The Florida Institute of Technology’s SAE Baja Design team is comprised of 11 students working under the supervision of Dr. Beshoy Morkos and Dr. Gerald Micklow. The goal of our team is working together to design and build an off-road vehicle that will survive the severe punishment of rough terrain, and in some occasions even water. The Baja SAE Design Competition simulates real-world engineering
design projects along with the challenges engineers may face when working on such projects. It will require the application of a variety of engineering principles, and allows us students to apply our education to a hands-on project. Florida Institute of Technology’s SAE Baja Design team will be competing at a regional competitions held in spring 2017. The Baja Design competition challenges students to plan and manufacture a new product, which will then be presented to the consumer market. The teams compete for their designs to be chosen by the prospective buyer. The students work together in all aspects to effectively design, build, test, promote and race their vehicle within the limits of the rules. The students must work to obtain financial contributions for their project, in addition to handling their respective education responsibilities. It is a great opportunity for us students to utilize both education and practical skills to meet the challenges presented by the SAE Baja Series and provides a chance for the students to improve their knowledge, understanding and ability of many key engineering concepts. As a team, we work, struggle and overcome these obstacles to participate in the competition.