Subteams

Conner Hall is a senior Computer Science and Mathematics double major involved in the Honors College and pursuing a Master's in Computer Science through the Accelerated Master's Program. He joined EcoCAR in the 1st year of the EV Challenge as a CAV team member, became the CAV GRA in January 2025, and became the Project Manager in August 2025. Alongside EcoCAR, Conner has been involved with the Capstone Center for Student Success, Engage Tuscaloosa, and UA First Year Experience.

Ryan Douglas is a senior Computer Science and Mathematics major at the University of Alabama. He EcoCAR in the 1st year of the EV Challenge as a member of the Propulsion Controls and Modeling subteam and moved into the Engineering Manager role in Year 4.

Lisé Badeaux is a senior Public Relations major involved in the Honors College for the Create Pathway to MBA. She joined EcoCAR in the 2nd year of the EV Challenge as the Associate Communications Manager and took over the role of Communications Manager in the Spring of 2024. Alongside EcoCAR, Lisé is involved with Alice Magazine, Capstone Agency, and Tide Tech Communications.

  Sandra Onyishi is a senior Mechanical Engineering major, minoring in Robotics, and involved in the Honors College for the STEM Pathway to the MBA. She joined EcoCAR in the 4th year of the EV Challenge as the Mobility Challenge Lead. Alongside EcoCAR, Sandra is involved with the Tikkun Olam Makers Organization as a Global Fellow, where she builds assistive technology for individuals who live with disabilities. She also volunteers with the Selma Resilience Initiative through the Culverhouse College of Business.

Wes Campbell is a second-year mechanical engineering graduate student and has a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. He joined EcoCAR in the 3rd year of the EV Challenge as a PCM member and took over the role of PCM lead in the Fall of 2025. Aside from EcoCAR, Wes has been involved with the Randall Research Scholars Program, Crimson Car Club, and Baja SAE.

Tony Ciccone is an MBA candidate and an engineering master's student at The University of Alabama. He joined EcoCAR in the 3rd year of the EV Challenge as a member of the SDI team and took over the role of SDI Lead in the Fall of 2025. 

  Daniel Szurek is a senior Computer Science major with a mathematics minor involved in the Honors College for the Accelerated Master’s Program. He joined EcoCAR in the 1st year of the EV Challenge as a CAV infotainment subteam member, later taking over the voice assistant project, and is now taking over the role of CAV lead in the Fall of 2025. Alongside EcoCAR, Daniel has had internships with SSAB and Brasfield & Gorrie.

  Chanakya Thirumala Setty is a senior in the Accelerated Master's Program, pursuing a Master's in Computer Science alongside a Bachelor's in Computer Science and Mathematics. He joined EcoCAR in the 4th year of the EV Challenge as the CAV Research Lead. His research background includes work on real-time data processing for brain-computer interfaces and the development of robust data transmission protocols.

  Caden Schroder is a junior Mechanical Engineering major involved in the Honors College for the STEM Pathway to the MBA. He joined EcoCAR in the 2nd year of the EV Challenge as an SDI team member and began as the System Safety Lead in the Summer of 2025. 

Dr. Paul Puzinauskas currently serves as an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering. He received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Maryland, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees also in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Michigan. In addition to his research and teaching duties, Dr. Puzinauskas is the Mechanical Engineering Department’s Student Projects Coordinator and is the lead faculty advisor for UAs EcoCAR.

Dr. Hwan-Sik Yoon currently serves as an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering. He received his B.S. degree in Physics Education from Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University. Dr. Yoon is the Mechanical Engineering Department’s Graduate Seminar Coordinator and is a faculty advisor for UA EcoCAR team’s PCM and CAV subteams. 

Lisa Jesme is an accomplished engineer with 28 years at General Motors, holding roles across design, validation, development, calibration, and integration. She’s worked in the U.S. and China, contributing to projects from fuel systems to Adaptive Cruise Control and now supports Vehicle Integration in Noise and Vibration for Cadillac programs. A longtime GM mentor to University of Alabama students, Lisa is also a proud wife, mom of two college students, and dog mom to Pippin.