start of the entire project, and I learned many professional and technical skills along the way.

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