Neev Dash has loved cars since he was a small boy. As he grew older and learned about the impact of gas engines on the environment, he was motivated to make a difference. Fast forward several years, and Dash, who is a dual credit student entering his second college year at Lone Star College-University Park – and his senior year at iSchool High – embarked on a project to create an affordable and accessible way for the average American to drive an eco-friendly car. 

Sparked by global warming concerns and fueled by the supportive and innovative LSC-University Park culture, Dash successfully converted a go-kart from gas-powered to electric this past summer.

Dash had planned to study for the SAT and ACT tests this spring and summer and continue tutoring fellow students studying for the same tests. However, when COVID-19 struck, tests were delayed, classed moved online, and the family business (his father owns a Houston-area car dealership) called him in to help amid necessary layoffs. Fortunately for Dash, these conditions and social distancing provided him with the time and tools he needed to build and convert the go-kart. 

When Dash began his project, he had two choices – build electric cars or convert gas-powered cars to electric vehicles (EV). He quickly discovered, however, that building electric cars would produce noxious emissions that would not be offset by EV usage for more than a decade. He learned that converting a gas engine to an electric motor would be both cheaper and environmentally conscious.

When asked about innovation, Dash said, "While creativity is thinking up new ideas, innovation is turning those ideas into reality."

Dash chose a go-kart that was easier to work on because of its small, bare-boned, basic chassis. The go-kart runs on the fundamental laws of science and mathematics. The welding required on the chassis employed equations Dash learned in trigonometry and pre-calculus at LSC-University Park. Dash was also influenced by several professors across disciplines who provided him with the words of encouragement to make a difference. He bought the go-kart parts he needed, attached a seat belt, and the go-kart was ready for a test drive.

"At LSC-University Park, we are not only proud of Dash’s application of his education so far, but we are impressed by his innovative and pioneering spirit as he works to positively impact our shared world," said LSC-University Park President Dr. Ardalan Shah. "He held fast to his dreams and turned to his school and professors for the encouragement to innovate. He will undoubtedly achieve much in his future. Even during this time of social distancing, our dedicated faculty and staff work diligently to educate, support and connect our 12,500-plus students to help them succeed and become the very best versions of themselves."

Among LSC-University Park faculty and staff, Dash found a particular ally in Jonathan Anderson, LSC-University Park dean of arts and humanities. Together, they found a shared passion for the project and the electric go-kart earned its name – the “Neev-Mobile."

"I was invited to see Dash's project at his father's dealership, which gave me an opportunity to get outside for a while, meet Dash's parents, and drive his electric go-kart,” said Anderson. "We don't always know why certain people come into our lives. However, when that special person engages you in his dreams of innovation and success, it's a reminder of the good in people and why we do what we do.”

"The faculty and staff of LSC-University Park, in addition to friends and family, have provided the motivation to pursue and achieve higher education goals," said Dash. “To me, education is not about better employment opportunities with higher income. Rather, higher education is about gaining critical thinking, analytics, written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills. It is about building a fulfilling life, a transformation — from potential to realization.”

As an LSC-University Park dual credit student with iSchool High, Dash is on target to graduate in May 2021 with both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree. The dual credit program offers students an opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. Dash has earned 67 college credits. He was also admitted to the Honors College at LSC-University Park. After he graduates in May, Dash plans to earn a bachelor's degree in industrial or mechanical engineering and a master's in business administration.

"LSC-University Park is an absolutely amazing college. This was further reinforced when I visited several university campuses in Texas,” said Dash. “To me, what matters most are the faculty and staff, more than fancy buildings and real estate. At LSC-University Park, they foster fuller student engagement and help resolve some of the many challenges students face both in and outside the classroom.”

To see Dash’s go-kart in action, click here. There are additional opportunities to enroll for the fall semester at LSC-University Park via eight-week Next Start classes that begin October 19. Visit LoneStar.edu/UP-Enroll for more information.