A team ofCedarville Universityengineering students is gearing up to compete in one of the nation’s mostinnovative contests—racing electric-powered boats. FromApril 15-17,Cedarvillewill join over 40teamsat First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia,forthe Promoting Electric Propulsion (PEP) competition.

The purpose of the competition is topushthe boundaries of clean energy technology while testingengineering skills in a high-stakes race for innovation.

ThePEPfor Small CraftCompetition,organized by the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE),ispromoting the eventin the United States.

Along with Cedarville University, college students fromPrinceton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Texas A&MandAuburnUniversitywillcompete.

The Cedarville Universityteam is led byengineeringstudentsJohann Honegger(propeller design), Ken Lee(electronics systems), Sam Madison(drivetrain), Matt Shepherd(motor mechanics)andJoshuaWassei(power electronics).

“This project provides ourstudentswithinvaluable real-world experienceindesigning,buildingand testing electric-powered boats,” saidDr. Tim Dewhurst, senior professor ofmechanical engineering. “Their talent and commitment have caught the attention of naval engineering employers, and many of our graduates are now thriving in the industry.”

Cedarville’s Solar Boat Team has a longrecordof success.The university has wonthe WorldSolar Splashchampionship 14 times since 2004.In2024,Cedarvilleset anewteamrecordby registeringa987.70score(1,000possible points)at the 30th annualcompetition.

As thenavalengineeringfield grows,there is an increasing demandfor a diverseandenergetic workforce ready to tackle modern problems.The PEP competition gives Cedarville students the chance to contribute fresh perspectives to the field, furthering theuniversity's legacy of innovation.

Cedarville University’sSchool of Engineering and Computer Scienceis committedto equippingstudentswith the skills neededto excelwhilefosteringservant leaders whomake a lasting impact for Christ.As theteam preparesfor theupcoming PEP competition, their dedicationexemplifiestheuniversity’sfocus on excellence inengineering.

Students participating in the competition aremechanical engineering majorsNik Aviles, a freshman fromClifton, New Jersey;juniorsMatiasCavajaniofCortlandt Manor, NewYork;Jeremy Gonzalez-ContrerasofTecamachalco, Mexico;Josian MulliganofDelaware, Ohio;RyanStrellmanofMedford, Oregon;JohannHonegger from Colombus, Ohio;SamuelMadison from Rockaway, New JerseyandMatthewShepherd fromMarysville, Ohio;and seniorMadelyn Torrens from West Chester, Ohio.Electricalengineeringmajors on the team are juniorsKieren Dempsey from Flagstaff, Arizona;Nii Noi Hanson-Nortey from Franklinville, New York;Vincent Szymkowiakfrom Anchorage, Alaska;andJoshuaWassei, a senior from Newberg, Oregon.The teamalso includescomputer engineeringstudentsKennethLee, a senior from VanBuren, Ohio,and PaulImeli, a junior from Novelty, Ohio.

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offersundergraduateandgraduateresidential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized byThe Wall Street Journalas being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics,and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more atcedarville.edu.