Tennessee Technology Center instructor Lewis Turpin, left, and senior Sean Murphy stand together at the 2011 Gunk Serious Solutions Challenge in Las Vegas.
Photo by Paul LeachWATCH THE VIDEOhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G36tmDgq-AY
ATHENS, Tenn. — Tennessee Technology Center student Sean Murphy recently brought home a $3,500 scholarship for himself and another $5,000 for his school after taking the grand prize at the 2011 Gunk Serious Solutions Challenge in Las Vegas.
“I’m working toward earning an automotive engineering degree,” he said.
Murphy said he would like to work with Honda or other innovative automobile companies, citing engineering work that has reduced “engines to half their size, but doubled their power.”
He was one of five finalists selected for the 2011 challenge, which is sponsored by Radiator Specialty Co., makers of Gunk brand automotive products, and Skills-USA, a nonprofit organization that promotes technical and skilled service occupations.
The Athens student defeated the other finalists in a trivia quiz-style event held at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas on Nov. 2.
To get there, Murphy had to submit an “auto-motivation” video to RSC. In the video, the Tennessee Technology Center senior describes his experiences in modifying the gas mileage of his 1996 Acura Integra after he caught “engine-modification fever.”
“One thing led to another, and before long I had built an all-out performance monster,” stated Murphy in his video submission.
“Watching the video submissions, it is clear that the upcoming generation of automotive technical students is exceptionally focused and driven,” said Marshall Livingstone, Gunk brand category manager at RSC Chemical Solutions, in a news release.
“They are dedicated to succeeding in the automotive industry, and we are delighted to help further the education of each student with a scholarship and trip to one of the biggest automotive trade shows in the industry,” he said.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.