Galloway Senior Envisions a Future with Self-Driving Cars

by Head of Community Engagement Gordon Mathis 

In his project-based, semester-long, independent study, Nolan Alexander '24 expanded on his previous Engineering I class by envisioning what society would look like if Easy Safe Autonomous Driving (ESAD) was implemented in all cars. 

He dreams of microchips implanted in every car that will communicate with each other, managing traffic flow and ensuring safer driving patterns. Instead of writing a paper to explain his ideas, he asked UL technology teacher MariaPaola Jimenez if he could present before a panel of teachers and students - a Galloway version of “Shark Tank.”

The presentation included a slide deck that explained his ideas. He used public speaking skills to describe the functionality of ESAD: reducing accidents and thus saving on car insurance, improving the climate because the cars will be electric, and reducing traffic jams because the chips will determine the best routes without wasting time idling in traffic congestion.

The “Sharks” asked hard-hitting questions: “What if a car’s system is hacked?” “What about the potential invasion of individual privacy?” “What about the possibility of governmental surveillance?” Using his quick thinking skills, Nolan earned the necessary investment from the “Sharks” at the end of his pitch. 

“The independent study class offered me the opportunity to pursue my passion, to dive into independent research; it did not seem like homework,” said Nolan. “The ‘Shark Tank’ presentation was also interactive, making it more fun than more traditional methods of presentation.”

Nolan plans to study Engineering next year in college; we are looking forward to seeing what he accomplishes!