My Journey with the AZM Team at the Shell Eco-marathon

reemasaalahmad
Jul 14
3 min read

As an Electrical Engineering student at Qassim University, I am always interested in opportunities that combine engineering, innovation, sustainability, and teamwork. Joining the AZM Eco-marathon Team gave me the chance to contribute to a multidisciplinary project focused on developing an energy-efficient vehicle for the Shell Eco-marathon.

Within the team, I contribute in three capacities: Documentation Lead, Electrical & Control Team Member, and Safety Team Member. These responsibilities allow me to work across both technical and organizational areas while collaborating closely with students and faculty members from different engineering backgrounds.

Building the Team’s Identity

As the Documentation Lead, my responsibilities extend beyond organizing files and technical records. I support the development of clear, consistent documentation that communicates the team’s progress, structure, and technical work.

I was also responsible for designing the team’s official logo and developing its bilingual website. The website serves as a central platform for presenting the AZM Team’s identity, mission, organizational structure, and progress throughout the competition journey.

The official AZM Eco-marathon website, designed and developed to present the team’s identity, vision, structure, and progress.

Creating the website gave me the opportunity to combine technical development, visual design, documentation, and communication. It was important that the platform represented the team professionally while remaining accessible in both Arabic and English.

Working Across Technical Departments

Alongside my documentation responsibilities, I contribute to the Electrical & Control Team, where I support activities related to the vehicle’s electrical systems and control functions. This role allows me to apply my electrical engineering knowledge within a practical project and better understand how different vehicle systems must work together.

I also contribute as a Safety Team Member, supporting safety planning, documentation, and compliance-related activities. Safety is a fundamental part of the vehicle development process, and every technical decision must consider the protection of the driver, the team, and the surrounding environment.

Working across documentation, electrical and control systems, and safety has helped me see the project from different perspectives. It has also shown me how technical performance, clear communication, and safety requirements are closely connected.

Collaboration Within a Multidisciplinary Team

Teamwork is at the center of the AZM Eco-marathon project. Our team includes students and faculty members working across several technical and organizational departments.

Each department has a specific responsibility, but the success of the project depends on effective communication and coordination between everyone involved. Through this experience, I have learned that building an engineering system is not only about designing individual components. It also requires documentation, planning, accountability, and continuous collaboration.

The AZM Eco-marathon organizational structure, illustrating the team’s multidisciplinary departments and collaborative approach.

The organizational structure helps define responsibilities and ensures that each area of the project receives the attention it needs. It also allows us to coordinate our work more efficiently as the vehicle progresses through different stages of development.

From Planning to Practical Development

Much of our work takes place in the team’s laboratory, where engineering ideas are translated into technical plans and practical solutions.

The development process includes research, design discussions, documentation, testing, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. The team has dedicated significant time and effort to the project, including continued work during the summer, to ensure that the vehicle is prepared for the competition.

The AZM Team’s laboratory and workspace, where engineering concepts, technical plans, and vehicle components are developed.

The laboratory represents more than a physical workspace. It is where different engineering disciplines come together and where challenges are addressed through analysis, experimentation, and teamwork.

Presenting the Project

We also had the opportunity to showcase the AZM Eco-marathon project at a university exhibition. Presenting the project allowed us to introduce visitors to the Shell Eco-marathon, explain the team’s objectives, and share our progress.

Standing at the booth and engaging with students, faculty members, and visitors was a valuable experience. It strengthened my ability to communicate technical information clearly and helped me better understand the importance of presenting engineering work in an accessible and engaging way.

The AZM Eco-marathon booth, showcasing the team’s identity, technical work, and participation in the competition.

Presenting the AZM Eco-marathon project and engaging with students, faculty members, and visitors at the university exhibition.

Looking Ahead

I am proud to contribute to the AZM Eco-marathon Team and to work alongside individuals who are committed to engineering, energy efficiency, and innovation.

The vehicle is still progressing through its development journey, and there is more work ahead. I look forward to continuing my contributions across documentation, electrical and control systems, and safety, while sharing future updates as the team moves closer to the competition.