Ryder Liu from Santa Monica, California is an aerospace engineering student with a minor in computer science.  Ryder is also part of the Michigan Pops Orchestra and the Michigan Symphony Orchestra.  He has been playing the viola for about twelve years, and his favorite composer is Tchaikovsky.

He joined the Solar Car team in fall 2011 as part of the aerospace division because he was looking for an interesting project where he could explore his major and work with unique and innovative cars.  Solar Car turned out the be the perfect place.  His main responsibility as part of the aero division is helping design the 2013 car.  However, during the race this summer, he will be part of the mechanical division and will also be a driver.

One of Ryder’s favorite quirks of the team is the ongoing theme in the aero division in which the aero lead, Michael Elmore, “kicks Ryder off the team.”  According to Ryder, he has been “off the team” fifteen times by now.  Ryder is definitely looking forward to the many memories he will make on ASC.  He is most excited to travel with his teammates.  He comments, “As time goes on, I’ve become attached to my teammates. They are some of my closest friends and I trust them completely.”  Finally, he expects a positive experience as he shares, “Everyone on the team has a role that will be equally important in the coming race. Therefore, we all must stand together as a team to overcome the challenges of ASC and win the race.”

Visit umsolar.com
Tweet @umsolarcarteam
Like facebook.com/umsolar
Watch youtube.com/umsolar
See flickr.com/umsolar