2025 Race Interns
Meet the dedicated interns who help make the Solar Car Challenge possible!
In 1999, the Solar Challenge expanded its educational outreach to students who have gone beyond the scope of the original project. Daniel Sandt, former team captain of the Northview High School Solar Car Team (Covina, California), rejoined the Challenge as the first Student Intern. Daniel's untiring efforts brought new perspectives to the race, and demonstrated interns can serve a vital, unbiased role in the administration of the Challenge.
For more information about the intern program, check out the Intern Program.
Eric Andrechek
Race Technology Officer
Intern since 2021
College: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Major: Computer Science
Former Team: Okemos Solar Car Team, Okemos, Michigan (2019-2021)
I am actively pursuing my Computer Science Engineering degree from the University of Michigan, along with minors in Electrical Engineering and Entrepreneurship. In these programs, I am enjoying finding the intersection of engineering and business as I explore the startup industry where I get to try, fail, and try again to see what I can do - just like I did as a racer in Solar Car! I hope to be able to continue working on the racing technology systems behind the scenes to keep this challenge thriving so that future students can explore their passions and find their purpose just like me.
Triton Shoup
Chief Mechanical Judge
Intern since 2021
College: Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Former Team: Winston Solar Car Team, Dallas, Texas (2016-2020)
Having graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from SMU this past May, I will continue my education by pursuing dual master's degrees in mechanical engineering and an MBA at the Cox School of Business. My goal is to use my education to propel my entrepreneurial spirit and build a business around an idea - either in the automotive or aerospace field. My time racing with the Solar Car Challenge planted the engineering seed and has led to my involvement in the SAE Formula-1 collegiate series. I am the current president of Hilltop Motorsports and will be competing in 2025. I credit Doc and the Solar Car Challenge for some of my most revered experiences. In addition to my passion for racing, I own a business that grows and sells coral for the marine aquarium trade.
Liam Hubbard
Chief Electrical Judge
Intern since 2021
College: University of Texas, Dallas, Texas
Major: Electrical Engineering
Former Team: Coppell Solar Car Team, Coppell, Texas (2016-2019)
I like to find the limit of what is possible in the world and work to see that frontier move ever forward. Each day presents a new set of challenges, and finding unique and innovative ways to push the boundaries of the circumstances we are given, drives me. Engineering has played a significant role in my life and I like to think that the engineering mindset plays a crucial role in ensuring that the world moves forward.
Nafi Osmani
Intern since 2021
College: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Major: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Former Team: Staten Island Solar Car (2017-2019)
I started working with solar cars in 2017 on my high school solar car team, Staten Island Solar Car, and I raced on the Texas Motor Speedway in 2019. I continued my solar racing career at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign on the Illinois Solar Car Team where I raced across the country in the 2021, 2022, and 2024 American Solar Challenge. Solar car has been a transformative experience in my journey and career path as an engineer and I want to give back to the organization and help inspire and mentor the next generation of solar racers. I'm a huge car guy and motorsports fan! I am getting my next car soon and plan to take it onto the track to have some fun. I am also looking forward to getting more experience as a marshal at my local track and applying to and hopefully marshal for the F1 United States GP and Las Vegas GP later in the year!
Conner Reed
Intern since 2022
College: Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Major: Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technologies
Former Team: Prosper Solar Car Team, Prosper, Texas (2018)
With my background in manufacturing and mechanical engineering, my goal is to one day open my own engineering firm. Currently, I work at Priefert Steel, manufacturing solar panel mounts. I have a deep appreciation for design and love seeing teams bring new ideas to the competition each year.
Nadia Auguste
Intern since 2022
College: University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida
Major: Marketing
Former Team: Western HS Solar Car Team, Davie, Florida (2018-2021)
I first became aware of what solar cars were in 2016, but I finally started working with them when I joined my team in 2018. This upcoming race will mark my fifth year as part of the SCC, and my fourth as an intern! I currently attend the University of North Florida where I am studying Marketing with hopes to combine marketing and media in my future career. I also work for my school as a tour guide which means I get to show people around and tell them all the reasons why I love the school and why they should too. I wanted to become an intern because solar cars are something I'm passionate about and it's a way for me to still be involved after racing. As far as hobbies go I love photography and reading, they're the two main things you'll find me doing outside of classes and work.