Headerfoto and individual photos by Jerome Wassenaar

EN | NL

 

Their responsibility is building our new solar car. With their expertise, they ensure that the car will be as efficient as possible. They strive to be innovative, for example, when they choose the best solar panel or develop their own motor. Scroll down to meet them!

 

 

I’m Caterina Solombrino, 26 years old and I’m a master student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Twente. I graduated in Aerospace Engineering in Italy and during my thesis I learned about solar cars and Solar Team Twente. The big challenge and the combination of engineering and sustainability made me set up my next target: moving to the Netherlands to becoming part of Solar Team Twente as an Aerodynamics Engineer. Now that my dream came true, I will put all my passion to build the winning solar car together with the rest of the team!

 

 

My name is Job Hofste, I’m 20 years old and from the little town of Saasveld. Ever since I was young, I have been wondering about how cars actually function. This interest in cars has never disappeared since. When I heard about Solar Team Twente during high school, I was immediately convinced. Together with Caterina and Tim, I’m responsible for the aerodynamic design of the solar car, with the absolute will to win.

 

 

Hello! My name is Judith Tel and I am 22 years old. Ever since I’ve heard of this student team it has seemed amazing to join and develop our own solar car. As an Electrical Engineer I am able to work together with people from varying technical disciplines and discover new and innovative techniques. Furhtermore, as the Strategist I help us drive the race as well as possible. It is quite a challenge to finish first in Adalaide, but that is what I like about this project.

 

 

My name is Oebele Lijzenga, I am 21 years old and I have a bachelor’s degree in Technical Computer Science. I like trying out new things and pushing my own limits. When I read that Solar Team Twente needed a Software Developer, I immediately knew that I was going to apply for this position. I am going to make sure that my team has all data required at their disposal to get to the finish line first!

 

 

 

My name is Paul Heineman, 22 years old and have been interested in Solar Team Twente for a long time. Working in this team is a dream come true. In my function as a Mechanical Engineer I can use all my energy to hopefully be the first to cross the finish line in Adelaide!

 

 

 

My name is Reinoud Mulder and I am the Technical Manager for team 2021. I am 22 years old and student of the master of Mechanical Engineering at the Unversity of Twente. I’ve been interested in Solar Team since I was still a little kid and watched the NOS race reports about the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. Since then it has always interested me. I did not doubt for long whether I would apply for the team!

 

 

 

My name is Rick Groen, I am 21 years old and just finished the bachelor of Electrical Engineering. Before I started my bachelor, I attended a presentation of Solar Team Twente and immediately became enthusiastic, but I knew I would need to develop some skills further. Now that I have finished my bachelor, I attained these skills and can completely focus on building our own solar car!

 

 

 

My name is Stijn Louws, I am 22 years old, a first year’s student of the master Mechanical Engineering at the University of Twente. Since high school, I had the desire to join Solar Team Twente. So, after finishing my bachelor’s, I decided to take the opportunity by applying for the position of Structural Engineer. As a Structural Engineer, I am responsible for designing and building the carbon parts of the solar car. I am looking forward to working together with our team to design and build the best solar car!

 

 

My name is Stijn van der Sluijs, I am 20 years old and a Mechanical Engineering student at Saxion University of Applied Sciences. As a Mechanical Engineer I am, together with Paul, responsible for all parts that move in relation to the structure. My interest in technology developed early on, so when I heard about Solar Team Twente, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this someday. The wish to be part of this team has become reality. On to the next dream, winning the World Solar Challenge!

 

 

My name is Thijs Alberts, I am 20 years old and a student of Electrical Engineering at Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Enschede. From early on, I was interested in working with the latest technology. Participating in a project as popular as Solar Team Twente is therefore a dream coming true. As an Electrical Engineer, I am responsible for making the most efficient and reliable electrical system possible in order to build the best solar car.

 

 

 

My name is Thomas Jansink, I am 23 years old and a second year’s student of the master Mechanical Engineering at the University of Twente. Working in motorsport is my vision of the future, and Solar Team Twente is the next step towards the future. This coming edition I am a Structural Engineer and I aim to win the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge together with my team members!

 

 

 

My name is Tim Traas, a first year’s student of the master Mechanical Engineering. As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a part of Solar Team Twente. The personal challenge and competition make this challenge one of a kind. This year, I got the opportunity to apply for Solar Team Twente. I got the good news to start as an Aerodynamics Engineer this edition. Together with the team, I am looking forward to winning the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge!

 

 

I am Tobias van Bemmel, a fourth year’s student of Electrical Engineeringt at Saxion University of Applied Sciences. During high school I was introduced to multiple enthousiastic projects, including Green Team Twente. At the time, I thought to myself “How cool would it be if I could be part of one of those projects later in life?”. So, when Solar Team Twente started searching for new members for the 2021 team, I could not pass up on such an amazing opportunity!