Background

Meet Our Team

Team History

Current Team

2026 (Hyperion)

With over 100 students across more than 10 distinct disciplines, Rutgers Solar Car is working hard on our new Single Occupant Vehicle (SOV), Hyperion, for entry into the American Solar Challenge (ASC) 2026.

Background

Mechanical

The Mechanical team is responsible for all of the car's core mechanical systems, including the chassis, brakes, and suspension. It designs the chassis to provide a robust structure and secure mounting points for the vehicle, and to ensure driver safety and vehicle control, conducts extensive simulations and testing.

Chassis

Design and build the car's frame structure

Chassis

Suspension

Optimize ride quality and handling

Suspension

Brakes

Ensure safe and reliable stopping power

Brakes

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Electrical

The Electrical team is responsible for everything from the solar array to the telemetry systems and all components in between. It designs, installs, and wires the electrical systems required to power and operate RSC's solar-electric vehicles, ensuring it functions efficiently from start to finish.

High
Voltage

Battery management and motor control systems

High Voltage

Low
Voltage

Control systems and auxiliary electronics

Low Voltage

Solar

Solar array design and power optimization

Solar

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Aerodynamics

The Aerodynamics team designs and manufactures the car's exterior aerobody. Its primary goal is to create a lightweight, high-performance structure. To achieve this, the team utilizes composite materials—a blend of substances that ensures the aerobody is both light and strong, optimizing the car’s overall performance.

CFD Analysis

Computational fluid dynamics and optimization

CFD Analysis

Composites

Composite manufacturing and layup

Composites

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Business

From securing sponsorships and grants to managing our social media presence, the Business team keeps operations running smoothly while strengthening relationships with supporters and the community. It also handles accounting and fundraising, ensures that technical teams receive essential materials, and coordinates logistics for events and competitions.

Marketing

Brand management & sponsorship deliverables

Marketing

Supply Chain

Inventory, Procurement, and Vendor Relations

Supply Chain

Operations

Event and Competition logistics

Operations

Finance

Accounting, Budgeting, Fundraising, and Outreach

Finance

Newsletter

External communications

Newsletter

Background

Strategy

The Strategy team develops the race plan and uses data to guide the car’s performance. Its main goal is to improve efficiency and decision‑making on the road and within RSC. The team aims to analyze telemetry, build simulations and dashboards, and support technical and business teams to optimize RSC's cars and operations.

Performance
Analytics

Telemetry analysis, performance optimization, and driver feedback

Performance Analytics

Operations
Analytics

Race simulation, strategy development, and operations optimization

Operations Analytics

Background

Leadership

Alina Zahra
Alina Zahra
President
Simran Jakate
Simran Jakate
Vice-President
Kisna Nihalani
Kisna Nihalani
Project Manager
Xiying Fan
Xiying Fan
Treasurer
Alexander Zhang
Alexander Zhang
Secretary
Eric Binbinon
Eric Binbinon
System Administrator
Adian Islam
Adian Islam
EGC Representative
Chris Minnervini
Chris Minnervini
Aerodynamics and Co-Mechanical Lead
Patrick Dunay
Patrick Dunay
Co-Mechanical Lead
Cy Westbrook
Cy Westbrook
Electrical Lead
Jonathan Sinyavsky
Jonathan Sinyavsky
Business Lead
Alex He
Alex He
Manufacturing Lead
Sidharth Banigandlapati
Sidharth Banigandlapati
Strategy Lead