SAE NEWS SAE Propel: All about volunteerism Featured volunteer Russell Truemner of AVL is a technical specialist focusing on vehicle thermal management systems and strategies to meet and certify to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Phase 2. Among the 19-year SAE Member's volunteer activities is co-organizing an annual panel session at COMVEC that features graduate students talking about their research in powertrain technology. "The panel is a great opportunity for students," he told Update. "We get to see the young people really improve and step up their game in giving presentations. They've done such a great job, and that's very rewarding." He also serves on an SAE powertrain technical committee that is responsible for deciding on the presenters and on the type of content to be presented at COMVEC beyond the student panel. "We select speakers to make sure that the attendees get to see a variety of content and the latest research from well-established and experienced people," he said. Truemner also serves on an SAE standards committee related to autonomous vehicles. In yet another volunteer capacity, he serves as an SAE technical paper reviewer and a recruiter of technical paper reviewers. UPDATE Russell Truemner of AVL is a 19-year SAE Member who volunteers in several ways. "To give back" is what Truemner said motivates him to volunteer on behalf of SAE. "When I first joined SAE, my motivation was the networking opportunities and access to new technologies and methods. Over time, the networking opportunities were strengthened significantly by participating in the COMVEC powertrain committee. That opportunity led to being asked to participate in a standards committee. Now with the student panel, the opportunity to support the next generation of engineers is a great way to give back. I'd like to thank all the other volunteers and SAE staff that I work with. Without all of their hard work and support, these opportunities would not have been as beneficial." PROPEL participate. engage. volunteer. February 2020 11http://connection.sae.org/saepropel