Gary Neal recognized as SAE International AutoDrive Advisor of the Year
Dec 3, 2025
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Gary Neal, assistant teaching professor in mechanical engineering and director of Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects, has been named the 2025 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International AutoDrive Challenge II Year 4 Advisor of the Year.
The SAE International AutoDrive Advisor of the Year award recognizes faculty advisors who demonstrate unparalleled dedication to undergraduate student engagement within the Autodrive Challenge, a multi-year collegiate program focused on advancing autonomous vehicle technologies. Recipients are selected for their commitment to building a collaborative, enthusiastic team of students and their impact on shaping the next generation of mobility engineers.
In his role, Neal oversees the design, integration and execution of capstone and design-focused engineering projects, including those that support Penn State’s participation in the AutoDrive Challenge. His work spans project coordination, hands-on technical advising and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary student teams.
His leadership plays a role in advancing the efforts of Penn State’s Advanced Vehicle Team as it contributes to the AutoDrive Challenge and develops next-generation autonomous vehicle solutions.
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Gary Neal, the director of Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects and assistant teaching professor of mechanical engineering, poses with his SAE International AutoDrive Challenge II Year 4 Advisor of the Year award. Credit: Courtesy of Gary Neal.
