CLIENT: OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Matching funding provided by: The Oregon Metals Initiative (OMI)
Oregon State University’s racing teams, Beaver Racing and Global Formula Racing (GFR), are at the forefront of applied engineering education. Through strong industry partnerships and hands-on experience, these teams do more than just build race cars—they are essential incubators for innovation, preparing students to make immediate impacts in Oregon’s industries. Logan, a graduate student and manufacturing lead for Beaver Racing, and Eris, a composites manufacturing specialist and marketing lead for GFR, share their experiences and insights into why this high-stakes environment is critical for Oregon’s future—and why continued support from the Oregon Legislature is a vital investment in the state’s economy.
Building the Future, One Race at a Time
Logan’s involvement with Beaver Racing began as a senior looking for a meaningful capstone project. “You get to follow the whole process from start to finish, from design to seeing it actually work on a system,” he explains. The team designs, manufactures, and races an off-road vehicle annually, competing against over 200 schools in international competitions. “This has been the best experience I’ve gotten at Oregon State for being a mechanical engineer,” Logan adds. “I feel like I have an advantage over just getting the standard degree.”
Eris echoes this sentiment, reflecting on her four years with GFR. Joining the team ignited her passion for composites engineering and manufacturing. “I never felt underestimated on this team, and it really allowed me to grow rapidly,” she says. “The knowledge I’ve gained here goes far beyond what I could learn in a classroom.”
The Power of Partnership and Support
These teams’ successes are made possible by partnerships with industry sponsors, many facilitated through the Oregon Metals Initiative (OMI). Oregon based companies like like Hyster-Yale, Precision Castparts, Warn Automotive and GEM Equipment consistently partner with OMI to support the teams. Logan emphasizes how crucial these relationships are: “Without the contributions from our sponsors and OMI matching, we wouldn’t have been able to compete in California and Michigan this year. These experiences are invaluable for our education and for the future of Oregon’s industries.”
Eris highlights the direct impact of these partnerships on students’ futures and on Oregon’s economy. “Our sponsors are not just investing in our education; they’re investing in the future of their own companies,” she says. “The skills we’re developing—whether in materials science or in practical engineering—are exactly what Oregon companies need to stay competitive on the international stage.”
Investing in Oregon’s Economic Future
The continued support from the Oregon Legislature through initiatives like OMI is not just an investment in education; it’s a strategic move to strengthen Oregon’s economy. The hands-on experience that students gain on these racing teams prepares them to immediately contribute to Oregon’s metals industry, driving innovation and efficiency.
“Don’t underestimate how much this support helps,” Eris asserts. “The more funding we have, the more students we can involve, and that means more future engineers ready to tackle real-world challenges.”
Logan adds, “Every time our team does well in competition, it reinforces the value of what we’re doing here—not just to the university, but to the entire state. Our success helps keep Oregon companies at the cutting edge of their industries.”
Conclusion
The work being done by Oregon State University’s racing teams is a testament to the value of hands-on, project-based learning. Through the support of industry sponsors and the Oregon Metals Initiative, these teams provide students with unparalleled opportunities to develop the skills that will drive Oregon’s economy forward. Continued investment from the Oregon Legislature is crucial—not only for the future of these students but for the competitiveness of Oregon’s metals industry on the global stage.
As Eris puts it, “The support we receive isn’t just helping us—it’s helping Oregon companies innovate, compete, and succeed internationally.” By backing initiatives like OMI, Oregon is investing in a future where its industries lead, and its students are fully equipped to make an immediate impact.
“Our sponsors are not just investing in our education; they’re investing in the future of their own companies. The skills we’re developing—whether in materials science or in practical engineering—are exactly what Oregon companies need to stay competitive on the international stage.”
– Eris, Composites manufacturing specialist & marketing lead for Global Formula Racing (GFR)
