About Solar Devils

Solar Devils is Arizona State University’s student-led solar car team. Our mission is to design, build, and race a solar-electric vehicle while developing engineers and leaders through hands-on, real-world engineering experience.

Solar Devils team photo

Our Story

Solar Devils exists to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real engineering practice. The team was formed to give students the opportunity to work on a complex, multidisciplinary system that demands technical rigor, coordination, and accountability.

Each year, team members collaborate to design, engineer, and build a solar-electric vehicle from the ground up. The project integrates mechanical design, electrical systems, embedded software, manufacturing, testing, and race operations into a single program with real performance, safety, and schedule constraints.

The team competes in national solar car competitions, where success depends not only on vehicle performance but also on reliability, energy management, logistics, and teamwork. Through this process, Solar Devils prepares students for industry by exposing them to the full lifecycle of an engineering program.

How We Operate

Solar Devils is organized to mirror a professional engineering organization, with clear technical and operational responsibilities.

Engineering

  • Mechanical/Aero — Structures, aerodynamics, chassis, and mechanical systems
  • Electrical — Power electronics, battery systems, solar array integration, and safety electronics
  • Software Integration — Embedded systems, data acquisition, telemetry, and control

Operations

  • Business Development — Sponsorships, partnerships, and external relations
  • Outreach — STEM engagement, demonstrations, and community events
  • Finance — Budgeting, purchasing, and financial planning
  • Media — Branding, social media, documentation, and public communications

Our Values

Safety and Professionalism

We prioritize safe design, responsible testing, and professional conduct in all activities.

Engineering Rigor

Decisions are driven by data, analysis, and validated performance.

Learning by Doing

Hands-on experience and iteration are central to how we develop engineers.

Accountability

Team members take ownership of their work and commitments.

Community Impact

We share our work to inspire interest in STEM and sustainable engineering.

Leadership

Solar Devils is led by a student executive team responsible for technical direction, operations, and external engagement.

President

Boris Gershkovich (bgershko@asu.edu)

Vice President of External Affairs

Xavier Nicholson (xjnichol@asu.edu)

Vice President of Internal Affairs

Adithi Muruganandam (amuruga7@asu.edu)

Treasurer

Eyosias Amogne (eamogne@asu.edu)

Business Team Lead

Andrew Lee (ajlee44@asu.edu)

Electrical Team Lead(s)

Ethan McConnell, Kai Valiensi (esmccon1@asu.edu, kvaliens@asu.edu)

Mechanical/Aero Team Lead(s)

Jonathan Schaefer, Henry Wilke (jeschae1@asu.edu, hwilke2@asu.edu)

Work With Us

Solar Devils is welcome to sponsors, mentors, and collaborators who want to support student-led engineering and clean-energy innovation.