Your Reason: My goal is to combine my hand-on knowledge of professional race car driving and resources for sustainable automobile engineering in order to change an environmentally harmful sport. 

 

Your Story: 

From a young age, I followed F1 and NASCAR races. I went to a race with my dad a couple of years ago and felt exhilarated by the competition, the excitement and the incredibly high caliber of cars. I have followed the careers of famous drivers like Lewis Hamilton for several years.

 

In critically thinking about my love of racing, I realized that the sport contributes to pollution and promotes heavy gasoline consumption. In fact, one of NASCAR’s primary criticisms is its harmful effects on the environment. I wondered if I could find a way to enjoy the sport while transitioning its practices toward a more sustainable future. 

 

I believe electric cars are the future of the automobile industry. I am interested in contributing to that crucial shift toward environmental health. Racing garners millions of fans each year. Imagine if the industry promoted sustainable electric cars. Perhaps more consumers would purchase that style of car and ultimately reduce the carbon footprint of the United States. 

 

Choose a “critical incident” that set you on your path and helped you uncover how you want to make an impact (your contribution) through your senior project experience.

A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with an old friend about a new car that I’ve fantasized about owning one day. I eagerly described its impressive horsepower, torque and aerodynamic design. My friend looked at me, unimpressed, and made the argument that cars contribute to each country’s carbon footprint and gas emissions. I am concerned about climate change as well. This conversation prompted me to consider how I could continue to appreciate cars while positively contributing to the movement to end climate change. 

 

Your Resources:

My resources include car dealerships such as Tesla or Mercedes and any additional research in sustainable engineering practices.

 

Your Strengths: Describe how you uncovered this interest/curiosity/passion (what energizes you) and what you’re good at (your talent). 

My strengths include salesmanship, driving, organization, big picture thinking and my passion for cars. 

 

Your Result:

For the first month of my senior project process, I hope to intern at Tesla or Mercedes in order to learn more about electric vehicle engines as compared to the standard ones. 

 

State Your Purpose: 

Share your purpose statement; the integration of your reason and resources.

I hope to lead the F1 and NASCAR racing industry toward a more environmentally sustainable future. 

Share Your How: How will you deliver that purpose to the world through your Senior Project? What will you do/make?

Once I have accumulated enough research, I will share the knowledge that I gain with other interested parties. 

 

Give a call to action: How do you want people to help you deliver your purpose?

 

I would like to appeal to F1 and NASCAR racing fans and enthusiasts. If F1 and NASCAR see that if their fanbase supports electric cars, then they may implement bigger change in the industry.