Clarkson University Chem-E-Car Team Places Fifth in International Competition

Potsdam, NY (12/05/2025) — Clarkson University's Chem-E-Car team earned a top-five finish at the 2025 AIChE Annual Student Conference, placing fifth out of 53 teams from around the world at the National Chem-E-Car Competition held in Boston, Mass.

The team's achievement marks one of Clarkson's strongest national showings in recent years. After months of designing, building, and refining a chemically powered vehicle, the students demonstrated exceptional innovation and technical skill on the international stage.

Chem-E-Car teams are challenged to design a shoe-box-sized vehicle powered and stopped solely by chemical reactions. Clarkson's team engineered its system from the ground up, combining chemical modeling, mechanical integration, and extensive testing to prepare for this year's event.

"This competition is the culmination of months of designing, troubleshooting, and fine-tuning," said team member Nathaniel Yu, a chemical engineering student. "We're grateful for our mentors, supporters, and the opportunity to learn from other talented teams."

Team captain Nicolena Fazio emphasized the dedication behind the project.

"Every one of our teammates poured their heart into this car-from design and data analysis to Saturday build sessions," she said. "Their creativity, collaboration, and persistence are what make this team so special."

Junior chemical engineering student Nicholas Siler, who helped design and model the powering system, noted the importance of hands-on engineering.

"This competition was a perfect blend of design, experimentation, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure," he said.

The competition also offered valuable professional development opportunities. Students attended technical sessions, networked with industry professionals, and connected with peers from across the globe. Outside the conference, the team explored Boston's museums, historic sites, and cultural attractions-experiences that strengthened team camaraderie.

"Representing Clarkson on an international stage was an incredible opportunity," said team member Ryan Friedman. "Seeing our hard work pay off was inspiring and motivating."

The team is already preparing for the next phase, as they plan to build a new vehicle for the AIChE Northeast Regional Chem-E-Car Competition later this academic year.

Team members include Aaliyah Bailey-Sidles from Jacksonville, FL; Evan Corey from Jamestown, NY; Matthew Brown from Rochester, NY; Nicolena Fazio from Alden, NY; Gwenyth Shope from Camillus, NY; Clare; Janas from Dedham, MA; Trey Naselli from Johnstown, NY; Min Htet Myat Htwe from Mayangone Township, Myanmar; Nicholas Siler from Buffalo, NY; Roy Garrick Annis from Concord, NH; Noah Warner from East Arlington, VT; Jacob Stiner from Afton, NY; Nathaniel Yu from Suan Luang; Breck MacNish from Poughkeepsie, NY; Sarah Morris from Addison, NY; Ethan Ruest from Rochester, NY; Nathan Snyder from Carthage, NY; Joshuana Korvie from Charlotte, NC; Olivia Stalker from Eden, NY; Bradley Dayner from Pennington, NJ; Ryan Friedman of Ballston Lake, NY; and David Hoover of Grand Island, NY