DESIGN - BUILD - TEST - COMPETE
About
LOBOmotorsports
Formula SAE at UNM started in 1997 and is now in its 28th year. The program is run by Dr. John Russell of the UNM Department of Mechanical Engineering. The program is now a 3 semester program that begins in the Spring of each year and is an alternative path to graduation from the traditional mechanical engineering path. Students that take the FSAE-path are given the equivalent credit of 2 mechanical engineering electives and Senior Design.
Dr. Russell joined the School of Engineering at the University of New Mexico in 1993, taking on the role of director of research after an impressive 27-year career in the U.S. Air Force. His tenure at UNM has been marked by significant achievements, including receiving tenure as a full professor in 2000 and later serving as the associate dean for research.
In 2004, he stepped into the role of interim chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, where he has since made substantial contributions to both teaching and program development. Dr. Russell directs the Formula SAE program, which has gained recognition as one of the top automotive engineering programs both nationally and internationally.
During his distinguished Air Force career, Dr. Russell specialized in research and development. He played a pivotal role in the development of the AC-130 Gunship and also taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy. His leadership extended to serving as director of the Air Force’s High Energy Laser Directorate and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space and Missile Technology Directorate, where he contributed to cutting-edge advancements in military technology. His unique blend of military and academic experience continues to influence the next generation of engineers at UNM.
Michael Arnold has been an integral part of the University of New Mexico’s Mechanical Engineering program since 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for motorsports to his role. His racing career began with the legendary Rick Galles, where he honed his skills as a driver in off-road buggies and later in a Sport 2000 car, achieving notable success including a championship win.
During his time with Galles, Michael played multiple roles on the race team, serving as Team Manager, Crew Chief, and a key member of the fabrication team focused on rebuilding gearboxes. His expertise in pit stops helped the team secure three pit stop competition victories, where he excelled as a fueler and tire changer. Michael collaborated with racing icons like Danny Sullivan and Bobby Rahal, further enriching his experience in the competitive world of motorsports.
In addition to his racing accomplishments, Michael worked with Al Unser Jr., modifying snowmobiles and Harley-Davidsons, turbocharging both vehicles, and restoring classic race cars. He joined Galmer Inc. to contribute to the design and construction of an F1000 car, crafted by renowned designer Alan Mertens, and took part in the restoration of several Indy cars.
Michael’s passion for engineering and racing caught the attention of Jim Guthrie, who invited him to assist the Formula SAE team at UNM. With a blend of technical expertise and hands-on experience, Michael continues to inspire the next generation of engineers and motorsport enthusiasts.
Gene Kallenbach has been the Electrical System Advisor for the University of New Mexico's Formula SAE (FSAE) team since 2018, leveraging his extensive experience in electrical engineering to guide aspiring engineers in their automotive projects. In addition to his advisory role, he has been teaching Electrical Engineering at UNM since 2021, sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of students.
A retired Electrical Engineer, Gene dedicated 31 years of his career to Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM, where he achieved the esteemed title of Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff (DMTS) in R&D Electronics Engineering. His work at Sandia involved the design and development of a wide range of sensor systems, showcasing his innovative approach to complex engineering challenges. Gene also possesses substantial project management experience for National Security and Counterterrorism projects
Before his impactful tenure at Sandia, Gene worked at Sperry Flight Systems (now Honeywell Aerospace) for five years. There, he served as a lead hardware engineer, specializing in the design and development of autopilots for military aircraft. This role honed his technical skills and deepened his understanding of avionics systems.
With a rich background in both academia and industry, Gene Kallenbach continues to inspire and educate students at UNM, guiding them as they explore the intricacies of electrical engineering and its applications in automotive design.
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