Project Overview
Rationale
This NSF-funded project develops immersive experiential learning programs to help automotive technicians transition into electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and repair careers. By combining online modules, hands-on training, factory visits, and industry partnerships, the project addresses the growing workforce gap in EV technologies while expanding access to high-demand, future-focused career pathways.
Impact
- Develop scalable training pathways to prepare automotive workers for emerging EV maintenance and repair careers.
- Expand workforce participation by creating accessible upskilling opportunities for diverse and underrepresented populations.
- Strengthen industry-academia collaboration to accelerate EV adoption, innovation, and sustainable transportation technologies.
Publication List
Conference Proceedings
- Liu, Z., Qi, Y., Rojas, J., Ling Liu, C., Hasanzadeh, S., Richardson, J., Liu, J., and Shi, Y. (2026). “Co-designing a Modular Curriculum to Upskill Auto Technicians for Future Electric Vehicle (EV) Maintenance and Repair”. 2026 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting.
Researcher
Jorge Rojas
Chia-Ling (Gillian) Liu
Collaborators
- Jennifer C. Richardson, Ph.D., Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Purdue University
- Yangming Shi, Ph.D., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines
- Xiaowei Chen, Ph.D., Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama
- Steven Jones, Ph.D., Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama
- Jun Liu, Ph.D., Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama
Funding Source
