Kerem Arda Ugurlu

Mechanical Engineering Student at The University of Sheffield

United Kingdom

About

Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Sheffield. I develop lap time simulation and energy strategy tools to model vehicle performance and optimise energy deployment under constraints. I am currently conducting a funded research project on multi-objective optimisation of electric vehicle speed profiles.

Experience

  • Sheffield Eco Motorsport (Hybrid)
    • Team Principal
      Feb 2026 - Present · 6 mos

      As Team Principal of the University of Sheffield Solar Racing Team, I lead 80 ambitious engineers to design and build a highly efficient solar-powered race car for the iLumen European Solar Challenge. I oversee sponsorship, partnerships, and overall team direction.

    • Head of Performance
      Apr 2025 - Apr 2026 · 1 yr 1 mo

      I lead the performance subteam for the University of Sheffield Solar Racing Team, where we develop simulation tools to predict the car’s energy usage and use real-time solar forecast data to guide race strategy and engineering decisions during testing, and competition.

    • Mechanical Design Engineer
      Oct 2024 - Jun 2025 · 9 mos

      Part of the Body and Chassis subteam for the University of Sheffield solar racing project, competing in international motorsport events like the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and iLumen European Solar Challenge.

  • Undergraduate Researcher at Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
    Apr 2026 - Present · 4 mos

    Selected for a funded research fellowship at the University of Sheffield. Researching multi-objective optimisation of electric vehicle speed profiles. Supervised by Prof. Robin Purshouse and Dr. João Duro.

  • Member at Sheffield Engineering Leadership Academy (SELA)
    Sep 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    Selected as 1 of 50 students for the Sheffield Engineering Leadership & Service Award, a programme developing leadership and teamwork through workshops and project work.

  • Race & Performance Engineer at Ağaçkakan Motor Sporları ve Tic. Ltd. Şti.
    May 2025 - Nov 2025 · 7 mos

    On track with the team during TCR Italy and TCR European Endurance, assisting with car setup, race day operations, and on the radio during sessions. Learning how to analyse telemetry and post-session data to improve performance.

  • Engineering Intern at Valeo
    Jul 2022 - Aug 2022 · 2 mos

    Focused on process optimization and reducing carbon dioxide emissions while working in both production and R&D facilities.