Business students take the wheel

Sunseeker, the registered student organization behind Western Michigan University’s solar powered racecar, began in 1990. As the RSO races toward its 30^th anniversary, it continues to evolve. Recognizing the need for a business team to handle the responsibilities of fundraising, marketing and budgeting for future races and car development, Sunseeker became a co-engineering and co-business RSO, with Dr. Melissa Intindola, assistant professor of management, serving as business advisor.

The business sub-team team consists of seven students who work closely with more than 30 mechanical, electrical, aerospace and computer engineering students who focus on engineering and operations. The RSO needs to operate like a small non-profit business in order for it to be successful and this is where the Haworth College of Business students shine.

Shifting into gear

“Business students are getting firsthand experience in running a small, entrepreneurial organization,” explains Intindola. “They are practicing marketing, sales, finance and management – essentially every business function along with soft skills like critical thinking, teamwork and communication.”

Junior Abby Macchiarolo serves as the director of business for the Sunseeker solar car project, overseeing all business aspects of the team. For her, building the business team from the ground up has been an exciting challenge. “I’ve learned how to work with others in ways I never had before,” says Macchiarolo. “Working in this kind of team environment necessitates a lot of cooperation, but we all have the same goal and that is to learn about new sustainable technology while immersing ourselves in real-world experiences.”

Having their day in the sun

WMU’s solar car has raced in every American Solar Challenge since the team’s formation. The ASC is a multi-day, cross-country race of more than 1,200 miles. The route varies each year and is designed to provide teams with an opportunity to demonstrate their solar cars’ real-world driving conditions while testing the reliability of onboard systems.

Sunseeker has also participated in nearly every Formula Sun Grand Prix since the race began in 2000. This year, the race was held on the Formula 1 racetrack at the Circuit of Americas in Austin, Texas. The team came away with an impressive fifth place finish.

This fall, the team will begin work on a brand new car, which will make its debut in 2020.  The team hopes to tackle the pinnacle of solar racing with their new car by participating in the World Solar Challenge for the first time. The WSC is held in Australia and travels through nearly 1,900 miles of Australian outback.