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LONGHORN BAJA IN NUMBERS
44
MEMBERS
8
SPONSORS
9
CORE TEAMS
2
PARTNERS
SUBTEAMS
POWERTRAIN
The Powertrain Subteam is responsible for designing, selecting, and integrating all components that transmit power from the engine to the wheels, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency.
DYNAMICS
The Dynamics Subteam focuses on the development of the vehicle's suspension, steering, and braking capabilities, ensuring a safe driving experience for the driver while maximizing control on track.
CHASSIS
The Chassis Subteam designs, manufactures, and tests the vehicle’s frame to ensure it is strong, lightweight, and safe.
ERGONOMICS
The Ergonomics Subteam enhances the driver's comfort and ease of control to produce optimal performance without sacrificing safety precautions or reliability.
ELECTRONICS
The Electronics Subteam gathers information about the vehicle through the use of sensors and ensures driver safety with brake lights and kill switches.
SOFTWARE
The Software Subteam visualizes live sensor data and captures vehicle telemetry for simulation analysis to enhance overall performance for future competition vehicles.
BUSINESS
The Business and Marketing Subteam at Longhorn Baja is responsible for managing the organization’s finances and public presence. by securing sponsorships and building lasting relationships with companies and the community.
PUBLIC RELATIONS (PR)
The Public Relations (PR) Subteam helps to promote the organization through in-person (tabling and events) and online (social media) advertising.
GENERAL MEMBERS
Students who are not offered a position in any of the racing team subteams will be offered to join as a General Member. Here they can stay connected with the team, participate in plant tours and volunteer opportunities, and lead research and development for the Longhorn Baja car.
OFFICERS and FACULTY SPNSORS
Co-Founder | Powertrain Lead
Yash Tate
Austin, Texas
A second-year Mechanical Engineering Honors student at The University of Texas at Austin, Yash is passionate about robotics, automotive design, and aerospace. With hands-on experience in CAD modeling, 3D printing, and team leadership, he is driven by curiosity and a commitment to innovation. Outside of academics, Yash finds joy in cultural connection, creative problem-solving, and helping others find their place in the UT community.
Co-Founder | Dynamics Lead
Retvin Pant
Pearland, Texas
A second-year Mechanical Engineering Honors student at The University of Texas at Austin, Retvin has a strong passion for robotics, automotive design, and aerospace engineering. With hands-on experience in CAD, prototyping, mechanical system integration, and team leadership, he enjoys working on interdisciplinary projects that bring innovative ideas to life using practical engineering solutions. Outside of academics, Retvin enjoys exploring new technologies, binging TV shows, and going to the gym.
Chassis Lead
Peter Vlahakis
Chicago, Illinois
A third-year Mechanical Engineering student at The University of Texas at Austin. Peter specializes in design and manufacturing, with a strong interest in stainless steel fabrication, 3D design, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and CNC milling. He brings hands-on experience to these areas through his involvement in race car design and engineering, particularly in preparation for Best in the Desert off-road endurance races. Outside of academics, Peter enjoys exploring the outdoors—racing dirt bikes, hiking, camping, and building irrationally large campfires (safely).
Software Lead
Hantao Jin
Houston, Texas
A second-year Computer Science and Business Honors student at The University of Texas at Austin, Hantao specializes in building software solutions that create a real-world impact with an interest in hardware programming and computer architecture and systems. He has hands-on experience in robotics software development, web and mobile app development, and many other concentrations in software engineering. Outside of academics, Hantao enjoys rock climbing and playing the guitar, while his ultimate goal in life is to travel the world.
Business Lead & Electrical Co-Lead
Ayan Arfi
Austin, Texas
A second-year Electrical and Computer Engineering student with Engineering Honors at The University of Texas at Austin, Ayan has a passion for integrated circuits, embedded systems, and semiconductors. With a strong foundation in mathematics and engineering, he has experience in multiple programming languages and circuit design, along with a diverse background in communication, languages, and the arts, while valuing both working hard to excel in his studies and taking time to unwind through hands-on projects and personal hobbies. Outside of academics, Ayan enjoys fishing, exploring the outdoors, and watching movies.
Electrical Co-Lead
Tanush Thirunagari
Manvel, Texas
A second-year Electrical and Computer Engineering Honors student at The University of Texas at Austin, Tanush specializes in circuit design as well as computer architecture in order to create custom circuitry for his projects. He has hands-on experience with designing embedded systems as well as reconstructing a song from the Fourier Analysis of it’s beats while having interests in GPU Architecture and Deep Reinforcement Learning AIs. Outside of academics, Tanush enjoys playing Mario Kart, badminton, and analyzing the stock market.
Ergonomics Lead
Jestin Castillo
Houston, Texas
A second-year Mechanical Engineering student at The University of Texas at Austin, Jestin specializes in 3D printing and CAD modeling, and is driven to contribute to his team in any way, shape, or form. He has hands-on experience with SolidWorks and Fusion 360, which he uses to create personal projects at any scale, while having a strong passion for robotics and manufacturing, which he hopes to develop for a future in prosthetic design. Outside of academics, Jestin enjoys playing the piano, rock climbing, and working out at the gym.
Public Relations Co-Lead
Adrian Raj
Cedar Park, Texas
A second-year Aerospace Engineering student at The University of Texas at Austin, Adrian has a strong passion for aerospace engineering, networking, and marketing. With technical experience in CAD, programming, and web development and soft experience in networking and leadership, he enjoys making a change in his community through initiative and collaboration. Outside of academics, Adrian is one of the Engineering Representatives in UTSG, the Director of Public Relations at SBI, the Webmaster of AIAA, and a Student Mentor with SEEK, while he enjoys going for long walks, trying different cuisines, and networking on LinkedIn.
General Member Lead
Julian Whiteley
Katy, Texas
A second-year Mechanical Engineering student at The University of Texas at Austin, Julian has an interest in thermal-fluids and is passionate about research. His internship at The Center for Electromechanics has allowed him to explore this interest and gain hands-on experience with system design and integration of an industry-first Hydrogen Proto-Hub while being able to collaborate with senior engineers to design and verify engineered structures using SolidWorks. Outside of academics, Julian is an officer on the UT Longhorn Powerlifting team and enjoys hiking, camping, and solving puzzles.
Public Relations Co-Lead
Shreya Lokhande
Dallas, Texas
A second-year Government major and Business Minor at The University of Texas at Austin, Shreya has a strong passion for strategic communication, community engagement, and relationship building. With professional experience in legal research and writing, event coordination, and public outreach, alongside leadership in education and youth organizations, she excels at crafting messages, connecting with diverse audiences, and representing organizations with professionalism. Outside of academics, Shreya is a member of the Longhorn Legal Coalition, an active member of the Women in Business Association, and a member of Texas Ballroom, while she enjoys exploring contemporary and classic literature, cooking, and watching Formula 1.
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Matthew Hall
Prof. Matthew J. Hall is a faculty member in the Thermal Fluids Systems area in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He holds the Louis T. Yule Fellowship in Engineering. His research focus is engine combustion processes with an emphasis on engine controls, optical measurement techniques, engine sensor development, gasoline engine cold-start emissions, spark ignition characterization, engine friction, waste heat recovery, and alternative fuels. He is also involved in studies of lithium ion battery fires and battery safety. Further, he is engaged in projects to extend the flight range of drones through the use of combustion energized thermoelectric power generators. He has served on the College of Engineering faculty since 1991 and has published more than 150 technical articles. He is a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and is an Associate Editor for the Society of Automotive Engineers’ International Journal of Engines. He teaches courses in Thermodynamics that include modeling and/or analyses of power cycles and HVAC systems, including refrigeration and heat pumps.
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Joshua Keena
Prof. Joshua Keena is a creative, dynamic, and authentic scientist-engineer, team-builder, and combat-tested professional with experience conducting and leading military research across the spectrum of technology readiness levels. He is passionate about project leadership, product design, and the nexus of survivability, lethality, and mobility. He has a PhD from the University of Texas, and a graduate of West Point, while being a service-driven leader inspired to delight clients by leading teams, overcoming challenges, and delivering solutions to complex problems. He is also an award winning engineer recognized for distinguished service across a broad spectrum of dynamic and diverse assignments. He is motivated to design, test, and deliver effective engineering solutions aimed at enhancing capabilities, saving lives, and galvanizing team members.
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