In March of 1990, Ford Motor Company unveiled a new model SUV, the Ford Explorer. That same year the company had a second, perhaps lesser-known launch, the career of a budding engineer named Jamie Forbes. Now, after 32 years with the industry icon, Jamie conveys a wealth of knowledge and insights to Clemson University automotive engineering students. Among the many lessons he imparts, perhaps the most important is the value of perspective.

After completing his education, Jamie established both his family and career in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Over the next three decades he and his wife, Irene, raised their three daughters, all while Jamie’s career continued to evolve at Ford. Throughout his tenure, he was entrusted with several key roles and helped build departments in optical metrology, mechanical packaging, vehicle engineering, and ergonomics.

In 2011, Jamie hired a young Clemson graduate who had just completed a program called Deep Orange. “He was amazing,” Jamie recalled. “And what I’ve found is that when you have a great engineer and you need more, you ask if they any friends because smart people tend to hang out together.” In the years that followed, Jamie recruited more than 50 Clemson engineering graduates to Ford, creating a valuable pipeline of talent. “It got to the point where I knew if you had worked on Deep Orange, I was going to hire you.”  This growing connection led to personal relationships with professors and eventually, Ford’s sponsorship of Deep Orange 10, a self-driving passenger vehicle prototype aimed at reclaiming drivetime for families, students, and business professionals.

As Jamie’s industry career was nearing its end, he was approached about one final role — an opportunity that would allow him to pour into the very program and students he’d come to admire during his time at Ford.

Forbes in 2021 as a representative of Ford Motor Company consulting with Clemson University students working on Deep Orange 10.

In 2023, after retiring from Ford, Jamie became a professor of practice within the Clemson University Department of Automotive Engineering. With decades of industry experience, Jamie relishes the opportunity to teach, advise for Deep Orange and mentor the next phase of the engineering workforce. “I came here and got to somewhat reinvent myself,” Jamie shared. “Engineering has given me everything, and I feel a responsibility to give back by teaching the next generation”

A major draw to this new role was the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, SC, home to the Department of Automotive Engineering and more than 20 industry partners. “It was a very comfortable transition for someone with my background because it feels somewhat like an industry setting. It’s a perfect blend between academia and industry,” he recalled. Jamie also emphasized the uniqueness of the automotive engineering program, noting “Typically, these classes are part of mechanical engineering departments that have been in the same building since the 1920s. That’s not the case here. This is a custom-built organization with facilities that directly mimic the industry.”

As a relatively new resident of Greenville, Jamie and Irene enjoy exploring all the Upstate has to offer, especially outdoor activities. They’ve already hiked popular local trails like Paris Mountain and Table Rock, but their favorite trek is the monthly trip to Maine to visit their grandchildren. With two grandkids, ages 3 and 1, Jamie — also known as ”Papa” — cherishes watching them grow and observing the interactions between his wife, their daughter, and the next generation. It’s that same sense of perspective that makes Jamie such a valuable mentor to his automotive engineering students.

After three decades in the mobility industry, Jamie understands his students will need more than just the technical skills of engineering. From advice on entering the workforce to mastering communication and understanding global policy, Jamie aims to fully prepare his students for their future careers. “The rigors of graduate education can make it difficult to see what’s ahead,” he said, “but I hope to offer my students the perspective and encouragement they need to push the industry forward. I’ve had my career, and now I get the privilege of helping these motivated young engineers along their journey. I remember being in their shoes, and I know the incredible, rewarding future that lies ahead for them.”

Forbes, now in his role with the Department of Automotive Engineering, provoking thoughtful conversations with the cohort of students developing Deep Orange 17.

Clemson University has made history by awarding the nation’s first-ever Bachelor of Science degrees in Automotive Engineering. A brick-laying ceremony held this week at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) honored the inaugural graduating class—four students whose names are now permanently engraved in a brick pathway at CU-ICAR, symbolizing their role in paving the way for future automotive engineers.

This milestone comes more than two decades after the Clemson University Board of Trustees approved the creation of an automotive engineering degree program—the first, and still the only, academic program of its kind. Initially established as a graduate-level initiative, the program began enrolling students in 2006 and awarded its first master’s and Ph.D. degrees in 2009. Since then, over 1,110 graduate degrees have been conferred. In 2022, guided by input from leading industry partners, Clemson expanded its program to the undergraduate level, aiming to meet the growing demand for engineers with specialized automotive training.”

“Looking back now, after almost 20 years, I see a vibrant graduate program that has really found its footing and offers a unique learning experience to students from around the world,” said Laine Mears, Director of the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering and BMW SmartState Chair of Automotive Manufacturing. “Launching the undergraduate program three years ago was the next step in providing one-of-a-kind experiences to an even broader cohort of students. The Department of Automotive Engineering has built something never before seen, and I could not be prouder to be a part of it.”

The Automotive Engineering program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in the mobility industry. The interdisciplinary curriculum integrates deep technical training with a modern systems-engineering approach, while also incorporating leadership and business acumen critical to thriving in today’s global economy. Students are immersed in practical, hands-on experiences, as well as cutting-edge research in emerging areas such as autonomous vehicles, electrification, and sustainable transportation. The program’s effectiveness is evident: over 96% of graduates are currently employed in the mobility industry.

Anand Gramopadhye, Dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, noted that this moment reflects years of vision, partnership, and purpose. “This milestone is a testament to Clemson’s commitment to aligning education with the evolving needs of industry,” said Gramopadhye. “From concept to execution, the undergraduate program in automotive engineering was designed in close collaboration with our industry partners. I’m so proud to see our students stepping directly into impactful roles and advanced study, ready to drive innovation in a sector that shapes the future of mobility.”

Although most of the first undergraduate cohort will graduate at ceremonies later this year or early 2026, these four students accelerated their path by applying previously earned credits and completing required senior-level courses early, becoming the first to finish the undergraduate program:

• Garrison Bishop (Spartanburg, SC) also earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and has accepted a role at Imperial Die Casting.
• Matthew Flaim (Yorktown Heights, NY) will begin graduate studies in Automotive Engineering at CU-ICAR this fall.
• Trevor Levine (Irmo, SC) served on staff at the Makerspace at CU-ICAR and has accepted a position at Bertrandt US Inc.
• Colin Luongo (Oxford, GA) will begin graduate studies in Automotive Engineering at CU-ICAR this fall.

The brick-laying ceremony not only honored these students’ individual achievements, but also celebrated Clemson’s pioneering role in shaping the next generation of automotive leaders. As the field continues to evolve, Clemson remains at the forefront of innovation, education, and industry collaboration.

Key Milestones in Clemson’s Automotive Engineering Program:

• 2002: BMW, Timken and Michelin endow professorships to help establish Automotive Engineering program
• 2002: Graduate program approved by Board of Trustees
• 2006: First students enrolled in Automotive Engineering program
• 2007: Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research established
• 2009: First master’s & Ph.D. degrees awarded
• 2010: Department of Automotive Engineering formed
• 2010: Deep Orange education program established
• 2022: Undergraduate program approved by Board of Trustees
• 2023: Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering launched with 35 students
• 2025: First Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering degrees awarded

For more information about Clemson’s automotive engineering programs, visit clemson.edu/automotive-engineering.

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) and Clemson University have announced a partnership to enhance the diesel electric drivetrain of ARA’s autonomous robot. The collaboration brings together industry and academia to deliver the robotic platform to the United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).

“GVSC has been a longtime robotics partner of ARA, and this platform is a critical development in autonomous innovation,” said ARA Vice President Matt Fordham. “This partnership between industry, academia, and government is a testament to our collective commitment to growing the technology sector in and around Greenville, S.C. We are excited to leverage the expertise at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to deliver an advanced system that meets the dynamic needs of the Army.”

The research of the Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy-Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS) Research Center at CU-ICAR will extend the shared research expertise with ARA and GVSC to leverage the university’s unique lab capabilities. “This partnership exemplifies the culture of innovation and collaboration at CU-ICAR. Expanding our relationship with ARA and the U.S. Army further enables us to produce meaningful research on our campus and advance the economic development mission of the university in our region,” said David Clayton, Executive Director of CU-ICAR.

“Our collaboration with ARA and the U.S. Army not only allows for an incredible real-world learning environment, but these partnerships also keep our research grounded in what matters in the industry,” said Rob Prucka, Director of VIPR-GS Research Center. “Our students and faculty are gaining invaluable industry experience while developing autonomous technologies that actively protect civilians and military personnel.”

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) was founded in 1979, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to offer science and engineering research to solve problems of national importance. ARA delivers leading-edge products and innovative solutions for national defense, energy, homeland security, aerospace, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. With over 2,000 employee-owners at locations in the U.S. and Canada, ARA offers a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil engineering, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, biomedical engineering, environmental technologies, and blast testing and measurement.

Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) is a 250-acre advanced-technology research campus where university, industry and government organizations collaborate. The university offers master’s and Ph.D. programs in automotive engineering at CU-ICAR and is conducting leading-edge applied research in critical areas, such as advanced product-development strategies, sustainable mobility, intelligent manufacturing systems and advanced materials. CU-ICAR has industrial-scale laboratories and testing equipment in world-class facilities.

The Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy-Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS) Research Center at Clemson University is a premier research initiative focused on advancing digital engineering, autonomy, propulsion systems, and virtual prototyping for next-generation military ground vehicles. In collaboration with the U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) and industry partners, VIPR-GS is driving innovation in autonomy-enabled ground systems to support the Army’s modernization priorities. VIPR-GS works closely with a diverse network of stakeholders, these partnerships facilitate the transition of cutting-edge research into field-ready solutions and accelerate the development of military and commercial vehicle technologies. VIPR-GS is committed to shaping the future of autonomy-enabled ground systems by combining cutting-edge research, digital innovation, and strong collaborations. Its ongoing efforts contribute to the Army’s Next-Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) program and ensure that U.S. military ground systems remain at the forefront of technological advancement.

Acknowledgment: This work was supported by Clemson University’s Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS), under Cooperative Agreement W56HZV-21-2-0001 with the US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).

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In February nearly 300 interdisciplinary researchers, industry leaders and government officials converged on Clemson, SC for three days of research discussions and demonstrations on the future of mobility.

The gathering was part of the annual review of the VIPR-GS Research Center, a partnership between Clemson University and the US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) aimed at developing innovative digital engineering tools for rapid exploration and design of the next generation of on- and off-road vehicles. VIPR-GS, an acronym for Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy-Enabled Ground Systems, consists of 80 Clemson faculty from across 13 departments and more than 130 student researchers. Together, they are working on 43 active translational research projects in labs throughout South Carolina.

“Our partnership with the US Army and industry leaders helps ensure that our research is grounded in real-world application. The ability to take our foundational research and transition it into something that moves the industry forward is really meaningful.”

– Dr. Rob Prucka,
Director, VIPR-GS Research Center
Director, Deep Orange Vehicle Prototyping Program
Alan Kulwicki Professor of Motorsports Engineering

After a tour of the VIPR-GS Research Center facilities at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, SC, the events moved to the Madren Conference Center in Clemson, SC for two days of demonstrations and presentations. In addition to sessions featuring faculty and industry professionals, student researchers had the opportunity to highlight their work during a poster display exhibition. Each presentation was aligned with ongoing research based on the key components of the VIPR-GS Research Center: autonomy, power systems, and digital engineering. In recent years some research has been tested and displayed through vehicles produced by the Deep Orange program, an accelerated and immersive vehicle concept development framework within the Department of Automotive Engineering. In partnership with GVSC and the VIPR-GS Research Center, Clemson students produced two high-speed autonomous vehicles designed for off-road, non-combat missions. These prototype vehicles will continue to serve as platforms for real-world validation of joint research projects.

Now in its sixth year, the VIPR-GS Research Center produces an impact far beyond any single project by compressing design and development timelines producing tools for smarter, faster and more cost-effective autonomous vehicles. Two critical themes of this process and the future of the VIPR-GS Research Center are digital engineering and Human Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF), the optimization and integration of technology and human capabilities. Dr. Philip Frederick, Deputy Chief Scientist for the US Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center, emphasized each discipline and the value of the VIPR-GS Research Center during his keynote address.

“As demonstrated through the recent Deep Orange projects, VIPR-GS is ideally positioned to utilize the knowledge of faculty and students, along with digital engineering and industry relationships, to not only create valuable research for today, but that continually builds for a lasting impact.”

– Dr. Philip Frederick, Deputy Chief Scientist for the US Army Ground Vehicle Systems

A common theme in the presentations was the importance of people and relationships. In addition to the touted Clemson faculty and students, GVSC and the VIPR-GS Research Center maintain strong partnerships with universities and industry leaders across South Carolina and the nation. Dr. Frederick stressed that while the research has valuable real-world applications, “it’s always the people who ultimately develop and use the technologies.” To illustrate this value, Dr. Prucka told the story of Drew Girshovich, a graduate of the Department of Automotive Engineering and Deep Orange 15 team member, who, after graduation began working for an industry partner in Greenville, SC, where he is continues to collaborate with VIPR-GS and GVSC on ongoing projects.

“The mission of the VIPR-GS Research Center is to help the US Army produce research and resources to develop better vehicles, but perhaps our most meaningful product is our students and future industry leaders. Ultimately the industry is run by people, and I couldn’t be prouder of the role Clemson plays in developing the future workforce and pushing the industry forward.”

– Dr. Rob Prucka,
Director, VIPR-GS Research Center
Director, Deep Orange Vehicle Prototyping Program
Alan Kulwicki Professor of Motorsports Engineering

Acknowledgment: This work was supported by Clemson University’s Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS) under Cooperative Agreement W56HZV-21-2-0001 with the US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC

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When he first visited the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) during a high school summer program, he never imagined a career at a defense company just down the road, but a decade later that’s exactly where we find Drew Girshovich.

The Rock Hill, SC native grew up with little awareness of Clemson University, much less CU-ICAR, yet it’s a place that would come to play a key role in his educational experience and launch his career. The summer before his sophomore year in high school Drew participated in a program that allowed him to tour the CU-ICAR campus, meet faculty and participate in hands on demonstrations. That visit left an indelible mark on him, sparking a dream that would shape his educational and professional future. “As a 15-year-old car enthusiast, it just blew my mind,” recalled Girshovich. “I told myself, ‘This is where I’m going to end up and I’m going to do everything I can to get to this place.’” And that’s exactly what happened. Drew graduated from Clemson University with a mechanical engineering degree and enrolled in the automotive engineering graduate program. He soon found himself on the CU-ICAR campus fulfilling the goal he’d set just years earlier, but it wasn’t quite what he was expecting.

“Clemson’s undergraduate engineering program was tough, so I expected the graduate work was going to be a huge challenge, and it was, but in an exciting and engaging way,” Drew explained. “It was less of a list of specific things you have to learn and more like ‘What are you passionate about?’ and then ‘Well let’s go learn and research how to do it.’” For Drew the answer to that question was design engineering. “To be able to design and create something that you can hold, and then give it to someone and say ‘I made this for you to make your life better’ is something I’ve always been passionate about.” Little did he know that his passion for design engineering and cars would lead him on a two-year journey that he would call one of the best experiences of his life.

During his time on the CU-ICAR campus, Drew participated in Deep Orange, an immersive 24-month concept development program that produces a prototype vehicle addressing real-world mobility challenges. “I learned so much from Deep Orange that you just can’t learn in a classroom,” said Drew. “It’s one thing to design something, but the process of actually making it for a customer is very different.” The experience not only shaped his technical expertise, but also his approach to collaborative work. “Deep Orange was crazy and hectic, but in such a good way. It taught me about not just being an engineer, but also being a team player, leadership, and how to interact with the customers and industry partners.” His time in the program and exposure with CU-ICAR partners would ultimate help Drew achieve his next goal, a design engineering role in the city he had come to love.

With graduation in sight, Drew and his wife, Olivia, began to evaluate the next phase of their lives. For the couple that loved spending time on Lake Hartwell, attending Clemson Football games, and exploring the Upstate of South Carolina, the idea of moving north for a design engineering job seemed less than ideal. “I had been told by professors, and I experienced it firsthand through Deep Orange—there’s just a different energy here than in the cities where many of the design engineering jobs are located,” Drew explained. “Being on the CU-ICAR campus in Greenville allowed us to fully experience the city. There’s always something going on with outdoor experiences, festivals and unique places to eat. It’s a place we fell in love with and didn’t want to leave.”

With an affinity for Greenville in mind, Drew was guided by Deep Orange faculty to explore Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), a multi-national company delivering research, leading-edge products, and innovative solutions that address problems of national importance. Better yet, ARA was already an established partner of CU-ICAR and had an office just minutes from campus. “I never would have guessed I’d end up in the defense industry,” Drew admitted. “But my time at CU-ICAR opened my eyes to all the avenues I could go with my automotive engineering degree. The program provides such a broad skill set that is valuable in any workplace, and it enabled me to stay in Greenville —something that was important to me.”

Now an established design engineer with ARA, Drew is excited to once again develop new goals and ideas on the CU-ICAR campus as the two organizations continue to partner on research initiatives. “When I joined ARA, I was thrilled to learn about the existing collaboration with Clemson University. With all the resources and expertise at CU-ICAR and ARA, I know the partnership is going to be incredibly productive,” Drew said. “I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in the future.”

As Clemson University and ARA continue their partnership, there’s no doubt that Drew’s story is just getting started—and the future holds even more exciting possibilities for this talented engineer and innovator.