Applied Research Associates, Inc.’s (ARA) STEM Community Fund recently supported the University of New Mexico Formula SAE Team (UNM FSAE), a student-led engineering organization dedicated to designing, building, and racing a single-seat, formula-style electric race car.
The team competes in Formula SAE (FSAE), a prestigious collegiate design competition organized by SAE International that challenges students to apply classroom knowledge to the development of a high-performance race car. Comprised of undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, the team designs, fabricates, and tests a fully functional vehicle each year.
During competition, teams are evaluated in a range of events that measure vehicle performance and engineering excellence, including acceleration, handling, endurance, and cost analysis. The FSAE competition typically takes place during the summer, with major events held at locations like the Michigan International Speedway in the U.S., along with international venues.
Beyond competition, the UNM FSAE team provides students with valuable hands-on experience in engineering design, project management, teamwork, and problem-solving, helping prepare them for careers in the automotive and broader engineering industries.
The ARA SERVICE program was developed in support of ARA’s core value of service. Through the program, ARA employee-owners strengthen their communities by supporting STEM education and outreach initiatives. The program includes grants from the ARA STEM Community Fund, which help inspire and equip the next generation of students to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
