Armani Hrobowski, a technology integration engineer in Argonne National Laboratory’s Transportation & Power Systems (TAPS) division, leads diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for the EcoCAR EV Challenge – a competition that challenges students from universities to engineer a next-generation battery electric vehicle.

Armani first discovered engineering in high school while taking Project Lead the Way classes. Project Lead the Way is a nonprofit group that builds STEM curriculums.

“As a kid, I enjoyed learning new things, and I would describe my younger self as naturally curious,” Armani said. ​“I always wanted to know why things were the way they were.”

With the help of one particular teacher who was instrumental in cultivating his interest in engineering, Armani learned about potential career pathways. He decided to become an automotive engineer, combining his newfound fascination with engineering with his longtime love for cars.

“I’ve loved cars for as long as I can remember,” he said. ​“I used to play Gran Turismo on the PlayStation for hours, and I eventually thought I was a race car driver.”

In college, Armani participated in multiple automotive internships and competed in the EcoCAR program – which he now works for today. He leads EcoCAR’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) subteam. The team supports recruitment and retention of students for greater diversity. The team also fosters an inviting, respectful, and inclusive team environment that allows everyone to contribute and thrive. By growing the DEI aspect of the EcoCAR competition, the team is helping advance the program’s mission of helping a range of students gain practical knowledge on how to build the next generation of electrified vehicles.

“Advanced vehicle technology competitions like EcoCAR help develop the next generation of leaders for transitioning to clean energy and mobility,” he said. ​“In the U.S., science and engineering will grow faster than any other sector in the coming years, so it’s vital that we get students excited about STEM careers. Our students go on to do amazing things, and I’m excited to help be a part of their growth process.”

Armani encourages young students to try new things, as that will help them find a career path that is best for them.

“Pursue a program that you are excited about, and don’t be afraid to explore different disciplines and internships,” he said. ​“I learned so much from seeing what I didn’t like in an internship, and it was a great opportunity to experience different work environments, team cultures and job types. Also, try new things and explore different interests while you’re in high school – it’s a great time to learn more about yourself. In addition, apply for scholarships to reduce your student debt; there are so many of them out there.”