It has become common to see Honors students present strong academic research at local and national conferences.

However, four students-Samer Alomary, Madeline Betterly, Ashura Molla, and Michael Nona-got to showcase their handiwork at an international event, the North American International Auto Show, this past two weeks as members of the Warrior Racing Formula SAE team.

Two of Formula SAE's cars, RW7 and RW8, were on display at the Auto Show from January 12-January 25, 2015 during the show's industry preview, press preview, charity preview, and public show.

"The North American International Auto Show is one of the biggest and most well regarded shows in the world," said Alomary, a sophomore in the Pre-Mechanical Engineering program. "Being at this event alongside the creations of some of the world's best engineers is without-a-doubt one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had. With the amount of effort placed into our cars, it is gratifying to see a sort of recognition that is not available to most other Formula SAE teams."

Alomary said he mainly focused on constructing the cooling flanges and swirl pot of the car's cooling system, as well as helping with the brakes and suspension subsystems.

2015 is not the first year Warrior Racing has been at the Auto Show. According to Kristina Vujic, the President of Warrior Racing, Formula SAE has been showcasing its cars at the event over the last few years. "It is a great opportunity to represent our team, our school, and recognize our sponsors," she said. "With Wayne's campus in the heart of the Motor City, it is truly an honor to be showcased at this international event."

Formula SAE was established at Wayne State in 2003, with Warrior Racing entering its first competition in 2004.

Vujic added the team is comprised of both graduates and undergraduates from different disciplines who design, manufacture, and market an open-wheel race car in order to compete against other universities from all over the world. The competitions include dynamic and static events designed to test the team's knowledge of design, manufacturing, and marketing of the formula one car.

According to sae.org, Formula SAE "promotes careers and excellence in engineering as it encompasses all aspects of the automotive industry, including research, design, manufacturing, testing, developing, marketing, management, and finances."

Betterly, a senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering, is part of the organization's business division, where she was able to secure a sponsorship and equipment from Fowler High Precision Tools. She added the experience she has learned through Formula SAE will help her when she starts her career in product design. "The best part about being a member of Formula SAE is that the organization isn't limited to only engineers…if you want to learn something new, then the other members will help mentor you."

For more information about Formula SAE, please visit www.fsae.eng.wayne.edu.