Under the mentorship of Dr. Pranaya Pokharel, faculty advisor for Mustangs Motorsports | Formula SAE, students engage in advanced engineering research that bridges academic knowledge with real-world application. His guidance enhances the MSU Texas Senior Design and UGRCA programs by fostering hands-on innovation, teamwork, and presentation skills through vehicle systems research in drivetrain, powertrain, electronics, and chassis design.

Research projects conducted under Dr. Pokharel’s advisement include:

Enhancing Undergraduate Research Endeavors and Creative Activities

1. Optimization of Ackermann Steering Geometry and Suspension Performance in a Formula SAE Vehicle.

2. Optimizing Air-Fuel Ratio Tuning for a Honda CBR600 Engine with Air Restrictors in Formula SAE Applications.

3. Optimizing Circuit Protection and Electronic Housing Design in Formula SAE Vehicle Electrical Systems.

4. Performance and Reliability Assessment of Brake and Hub Assemblies in Formula SAE Drivetrain Applications.

SENIOR DESIGN RESEARCH PROJECTS

5. Austin Pencheon, Deon Pleasant, Jose Espinoza, Pranaya Pokharel. Design and Testing of Engine Dynamometer for FSAE Car. Presented at UGRCAF, Fall 2024, MSU Texas, Wichita Falls TX.

6. Jesse Green, Theron Honore, Elias Tezaguic, Pranaya Pokharel. Fabrication and Testing of Engine Dynamometer for FSAE Car. Presented at NTASC, April 20, 2024, MSU Texas, Wichita Falls TX.

7. Sharome Burton, Kory Prather, Jaden Corbin, Josiah Massey, and Pranaya Pokharel. Design and Manufacturing of Formula SAE Race Car Chassis- Poster/Demo/Display. UGRCA Spring 2023, MSU Texas, Wichita Falls, TX.

8. Trevon Antoine, Garvin Joseph, Nedabiah Warner, and Pranaya Pokharel. Engine Dynamometer for FSAE Cars. NTASC, April 15, 2023, MSU Texas, Wichita Falls, TX.

9. Luiz Gonzalez, Jacob Rowland, Trevor Snyder, and Pranaya Pokharel. Shifter Mechanism with Integral Hand Clutch for Formula SAE. UGRCA Fall 2021, MSU Texas, Wichita Falls, TX.