Cu Later Gator, the University of Florida’s student-created car, powered by chemicals and Gator attitude, chomped the competition recently at the 2025 AIChE Southern Regional Student Conference.
The AIChE Chem-E-Car Team won first place in the Chem-E-Car competition and third place in the Chem-E-Car poster competition. The entire UF team consists of about 16 students; however, the competition only allows four to participate. The students and their advisor, Dmitry Kopelevich, Ph.D., traveled to the University of South Florida in Tampa and presented their design.
“The AIChE Chem-E-Car competition challenges students to design and build a small chemically powered car that must travel a specified distance. The car’s propulsion and stopping mechanisms must rely on chemical reactions, making the competition a test of both chemical and mechanical engineering skills,” said Kopelevich.
A successful Chem-E-Car requires a team to be chemically competent, capable of building mechanical and electrical systems, and able to work together to build a fully functioning car. They divide their tasks into three groups: the Power Team, the Stopping Team and the Electromechanical Team, and collectively create an innovative car.
This isn’t the first time they have placed first, having also won at the 2022 Southeast Regional AIChE Student Conference. And next, they will compete at the national competition this fall.
“This is a true testament to the students of UF who can excel in these competitions outside of the classroom,” said Amy Helgeson, ChE director of development.
AIChE developed the Chem-E-Car competition over 25 years ago, and multiple regional competitions culminate with winners presenting at the Annual Student Conference in the fall.
Here is the link to view a video of the nail-biting event. For more photos and information about the Chem-E-Car team and their projects, visit their website.
By: Ada Lang
Communications & Marketing Specialist