Students from the Mechanical Engineering Technology program showcased three of their senior projects at the Houston Auto Show, held at Reliant Stadium from January 27 to 31. For 2010, the MET students built vehicles for competition in 5 events (see below). The students raised almost $60,000 from various companies and individuals and at no expense to the ET Department. This is the third year the Auto Show has offered the students a complimentary booth. The senior automotive projects have generated a significant amount of publicity for the College, including being featured in press releases issued by Shell for the Eco Marathon, and a cover story with the Houston Chronicle, as seen at the last board meeting. Students are currently pursuing fund raising opportunities to finish the cars and pay for travel to the for upcoming competitions. Richard Franco, a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board and former President of the Technology Alumni Association, has stopped at the booth providing the faculty and the students with encouragement and got familiar with the challenges faced by the senior design teams.
- Formula SAE in Fontana, California as car 45 ($2,000 registration)
- Formula Hybrid in Loudon, NH as car 24 ($1,500 registration)
- Baja SAE in Western Washington as car 75 ($1,000 registration)
- SAE Supermileage at Eaton Corporation Marshall Proving Grounds as Team SAECO II ($600)
- 2 cars at Shell Eco-Marathon (gasoline powered and hydrogen powered) to be held in Houston