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A team of Cedarville University engineering students is gearing up to compete in one of the nation’s most innovative contests — racing electric-powered boats. From April 15-17, Cedarville will join over 40 teams at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for the Promoting Electric Propulsion (PEP) competition. 

The purpose of the competition is to push the boundaries of clean energy technology while testing engineering skills in a high-stakes race for innovation.  

The PEP for Small Craft Competition, organized by the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE), is promoting the event in the United States.  

Along with Cedarville University, college students from Princeton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Texas A&M and Auburn University will compete. 

The Cedarville University team is led by engineering students Johann Honegger (propeller design), Ken Lee (electronics systems), Sam Madison (drivetrain), Matt Shepherd (motor mechanics) and Joshua Wassei (power electronics).  

“This project provides our students with invaluable real-world experience in designing, building and testing electric-powered boats,” said Dr. Tim Dewhurst, senior professor of mechanical engineering. “Their talent and commitment have caught the attention of naval engineering employers, and many of our graduates are now thriving in the industry.” 

Cedarville’s Solar Boat Team has a long record of success. The university has won the World Solar Splash championship 14 times since 2004. In 2024, Cedarville set a new team record by registering a 987.70 score (1,000 possible points) at the 30th annual competition. 

As the naval engineering field grows, there is an increasing demand for a diverse and energetic workforce ready to tackle modern problems. The PEP competition gives Cedarville students the chance to contribute fresh perspectives to the field, furthering the university's legacy of innovation. 

Cedarville University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science is committed to equipping students with the skills needed to excel while fostering servant leaders who make a lasting impact for Christ. As the team prepares for the upcoming PEP competition, their dedication exemplifies the university’s focus on excellence in engineering.  

Students participating in the competition are mechanical engineering majors Nik Aviles, a freshman from Clifton, New Jersey; juniors Matias Cavajani of Cortlandt Manor, New York; Jeremy Gonzalez-Contreras of Tecamachalco, Mexico; Josian Mulligan of Delaware, Ohio; Ryan Strellman of Medford, Oregon; Johann Honegger from Colombus, Ohio; Samuel Madison from Rockaway, New Jersey and Matthew Shepherd from Marysville, Ohio; and senior Madelyn Torrens from West Chester, Ohio. Electrical engineering majors on the team are juniors Kieren Dempsey from Flagstaff, Arizona; Nii Noi Hanson-Nortey from Franklinville, New York; Vincent Szymkowiak from Anchorage, Alaska; and Joshua Wassei, a senior from Newberg, Oregon. The team also includes computer engineering students Kenneth Lee, a senior from Van Buren, Ohio, and Paul Imeli, a junior from Novelty, Ohio. 

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.