Record-Holding Electric Motorcyclist to Present about “Eco-Activism in Disguise”
William Penn University
(OSKALOOSA, Iowa) – Scientist Eva Håkansson will present “World Speed Records and 3D-Printed Motorcycles: Why Scientists are Superheroes” on Thursday, September 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Musco Technology Center on William Penn University’s Oskaloosa campus. Håkansson is the owner, builder and driver of the record holding electric streamliner motorcycle named “KillaJoule” which has made her the world’s fastest female motorcycle rider. Her presentation will be about how eco-friendly can be fast and fun, and will chronicle her journey to building the fastest electric motorcycle.
“When my mother went to college in 1955, her only ‘choices’ for a major were teaching and home economics. Much has changed in the interim and women are represented in many career fields. Women are still underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) fields,” said Gary Christopher, Chair of Health and Life Sciences at William Penn University. “Eva Håkansson is an advocate and role model for girls and women who are inclined toward careers in STEM disciplines. She is living proof that a woman can do anything a man can do”.
Håkansson is currently working as a consultant in the field of engineering, racing and high performance electric vehicles. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Environmental Science, a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Building and racing her own electric motorcycle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah is just an expensive hobby for Håkansson. The purpose of creating “KillaJoule” was to make individuals interested in low-emission vehicles and make them aware of their potential.
The Leaders Speak Series is an annual initiative that reaches out to the community with diverse leadership-based themes. The 2017-18 series has expanded on the theme: “Ignite” which aims at bringing in speakers to encourage students and community members to pursue their passions and promote positive change.
The event is free and open to the public and can also be streamed online at www.wmpenn.edu/leaders.
