Cedarville University Students Tackle Real-World Maritime Challenges in Electric Boat Competition
DAYTON, Ohio — Engineering students from Cedarville University recently put their skills to the test in a high-stakes electric boat competition, showcasing innovation and teamwork in a real-world maritime challenge.
The event, part of the Promoting Electric Propulsion (PEP) Workforce Development Competition, took place from April 14 to 16, 2026, at Portsmouth City Park in Virginia. Sponsored by the American Society of Naval Engineers and the Office of Naval Research, the annual competition aims to equip students with hands-on experience in design, manufacturing, and testing—skills crucial for tackling future maritime industry challenges.
This marked Cedarville University’s second year participating in the entirely electric boat event, and the stakes were higher than ever. Students were tasked with designing, building, and testing a boat capable of competing across multiple challenges, pushing them to think creatively and holistically about every aspect of their vessel.
David Roer, a senior mechanical engineering student from Marinette, Wisconsin, emphasized the complexity of the project. “We’re not just creating a new design,” he said. “We’re integrating systems in a way that reflects both past experience and current challenges. Designing a single boat for multiple competitions forced us to consider how every component interacts.”
This year’s competition focused on optimizing whole-system performance while addressing real-world constraints such as limited battery energy, overheating monitors, and inefficiencies in propulsion systems. These challenges mirrored the kinds of obstacles engineers face in the maritime industry, providing students with invaluable practical experience.
Tim Dewhurst, a senior professor of mechanical engineering at Cedarville University, highlighted the educational value of the competition. “Classroom work is important, but it’s controlled. Students are told what to do and expect a certain result,” he explained. “In this project, there’s no single right answer. They have to design, figure out how to make the parts, discover what doesn’t work, and redesign. That experience gives them the confidence to tackle new challenges, even unfamiliar ones.”
The Cedarville team included a diverse group of students from across the U.S. and beyond, bringing together a range of expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering. Among the participants were:
- Mechanical Engineering Seniors: David Roer, Kolson Kytta (Hancock, Michigan), Grant Luman (Rancho Cordova, California), Josh Martus (Russellville, Ohio), Elijah Otto (Scottsville, New York), Dawson Propes (Campbellsville, Kentucky), Jeremy Gonzalez Contreras (Mexico), and Timothy Wenger (Lititz, Pennsylvania).
- Electrical Engineering Seniors: Danny DeHimer (Ava, New York), Blake Doss (Smithville, Missouri), Jarod Savard (Fairborn, Ohio), and Hazen Swenson (Newport, Vermont).
- Mechanical Engineering Juniors: Matias Cavajani (Cortlandt Manor, New York), Johann Honegger (Columbus, Ohio), Ben Hubbard (Brighton, Michigan), Sam Madison (Rockaway, New Jersey), and Ryan Strellman (Hungary).
- Mechanical Engineering Sophomores: Logan Montgomery (Vandalia, Ohio) and Joram Ramirez (Orange, California).
The competition not only provided students with technical skills but also fostered collaboration and problem-solving abilities. For many, it was a chance to apply classroom knowledge in a dynamic, unpredictable environment—an experience that will serve them well in their future careers.
As the maritime industry increasingly shifts toward sustainable practices, events like the PEP Competition play a critical role in preparing the next generation of engineers to innovate and adapt. Cedarville University’s participation underscores its commitment to equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to tackle real-world challenges head-on.
— Reported by Nexio News
