When Bill Springer, associate professor of mechanical engineering, first introduced the U of A to Solar Splash, he had no idea how iconic this competition would become. The solar boat project teaches students critical skills they will use throughout their engineering careers, such as product design, team-building, reliability, theory versus practice and manufacturing. After 14 years of designing and building fully functioning boats and competing against universities from all across the nation, the U of A Solar Boat program continues to thrive.
“Dr. Springer was instrumental in institutionalizing the solar boat activity into the senior capstone course of the ME department. This attracted many students to the team,” said Alan Mantooth, professor of electrical engineering. “He is beloved by the students involved and able to inspire them to perform solidly and keep their cool under the pressure of a fast-paced racing event.”
Under Springer’s leadership, the U of A team first competed in 2000, and placed fourth in the competition. Through the next 14 years, the U of A team had multiple first place wins and even hosted the event at Lake Fayetteville from 2006-2010.
“I have had the pleasure of being involved with Solar Boat since 1999 and it has been an interesting tenure,” said Springer. “These students grew as engineers during the process and have gone on to many different career opportunities. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with all of them and get to know them as more than just students.”
After 33 years, Springer has retired and the Solar Boat Team transitioned to its new adviser, David Albers. Springer and Albers worked together with this year’s team to ensure that Springer’s knowledge and expertise of this project would be passed along to future teams. Approximately 30 students participated in the 2014 competition, held in Dayton, Ohio. The team placed 6th overall, 3rd in the qualifying event, and received the Outstanding Hull Design award.