This is part of a 15-part series featuring students from Team PrISUm who are competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia. For updates throughout the race follow PrISUm on Facebook and Twitter.
Name: Jason Baldus
Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa
Year: Sophomore
Major: Electrical Engineering
What did you choose to attend Iowa State?
I have always kind of known that I wanted to be an engineer and Iowa State is a great school to study engineering. Plus, I would be a third generation student here and I kind of wanted to continue that.
Career aspirations: I would love to work in renewable energy which is one of the reasons I joined solar car. I want to make renewable energy cheaper and more accessible so people in rural areas can have easy access if there is no power grid where they live.
Advice for aspiring engineering students: I would have to say there is a quote that sums up what I would give for advice. Albert Einstein said, “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” The reason I think this is perfect is yes you are going to make mistakes but you learn from mistakes. Also, ask as many questions you can there are no dumb questions.
Role on Team PrISUm: I am an Electrical Team member and am responsible for maintaining and repairing the electrical systems on the car. My main role is to make notes of anything we do on the car as well as any problems that may arise so we can have those solutions ready for the next time that it happens.
What are you looking forward to most about Australia?
I am really looking forward to just being in a different continent for the first time and seeing how things are different here. I am also looking forward to seeing a different clear night sky.