Gregory Mocko, associate professor of mechanical engineering and a champion of industry-driven education, has been named director of Clemson University’s acclaimed Deep Orange program, effective Aug. 15.

Mocko takes the wheel from Rob Prucka, who will turn more attention toward departmental leadership and the VIPR-GS program. Mocko’s appointment puts a seasoned educator, innovator and industry collaborator at the helm of one of the nation’s most distinctive automotive engineering initiatives.

Deep Orange is a prototype vehicle program that is part of the automotive engineering degree curriculum and based at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).

Over two years, graduate students in automotive engineering work with faculty and major industry sponsors to design, build and debut a concept vehicle. BMW, Toyota, General Motors, Honda R&D Americas, Ford, Mazda, ExxonMobil, NVIDIA, and the U.S. Army are among the companies that have backed Deep Orange projects.

As Deep Orange director, Mocko will oversee the program’s strategic vision, guide students through each project’s lifecycle and strengthen faculty and industry partnerships.

Mocko, a Clemson faculty member since 2006, has built his career on connecting students with real-world engineering challenges. He formerly coordinated Clemson’s Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Program and has overseen ambitious projects such as a nationwide student collaboration to design, build, and fly an unmanned aerial vehicle modeled on Boeing’s Dreamliner assembly approach.

Mocko’s research spans model-based systems engineering, AI in engineering design, and advanced manufacturing, and he has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles.

Laine Mears, director of the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, said that Mocko is ready to take on the current Deep Orange 17 program and begin defining future Deep Orange projects, noting that his nearly two decades of design research and practical application experience will serve Deep Orange well.

“Dr. Mocko brings a fresh perspective and a rich background in connecting students and industry, using innovative programs as the bridge,” Mears said. “He is highly regarded by his students and his colleagues. With him in the driver’s seat, Deep Orange is well positioned to go farther and faster!”