Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan ’97, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, a dedicated leader in engineering education, and a longtime advocate for industry collaboration, has received the 2025 SAE Forest McFarland Award for her outstanding contributions to SAE International’s engineering events. She was given the honor during the 2025 SAE World Congress Experience (WCX), held April 8 through 10 in Detroit — the premier global event for automotive engineering professionals.

Established in 1979, the Forest McFarland Award honors individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts in the planning, developing, and disseminating of technical knowledge through SAE conferences and professional development programs. Dr. Bastiaan’s decades-long leadership in organizing SAE technical sessions and fostering industry-academic engagement has made her an invaluable force within the organization.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by SAE, an organization that has shaped my own career and continues to drive progress in the industry,” Bastiaan said. “SAE has been instrumental in connecting engineers, researchers, and students in meaningful ways, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission.”

As chair of SAE’s Materials Modeling and Testing Committee, Dr. Bastiaan has played a critical role in orchestrating key sessions at WCX, ensuring the highest level of technical content and industry relevance. She leads three major sessions at WCX, including those on vehicle dynamics and tire mechanics, as well as a student-focused session, Motorsports 101, which she pioneered to give university teams a platform to present their work and engage with industry leaders.

A ɫ����Ƶ alumna and industry veteran, Dr. Bastiaan spent two decades at Roush Industries before returning to ɫ����Ƶ as a faculty member in 2015. Her deep ties to industry and dedication to hands-on education reflect ɫ����Ƶ’s commitment to producing graduates who don’t just enter the workforce — they lead it. 

At ɫ����Ƶ, Dr. Bastiaan is the Faculty Advisor to two Formula SAE teams, the Internal Combustion team and the Electric team. She is also a Faculty Co-advisor to four other SAE student teams, including AutoDrive Challenge II, Baja SAE, SAE Aero Design, and SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge.

“The WCX event is where the future of automotive engineering takes shape,” she said. “I hope my experience encourages more ɫ����Ƶ students, faculty, alumni, and stakeholders to get involved because SAE is a powerful platform for innovation and collaboration.”

With attendance reaching over 10,000 professionals annually, WCX is recognized as the cornerstone event for the automotive engineering community, attracting experts from across academia and industry to exchange cutting-edge research and best practices.

Dr. Bastiaan’s leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to student engagement exemplify ɫ����Ƶ’s legacy of producing bold, forward-thinking problem-solvers. Her recognition with the Forest McFarland Award solidifies her place among the industry’s most influential voices.

Hosted at ɫ����Ƶ’s GM Mobility Research Center (MRC), the MichAuto Mobility Meetup on March 20 brought together Michigan’s mobility leaders, engineers, entrepreneurs, and educators for an evening focused on building connections among innovators across the state. Co-hosted by MichAauto — an initiative of the Detroit Regional Chamber — and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the event connected automotive and manufacturing leaders, start-ups, service firms, and students around a shared goal: accelerating what’s next in mobility. Guests also toured the MRC, a 21-acre proving ground for testing autonomous vehicles, electric propulsion systems, and sensor technologies. 

At the Intersection of Industry and Education

Jennifer Umberger, Vice President for University Marketing and Communications, welcomed attendees and emphasized the University’s legacy as a talent engine for the automotive and mobility industries. “Whether you’ve known us as GMI or as ɫ����Ƶ, we’ve always existed to build the future of industry — and the talent that powers it,” she said.

ɫ����Ƶ’s 50-50 model — equal parts rigorous academics and paid full-time Co-op — equips every student with up to two and a half years of real-world experience by the time they graduate. “That’s why our graduates are hired not just to contribute — but to lead,” Umberger added.

MichAuto: Driving Michigan’s Mobility Leadership

MichAuto is focused on strengthening Michigan’s role as a global mobility leader by advancing public-private partnerships, business innovation, and talent development. Its Mobility Meetup series creates opportunities for industry leaders, educators, startups, and students to collaborate in meaningful ways that grow careers and companies alike.

Investing in Michigan’s Talent Pipeline

Suzanne Petrusch, Interim Vice President of Enrollment, spotlighted ɫ����Ƶ’s leadership in the Michigander Scholars Program, which provides $5,000 to students who complete a Co-op with a Michigan employer or $10,000 to students who spend 12 months or more working full-time in the state after graduation.

“ɫ����Ƶ has named more Michigander Scholars than any other participating university,” Petrusch said. “That’s a reflection of our Co-op depth, employer partnerships, and our students’ readiness to drive real results — right here in Michigan.”

Built for What’s Next

The Mobility Meetup at ɫ����Ƶ wasn’t just a networking event but a proving ground for collaboration. For students, it reinforced how education and industry can work hand in hand. For employers, it showcased the next generation of problem solvers ready to lead Michigan’s mobility evolution. And for the state, it highlighted the power of shared investment in talent, innovation, and impact.

For ɫ����Ƶ senior Scotty Grunwald ’26, an electrical engineering major from Riverview, Michigan, engineering has always been about more than theory — it’s about building real solutions. When he encountered the University’s newest robotic cell, he gained another opportunity to work hands-on with ɫ����Ƶ’s state-of-the-art robotic system, built in collaboration with Patti Engineering, Mitsubishi Electric, and Keyence Corporation.

“This was my first real attempt at a full automation system,” Grunwald said. “It was a lot harder than it looks on paper, but that’s what made it so valuable.”

The robotic cell, installed in ɫ����Ƶ’s engineering lab, gives students direct experience in programming and debugging industrial automation. Featuring an industrial robot and a collaborative robot, the cell performs pick-and-place operations, complete with a 3D vision system and industrial robot for unstructured material arrival, as well as the collaborative robot and a stationary camera for inspection. A flexible code base allows students to modify programming and test their solutions while safety features remain locked in place. The result is a hands-on learning tool that mirrors state-of-the-art challenges met with the precision of real-world manufacturing automation.

“Our students want to work on things that are meaningful,” said ɫ����Ƶ lecturer Andrew Watchorn. “This system puts cutting-edge automation technology in front of them, allowing them to see the impact of their problem-solving in real-time. That hands-on experience builds deep expertise — the kind that sets ɫ����Ƶ graduates apart in industry.”

The vision for the robotic cell began with Sam Hoff ’90, CEO of Patti Engineering. As a ɫ����Ƶ alumnus, Hoff knows firsthand the power of hands-on education and saw an opportunity to give students an advantage in automation and robotics. He approached Mitsubishi Electric with the idea, and together with Keyence, BorgWarner, and ɫ����Ƶ faculty, they brought the concept to life.

“We are proud to support ɫ����Ƶ’s engineering students by providing this state-of-the-art robotic cell,” Hoff said. “This tool will offer invaluable practical experience and help equip students with the skills necessary for success in the rapidly evolving field of robotics and automation.”

For Grunwald, the experience was transformative. Although his early interests leaned toward circuit design and programming, working with the robotic cell changed how he thought about automation.

“This project definitely gave me an edge in the job market,” he said. “I can say, ‘I’ve worked with Mitsubishi PLCs before. I’ve programmed Mitsubishi robots.’ Even working with HMIs [human-machine interfaces] — it all adds to my portfolio and sets me apart.”

Few students outside of ɫ����Ƶ gain that competitive edge. Grunwald frequently compares notes with friends from other universities, many of whom lack access to industrial-grade automation systems.

“None of them really have experience with anything purely automation-based,” he said. “They might have a small robot in a lab, but nothing like this — nothing that could go straight into an industrial environment.”

ɫ����Ƶ Receives $1 Million Gift from Windrose Technology CEO and Founder Wen Han to Advance Sustainability and Clean Energy Innovation

Gift Supports Scholarships and Endowment Focused on Sustainability, Green Manufacturing, and Mobility Technologies

Flint, MI - ɫ����Ƶ proudly announces it has received a  $1 million gift from Wen Han and his wife, Jessie Jia, on behalf of , a Silicon Valley-based leader in heavy-duty electric vehicle innovation. This gift by the Windrose Technology founder and CEO and coordinated by ɫ����Ƶ alumnus Jason Roycht ’96 underscores the University’s commitment to incorporating sustainability and clean energy education into the curriculum. The gift is part of a broader ongoing global activity led by Wen and Jessie involving multiple universities to promote education, sustainability, and global cooperation.

“ɫ����Ƶ is pleased to partner with Windrose Technology in preparing the next generation of engineers and innovators to tackle the pressing challenges of sustainable manufacturing and materials as well as clean energy,” said Jennifer Patterson, ɫ����Ƶ Vice President of Advancement and External Relations. “This generous gift not only enhances our ability to provide students with hands-on experience in renewable energy and green manufacturing technologies but also represents the critical connection between education and industry.”

The gift includes a Sustainability Endowment that will empower ɫ����Ƶ’s College of Engineering to expand its sustainability initiatives, including hosting guest speakers, organizing faculty and student participation in conferences, and fostering industry partnerships. In addition to the endowment, the Windrose Technology Scholarship will benefit students with interests in sustainability, green manufacturing, and mobility technologies. This endowment will be synchronized with efforts and additional endowments initiated by Wen Han across several top universities, including his alma mater, Stanford University, to promote learning, inspiration, innovation, and collaboration among students, faculty, and alumni toward sustainability efforts.

Windrose Technology’s gift aligns with ɫ����Ƶ’s commitment to advancing sustainability and clean energy. Wen Han sees this partnership as an opportunity to inspire future engineers to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. 

“Sustainability is the key mission of my career, and automotive is the key area that drives much of the pollution today,” Han said. “Everyone starts in school before they go into the workforce and they should be entitled to study sustainability before they make a career choice.”

Jason Roycht, an executive at Windrose Technology and a former executive at Nikola Motors and Robert Bosch, played a pivotal role in developing the gift with Han. Together, they identified ɫ����Ƶ as an ideal partner for advancing education in clean energy and sustainability.

“Wen and Jessie are extremely forward-focused to support and inspire students to pursue studies for sustainability,” Roycht said.  “When I decided to join his company, I requested Wen's support to extend these activities to ɫ����Ƶ. Wen quickly became impressed with the depth of the Co-op program and the efforts of key alumni, especially the strong connections to the automotive industry and Detroit.”

For Jason Roycht, the gift is personal. “My father-in-law, Ray Reske, attended and grew out of the General Motors Institute [now ɫ����Ƶ] in the mid-’60s, firmly in the apex of Detroit and cars,” Roycht said. “Ray was a fantastic example of the technical leaders born out of this time and had a fabulous career at General Motors…  We all would like to continue this spirit by supporting and helping more students pursue learning and embracing problems and practical solutions.”

In that vein, the Windrose gift also includes the Reske Legacy Scholarship, named after Raymond D. Reske ’66. This scholarship honors Reske’s legacy of inspiring multiple generations of engineers. His daughters, Laura (Reske) Roycht ’95 and Darlene (Reske) Sypitkowski ’98, earned their degrees from the University. During their studies, they also met their future husbands, Jason Roycht and Greg Sypitkowski ’98. Continuing the family legacy is Mike Roycht, Jason and Laura’s son, who is currently a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and Madeline Sypitkowski, Greg and Darlene’s daughter, who plans to begin her studies at ɫ����Ƶ this year.

The donation also underscores the value of ɫ����Ƶ’s unique “hands-on, minds-on” Co-op education model. “The ɫ����Ƶ experience did a stellar job in pushing me into the ‘deep end of the pool’ and forcing me to swim,” Roycht said. “The speed, challenges, and mindset required to be successful in the EV and AI world pull more from my life experiences at ɫ����Ƶ as an engineering Co-op than the technical textbooks of that time. It will be wonderful to expose students to these worlds faster via this endowment and connect the next generation of technical leaders to practical problems and challenges. I can't wait to get their "minds-on" these things for all our benefit.”

This gift builds on ɫ����Ƶ’s long-standing reputation as a leader in innovation and engineering education. Reinforcing the collaboration between academia and industry highlights the University’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainability and clean energy solutions.

Wen Han shares more about ɫ����Ƶ's commitment to sustainability in .

The ɫ����Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association (KGMIAA) announced today it has awarded $30,000 in sponsorships to more than 60 Michigan high school robotics teams participating in FIRST, VEX, and FTC programs. The initiative reflects a core value that drives ɫ����Ƶ: equipping young problem solvers with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to shape the future.

The sponsorships provide resources for students to build robots, compete, and deepen their STEM experience. These students are following a hands-on path that mirrors the journeys of many ɫ����Ƶ and GMI alumni who began their careers with an early passion for STEM.

“We are incredibly proud to support these bright, motivated students who are exploring their interests in engineering and technology through hands-on experience,” said Joe Lemieux ’85, outgoing president of the KGMIAA. “Many of us — alumni of ɫ����Ƶ and GMI — can trace our own careers back to the formative experiences we had in high school and early college. These sponsorships not only provide the students with the resources to excel in their robotics competitions but also encourage their growth in STEM fields as they prepare for their future careers. These efforts also allow us to raise awareness of ɫ����Ƶ as a leading institution for STEM education and open the door for many students to consider us as the next step in their academic journey.”

KGMIAA’s sponsorships go beyond financial support. The Association also recognizes alumni who dedicate their time and expertise to mentor high school robotics teams, serving as coaches and advisors. This hands-on mentorship ensures students have guidance as they navigate competitions and plan their futures in STEM fields.

“We owe a great deal of thanks to our alumni who volunteer as coaches and mentor the next generation of robotics enthusiasts,” said Lorenzo Jones ’89, incoming president of the KGMIAA. “Their dedication to supporting their high school alma maters or their children’s teams is invaluable, and it’s inspiring to see how they continue to give back to their community. At the same time, these sponsorships introduce students to ɫ����Ƶ’s outstanding programs, creating opportunities for them to envision their future here with us.”

For ɫ����Ƶ and its alumni, this initiative underscores a commitment to investing in young innovators, providing them with experiences that build confidence, technical expertise, and a passion for tackling real-world challenges.

For a complete list of robotics teams that received a 2025 KGMIAA sponsorship, visit /robotics/kgmiaa-sponsorships.

About the ɫ����Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association
The ɫ����Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association (KGMIAA) unites alumni in support of ɫ����Ƶ’s mission to advance STEM education and innovation. With a focus on fostering lifelong loyalty, promoting core values, and providing financial support, the KGMIAA serves as a key resource for University leadership and alumni engagement. Membership is automatic for all graduates of ɫ����Ƶ/GMI, with no membership fees required. The KGMIAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more at kettering.edu/alumni.

More info coming soon!

ɫ����Ƶ/GMI alumni are invited to join President Robert K. McMahan during the 2025 WCX for a networking reception.

Detroit Athletic Club Reading Room
241 Madison St., Detroit
Wednesday, April 17
5:30 - 7 p.m.

Business dress is required. The deadline to RSVP is Wednesday, April 2.

57 students will receive the state’s coveted scholarship incentives of $5,000 for Co-ops and up to $10,000 for accepting full-time positions and agreeing to live and work in the Great Lakes State for one year after graduation

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ɫ����Ƶ, founded to support workforce and talent development in 1919, is proud to be a partner in MEDC's mission to recruit talent and fill jobs in Michigan’s mobility, electric vehicle, and semiconductor industries.

FLINT, Mich. — ɫ����Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 57 ɫ����Ƶ students to represent the University’s fourth class of Michigander Scholars. This is the largest cohort of students to benefit from the program since ɫ����Ƶ began granting the awards in the spring of 2024. The innovative Michigander Scholars program offers scholarships of $5,000 and up to $10,000 to qualifying scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer or as a software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company. More than 150 scholarships have been awarded to date, and more than 100 ɫ����Ƶ students and recent graduates have been recognized as part of this groundbreaking program.

The Michigander Scholars program offers exclusive opportunities for top tech and engineering students in Michigan, including career guidance, paid internships, and networking opportunities with industry employers. Participating universities gain valuable insights into the skills employers seek, and key employers across the state benefit from early access to a pipeline of highly skilled talent. Many of ɫ����Ƶ's Co-op employer partners are qualified employers as part of this program, including Ford, GM, BorgWarner, Bosch, Hemlock Semiconductor, Magna, Mahle, Nissan, Our Next Energy Inc., and ZF.

“We are creating top talent here in Michigan, but that’s not enough. We must also be proactive to retain our young professionals and ensure that experienced talent can continue to thrive in Michigan,” said Kerry Ebersole Singh, MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer, during a joint MEDC-ɫ����Ƶ press conference last Spring on ɫ����Ƶ’s campus. “The Michigander Scholars program is a win-win-win. Michigan benefits by promoting its top-tier universities; students gain invaluable hands-on workforce training through paid internships; and our state’s innovative companies secure a steady stream of highly educated, motivated professionals. This program exemplifies what’s possible when public and private sectors collaborate for a brighter future.”

The Michigander Scholars program, the first of its kind in the United States, represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s leading advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC’s mission is to increase the retention of college graduates in critical areas of Michigan’s growing technology and knowledge economy. This MEDC initiative is a vital talent retention strategy that promotes key careers, recruits talent, and fills in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, industries essential to Michigan’s economic growth.

ɫ����Ƶ's unique 50-50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment is ideally positioned to support this initiative. U.S. News & World Report recently recognized ɫ����Ƶ as one of the nation’s best universities for Co-ops and internships, and the Wall Street Journal named it one of the top 10 colleges in the country for career preparation. The University also ranks No. 1 in Michigan in return on investment (ROI) for undergraduate studies, according to PayScale.com.

The fourth class of ɫ����Ƶ Michigander Scholars includes:

• FORD FULL-TIME AWARD
  • David Faulkner, Holly, Michigan, Holly High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Amanda Koziol, Shelby Township, Michigan, Eisenhower Senior High School, Class of 2024, Computer Science
• FORD CO-OP AWARD
  • Thomas Borst, Plymouth, Michigan, Plymouth High School, Class of  2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Easton Brissette, Fairgrove, Michigan, Seton Home Study School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Olivia Brothers, White Lake, Michigan, Lakeland High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Janice James, Biloxi, Mississippi, St. Hugh’s High School for Girls, Class of 2027, Computer Science
  • Megan Judd, Warren, Michigan, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
  • Justin Poiner, Wixom, Michigan, Walled Lake Western High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Hailey Rowley, Jackson, Michigan, Northwest High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
• GM FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Jackson Alarie, Clarkston, Michigan, Clarkston High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Daniel Barta, Harrison Township, Michigan, University Liggett School, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
  • Tyler Bourassa, Linden, Michigan, Linden High School, Class of 2024, MBA
  • Nathan Cahilig, Warren, Michigan, International Academy of Macomb, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Robbie Dehaan, Ortonville, Michigan, Brandon High School, Class of 2024, Computer Engineering
  • Brenden Londeau, White Lake, Michigan, International Academy West, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Khushi Mann, Sterling Heights, Michigan, Sterling Heights High School, Class of 2023, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alayna Reed, Clinton Township, Michigan, Class of 2023, Electrical Engineering
• GM CO-OP AWARD
  • Paige Field, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Class of 2025, Industrial Engineering
  • Alyssa Hagan, Highland, Michigan, International Academy West Campus, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Shane Hurley, Canton, Michigan, Canton High School, Class of 2026, Computer Engineering
  • Ria Kapoor, Northville, Michigan, Northville High School, Class of 2028, Management
  • Camden Knaak, Hudsonville, Michigan, Jenison High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
  • Patrick Pilchowski, Highland, Michigan, Milford High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Abhiram Sanikommu, Troy, Michigan, Troy High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
  • Ethan Shaw, Howell, Michigan, Hartland High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Christa Spencer, Ortonville, Michigan, Brandon High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Ryan Stiles, Gladwin, Michigan, Farmington High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Brandon Vivian, Milford, Michigan, Milford High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Grayson Whaley, Rochester, Michigan, Stoney Creek High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
• BORGWARNER FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Jordan Stolberg, Rochester, New York, Brighton High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
• BORGWARNER CO-OP AWARD
  • Justin Bankston, Harper Woods, Michigan, Renaissance High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Valeria Dillanes Gonzalez, Bahla De Banderas, Mexico, Harkness Institute, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
  • Xavier Omozokpia, Clinton Township, Michigan, DeLaSalle Collegiate High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Noah Spriet, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
• BOSCH CO-OP AWARD
  • Alexandra Cabaj, Fenton, Michigan, Hartland High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Logan Greshak, Middleville, Michigan, West Michigan Aviation Academy, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Bassam Jehangir, Bedford, New Hampshire, Bedford High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alexandra Kerry, Richmond, Michigan, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Andreas Lanni, Commerce Township, Michigan, Detroit Catholic Central High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Lance Lipasek, Washington, Michigan, Chippewa Valley High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Liam McCullough-Campbell, Ottawa Hills, Ohio, Ottawa Hills High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • David Strzelewicz, West Bloomfield, Michigan, St. Mary's Preparatory, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
• HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR CO-OP AWARD
  • Rameira Davis, Flint, Michigan, Genesee Early College, Class of 2027, Chemical Engineering
  • Michael Huot, Fenton, Michigan, Lake Fenton High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
• MAGNA FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Nicholas Young, Highland, Michigan, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
• MAGNA CO-OP AWARD
  • Sarah Samji, Troy, Michigan, Class of 2026, Computer Science
  • Joseph Vandeputte, Clarkston, Michigan, Clarkston High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
• MAHLE CO-OP AWARD
  • Christopher Ciak, Swartz Creek, Michigan, Swartz Creek High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
  • Connor O'Keefe, Vancouver, Washington, iTech Preparatory, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Parker Rath, Fenton, Michigan, Genesee Christian High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • Benjamin Spore, Howell, Michigan, Howell High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• NISSAN FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Paige Hunger, Almont, Michigan, Almont High School, Class of 2023, Mechanical Engineering
• OUR NEXT ENERGY INC. FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Aaron Spengler, Rockford, Michigan, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• ZF CO-OP AWARD
  • Jace Hund, Howell, Michigan, Howell High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jace Kanitz, Shelby Township, Michigan, Utica High School, Class of 2027, Chemical Engineering
  • Mario Moustafa, Warren, Michigan, Bishop Foley Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Blake Ronne, Shelby Township, Michigan, Eisenhower Senior High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering

SAE International recently named Dr. Jacqueline El-Sayed ’86 as its new Chief Executive Officer. In her role that begins January 6, 2025, Dr. El-Sayed will lead SAE International and its affiliate organizations, including the Performance Review Institute and SAE ITC, as they continue to advance mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity.

Dr. El-Sayed’s connection to SAE is personal and professional. “It is incredibly exciting to return to the mobility community which launched my career,” she said. “I am deeply honored to have been selected as CEO and am looking forward to listening, learning, and working together to reach our full potential.”

A graduate of General Motors Institute, now ɫ����Ƶ, Dr. El-Sayed began her journey as a Co-op student, working as a truck engineer at GM while earning her degree in mechanical engineering. This foundational experience in ɫ����Ƶ’s hallmark co-op program taught her to approach challenges with focus and purpose — qualities that have defined her decades-long career.

Dr. El-Sayed went on to become a professor of mechanical engineering at ɫ����Ƶ, where she spent 18 years educating and inspiring future engineers. For part of that time, she also served as Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Her leadership career extended well beyond ɫ����Ƶ. As CEO of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), she led the organization through significant growth and alignment. She also has a history of public service, serving as chair of Michigan’s Truck Safety Commission and working on advisory committees that have resulted in bipartisan safety legislation.

Dr. El-Sayed is recognized nationally as a trailblazer in engineering and education. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. El-Sayed to the SAE International Organization,” said Carla Bailo, Board President of SAE International. “Her background in engineering education and mobility technology will drive SAE to better deliver on our mission for our customers. Her past success as CEO demonstrates her drive to pursue excellence at all levels.” 

Eric Jacuzzi '08
Vice President of Vehicle Performance NASCAR

In response to recent dramatic crashes at Daytona International Speedway and Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR has launched innovative aerodynamic enhancements to keep cars grounded during high-speed spins — and a ɫ����Ƶ graduate is leading the way.  Eric Jacuzzi ’08 (Mechanical Engineering) has served as NASCAR’s vice president of vehicle performance since January 2023, leading the Research and Development team through the introduction of crucial modifications to the cars’ design. These changes include enlarging roof rails to disrupt airflow during spins and implementing a small triangular “parachute” on the right-side roof flap. Additionally, a new side skirt has been added to help reduce pressure underneath the vehicle.

“We went to work here at the R&D center using CFD and wind tunnels to essentially see what we can do,” Jacuzzi said. “We want that liftoff speed as high as we can get it to keep the cars on the ground.”

The new features are designed to significantly increase the cars’ takeoff speed by 25% during sideways spins, a vital improvement in reducing the risk of airborne crashes. The enhancements will be implemented for all superspeedway races, ensuring a safer environment for drivers and teams.

NASCAR’s commitment to safety continues with ongoing research and development. Jacuzzi and his team are determined to build on these initial improvements, aiming for a future where long-drawn-out car flips become a relic of the past.

In addition to a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from ɫ����Ƶ, Jacuzzi holds a master’s and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan and North Carolina State University, respectively.