Rafael Rideo
Major:
Mechanical Engineering (2019)
Hometown:
Vernon Hills, IL
Rafael “Rafa” Ridao joined Illini Solar Car in 2015 when the team was still new at just one semester old. Since ISC operates like a small business, he has enjoyed both the breadth and depth of subjects the team has allowed him to experience. “From in-depth electrical and mechanical technical knowledge to the soft skills necessary to manage growing team with an equally growing scope, I've invaluably been exposed to much more than I would have imagined in college all because of this team.”
Argo's chassis is the coolest aspect Rafa’s had a hand in. He was there from the start when the team was working out of storage units to create large foam blanks to be milled, through the equally laborious task of laying up carbon fiber, and to now where the car's body has been on Australian and US roads. At the American Solar Challenge, Rafa is most excited to see years of hard work pay off as Argo cruises down the scenic Oregon trail. He will be crew chief, driver support, and, best of all, cones and flags! Rafa’s most unique hobby is haircutting, both on himself and others. He likes it because “it's both functional, aesthetic, and requires trust between me and the other person.”