Introducing Sam Paterson, Project Manager

Preparation is underway for the 2013 World Solar Challenge, and Sam Paterson is undertaking the task of getting the Sunswift team there.

“I’ve only been in the job for two weeks, but things are already starting to happen which is a good sign,” Says Sam, who has been part of the Sunswift team since 2009. During that time he has witnessed two World Solar Challenge races, and also did a lot of the leg work behind the Guinness World Record attempt.

Sam joined the solar car team at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) before he started his engineering degree, seeing it as a natural step from his previous hobby of boat building.

Sam wants to improve the team’s business and management skills in order to “let the technical stuff shine.” He says that there is no point having great technical innovations if the car is finished late or it is untested, and he aims to avoid past mistakes. Sam Says, “Last year we did alright, but we could have done better. What we want to do is to take all these lessons and improve, which should produce some good results.”

Sam’s goal for the 2013 World Solar Challenge? “We are aiming to win. If we do the basics right, then the rest will follow. I’m confident that it’s a good time for the team.”