At the Mobility Innovation Center (MIC) at Industriepark Kleefse Waard (IPKW) in Arnhem second year HAN students Tess Boltjes and Dana Groner are working on a special automotive project. With fellow students they are working in the Regterschot Racing Team on a zero-emission race car.

Tess Boltjes (18) studies Automotive Engineering. Within the the Regterschot Racing Team development team and develops parts for the car. Dana Groner (20) studies Embedded Systems Engineering. She manages and develops the data log system, which stores all the data are stored, which the sensors in the car measure.

“As a woman in engineering, you sometimes have the feeling that you have to work harder to earn the respect of the men. Within this team, fortunately, that doesn’t play out”, both students observe. Tess: “When I started my education, I not even how an engine works. But I am a huge Formula 1 fan and I was good at math and physics.”

Dana’s father is a mechanical engineer. She herself has always been fascinated by how things are put together. With Embedded Systems Engineering she bridges the gap between hardware and software. With creative programming you can get so many things done. “In this project I have to think and consider what the best option is in a certain situation. I like that.”

Tess: “After all the theory it is great to be to be practical. Then I can on something specific like brake cooling, like brake cooling.”

Source and photography: Tech Gelderland