Classroom curriculum and real-world application cross paths during cadets’ visit to AC Transit

"I did not know what to expect when we visited the facility, I arrived with an open mind and was curious to learn about Coach Mike's role at AC Transit," said freshman women's soccer cadet-athlete Maya Sortor.

The mechanical engineering major added, "I did not expect to see one of their hydrogen buses in action; a bus had its engine hood open and one of the workers explained the details about how the engine worked using an alternative fuel source."

As the IT manager of cloud infrastructure at one of the most innovative public transit agencies in the nation, head men's soccer coach Mike Carvalho sought creative opportunities to combine his daytime and nighttime passions to enhance his cadet-athletes' undergraduate experience. Following an extensive review of everyone's schedule, Carvalho's hard work throughout the preceding eight months came to fruition when Cal Maritime's men's and women's soccer cadet-athletes (he also serves as an assistant coach for the Keelhaulers' women's soccer program) enjoyed a visit and in-depth presentation at one of AC Transit's local hubs.

"Coach Mike started talking about this potential opportunity throughout the season to visit AC Transit. Once everything became official, he sent an e-mail to all men's and women's soccer cadet-athletes regarding this tour. This was an easy decision for me and my friend because we quickly said 'yes.' The off-season was the perfect time for this tour since it was an easier fit for everyone's schedule," explained Sortor.

Added Carvalho, "I thought this was an opportunity for cadet-athletes to see real-world green technologies in use at a practical level. The learned the theoretical side of battery-electric technology and hydrogen technology, but rarely is there an opportunity to show and demonstrate this for people. AC Transit is one of the leaders in these types of technology. Being able to see it being use firsthand by one of the leading innovators in the entire company was a great opportunity for everyone.

"Cadets were able to interact and engage with engineers and managers about the chemistry behind this technology and learn how everything works. They asked great questions about its use, the pros and cons of each technology and why AC Transit used each in various situations."

Joining Carvalho and the cadet-athletes was Ryan Storz, associate professor in Cal Maritime's Department of Engineering Technology since he possessed an extensive career within the industry. Throughout the tour, Professor Storz enjoyed sharing his experiences, discussing the chemistry and engineering involved in AC Transit's latest technological innovations, like Bloom box technology — this converts natural gas into electricity — in addition to the company's hydrogen fueling system with cadets.

"It was interesting to learn about the types of clean energy sources AC Transit uses, this is the first company to commit itself to hydrogen technology. I was fascinated to discover how many companies are learning from AC Transit.

"I was not aware of how many people use AC Transit each day as their main source of transportation, or how it positively impacts the community (and Earth) by committing to clean and zero emission technology," Sortor added.

By seeing a different side to one of her soccer coaches, Sortor was quick to admit how "this  tour was eye opening because I envisioned myself in a professional environment like this one. I still have a way to go since I became a mechanical engineering major last fall, but it was interesting to see various positions within the industry that are out there.

She also added how "Coach Mike was so excited to have everyone visit his workplace; we were thrilled, and I know he was too, having everyone from Cal Maritime on property to learn about the company he works for. I loved seeing him off the field and sharing experiences from his place of work. I knew coach was so passionate about his career, but it reached another level of happiness whenever he answered any question we asked about technology that is AC Transit's current focus."

During the tour, one of AC Transit's engineers talked about leaving a bus running for an hour and returning to find a pail full of water from the exhaust system — a byproduct of the company's hydrogen fuel cell technology.

"I enjoyed watching the cadets contemplate that, and seeing firsthand how green technology can be fun," Carvalho said.

In addition to fueling cadet-athletes' interest in a potential career within the industry, or at AC Transit, Carvalho enjoyed other unique benefits from this tour.

"Being able to relate to everyone and strengthen the coach and cadet-athlete relationship, especially in this setting, was an exciting and enjoyable opportunity. I think this enhanced their relationship with me, not only as a coach, but as a professional."