ChemE Car Interview

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Did you know that a functioning car can be made solely using a chemical energy source? 

 

That’s what the student organization Purdue ChemE Car does! It is a competition-based student-run organization at Purdue that conducts research, builds, and tests small cars that run solely on chemical reactions. Any student is free to join as well, not just Chemical Engineers. The team competes in a regional competition, and if selected, can compete in the AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) national competition where the first-place prize is $2,000. To gather perspective on the organization, I interviewed Anna Harstick, the treasurer of Purdue ChemE Car. To start off, I asked what her role entails and how it has helped her personally and professionally. 

 


Question 1: How did you get involved in ChemE Car, and what is your role? 

 

“I joined Purdue ChemE Car during my sophomore year. I heard about the club by talking to the then-treasurer, Jayee, at the ChemE club fair, who is now the president! I applied to the club because it seemed like a fun way to gain hands-on chemical engineering experience. I initially was on the mechanical team, where I built the car's acrylic base and wheels. I loved the work I was doing, so in April of this year (2026) I ran for treasurer to become more involved. I got the position, and I have been doing that ever since! I also switched teams this year, and I am the battery car lab head.” 

 

Question 2: What work do you do in your position? 

 

“As treasurer, I contact companies to ask for corporate partnerships, organize crowdfunding campaigns to raise money, plan the expense logistics for the regional and annual competitions, and oversee and plan the club budget. Other than that, I also attend executive, design, and team meetings, as well as the social events we host. As for the battery car lab head role, I lead procedures to test the battery car each week.” 

 

Question 3: What does leadership mean to you? 

 

“Leadership means a lot of things to me! Primarily, it’s a way to develop your sense of self, primarily by guiding and helping others. It has helped me gain confidence in my abilities as an engineer when I help club members through procedures or while fulfilling my treasurer role. I think becoming a leader in a club or project is so important during your college career because it prepares you for the workforce after you graduate. It’s an important skill to know how to be able to work with others and push projects forward.” 

 

Question 4: How has ChemE Car helped you? 

 

“In general, it’s crucial to get technical, hands-on experience in engineering because it gives you a leg up in applying to internships, research, etc. This club was a major reason why I was able to get my EHS internship at Dormakaba last summer, solely due to all the cool work I was involved with on the car. Even socially, it has helped me build a community of people who like the same things that I do and are driven to succeed. I made so many good friends through ChemE Car who work in a variety of different engineering majors like MechE and ECE! It’s also a great way to get research credit if that’s a requirement for you to graduate. I recommend everyone join ChemE Car, chemical engineering major or not, because of our tight-knit community and the skills you learn while working on the cars.” 

 

Although ChemE Car sounds like a club only chemical engineering students can join, any engineering student is welcome to participate! Joining competition-based clubs like ChemE Car is a great way to gain technical experience on campus, compete in a national competition, and expand your network, all of which will set you up for success after graduation. 

 

Saanvi Mahesh, BSChE ‘28 

Recruitment Project Committee


Stay Connected With Purdue WiE Program! 

Facebook: Purdue Women in Engineering 

Instagram: @purdue.wie 

Blog: purduewiep.blogspot.com 

Email: welink@purdue.edu 

YouTube: Purdue Women in Engineering Program - YouTube 


Purdue Women in Engineering

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