INTEREST TO INSPIRATION “Instead of longing for school to be over, I looked forward to the next day and what I would be able to create.”
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competitions multiple times in CAD engineering, dragster design, and modeling and manufacturing. These competitions provided the chance to apply his knowledge to solving realistic design challenges.
Once at MSU, Haney sought similar opportunities, which led him to the university’s EcoCAR2 team. Sponsored by MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering and Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, the MSU EcoCAR2 team participates in the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors EcoCAR2: Plugging Into the Future competition, a three-year event during which 15 university teams are challenged to design advanced electric powertrains for a Chevrolet Malibu that improve the car’s efficiency but retain its performance, safety and consumer acceptance. As it turned out, what Haney learned to do in high school with Larkin and in the TSA competitions translated immediately into what the EcoCAR2 team needed, and he became integral to its success from the beginning of his involvement, even as one of the youngest members, due to his skills with CAD. As he pointed out, “I was able to add value to the team early on, helping with designs and reports,” while his freshmen peers on the team were still largely in learning stages. As the competition progressed, “I was more knowledgeable with the unique software that we use and was able to add more and more to the project, until I eventually began to manage all of the CAD work for the team as well as the overall CAD assembly of the car,” Haney recalled. He obviously fit the team well: MSU brought home first-place overall and many other honors in 2012, at the completion of the first year of the competition.
Haney plans to continue working with the EcoCAR2 team for the duration of the three-year competition. As further proof of his contributions, this year Haney is serving as one of the system team leaders. He is also hopeful that he will be successful at securing additional internships with corporate sponsors. In addition to earning his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, he intends to earn the Automotive Engineering Certificate offered by MSU. The real-world experience and hands-on training in Larkin’s engineering program at AVC have dovetailed well into Haney’s college education and extracurricular activities. He has enjoyed a distinct advantage in both the classroom and the high bay because of his secondary CTE foundation, which has allowed him to play an integral role in the EcoCAR2 competition as well as secure additional training in internships. Looking forward to a promising future in the automotive industry, Haney has turned a lifelong interest in cars and machines into his inspiration. Thanks to CTE and his hard work, he was well prepared for college and now is on his way to achieving his career goals.
Technology Day at New Albany School of Career and Technical Education Since 2008, STEM teacher Jalon Bullock and Health Sciences teacher April Voyles have coordinated a Technology Day for New Albany High School. Hosted by the School of Career and Technical Education, this all-day event held each May is attended by all NAHS students, CTE students from all four Union County schools, as well as special needs students from New Haven Adult School. Regional businesses and industries set up exhibits to demonstrate the diverse, often advanced technology they use. Students visit the exhibitor areas where they get to participate in hands-on activities, interacting with the vendors and their showcased devices and equipment. The experience also introduces students to the many career opportunities available that use these technologies.
submitted Connections Fall 2012
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