Working Hands
Photos and Writing by Bailey Campbell
Devoted and committed to his work, Alexander Svensson spends majority of his time in the Formula SAE shop located next to the old steam plant on WSU’s campus. A pivotal point in his life inspired him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering and do the work he now devotes so much time and effort to.
“I’ve always had an interest in how things work,” Svensson said, powertrain lead for FSAE.
Alex is a full-time mechanical engineering student with hopes to go into the automotive or space industry. Since being on the team, he has gained vital real-world experience. It’s not uncommon for Alex to start and end his day in the shop, sometimes not going home until 11 or later during a school night. His weekends are spent almost entirely in the shop, picking up the slack from other members who are not as dedicated to the car. His hard work goes unnoticed, but he loves building things and working with his hands.
Building with his hands and understanding how things work inspire and motivate Alex during long hours spent in the Formula shop.
Alex's dad is a mechanic who came and visited one weekend to help the team pull the engine out so they could paint the body frame.
Often times, Alex shows new and existing members how to do things, leading and teaching his powertrain team.
Riding and tending to his Kawasaki Ninja is a hobby of Alex's.
Alex keeps a variety of tools on hand at all times, like this multi-tool.
The team utilizes 3-D printed goods for their car as it reduces cost and weight, like this air-intake manifold that Alex is installing.
Alex is grinding down a fuel rail so the team welder can attach and secure it to the car, allowing for fuel lines to be added later.
"The idea of building a race car sounded cool to me," Svensson said, explaining why he joined Formula SAE club.
Alex talking with other FSAE members, discussing what needs to get done, planning for it to be another late night in the shop.
The teams #108 car from last year's competition.