ADVISING TEAM
Paul McPherson
Paul McPherson is an Associate Professor of Practice in the School of Engineering Technology and Director of Bechtel Innovation and Design Center at Purdue University. He earned his B.S. in Technology and Industrial Arts Management from Berea College and his M.S. in Technology from Purdue. His areas of expertise include: design for manufacturing, mechanical
design, technical standards, and quality control. Professor McPherson’s industry experience and student centric focus has led him to be actively involved with student organizations such as Purdue Grand Prix and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Professor McPherson is dedicated to developing active partnerships with a plethora of industries to ensure students are given hands-on experiences as well as the opportunity to build professional networks for careers after Purdue. McPherson is an active member in professional organizations such as ASQ, ASEE, and SME.
DAVID BEERING
David Beering is the owner of Intelligent Designs LLC, a small business based in West Lafayette, IN at the Purdue University Research Park. His primary focus is engineering, systems integration, project management and research & development in satellite-enabled, high-performance communications systems. He is passionate about employing space systems to further US economic and national
security interests. Beering also serves as the Chief Technologist, Hypersonics, for the Indiana Innovation Institute.
Beering was born in San Antonio, TX and grew up in Indianapolis, IN. He holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering from Purdue University (1985 and 1987, respectively). While at Purdue, Beering was active in the Purdue Grand Prix Foundation, serving on both the Junior Board and the Senior Board.
"As for my favorite thing about Grand Prix, it’s the combination of technology and competition that makes it an fast-paced and exciting event."
Michael Burrell
Brent Bible
Mike is from Speedway, IN and has over twenty years of motorsports experience in karting, sportscar, Indycar, and other racing series. In addition to working with top teams such as Andretti Autosport, Mike was editor of National Kart News magazine from 2004-2011 and a part-time race promoter with USAC since 2016. Since 2015, he has been a police officer and has been with Purdue University Police Department since 2020.
Brent is from rural Lafayette, Indiana where he owns and operates a grain farming operation. He graduated from Purdue with a B.S. in Agricultural Economics. While an undergraduate, he served on the Race Junior Board and served as Race Chairman in 1995. This is his first year as an alumni advisor, but spent several years informally assisting the Race Committee and Chief Starter from 1996-2000.
Mike’s favorite part of Grand Prix is the opportunity to pass along his racing experience and knowledge to newcomers -both drivers and team members. “I prepared a kart for a team in 2010-2012, and it was so much fun working with the student racers!”
"My favorite part about Grand Prix is the opportunity it presents students to "learn by doing". Learning to be responsible, accountable, and independent through the Race experience builds a great foundation for future success, and that is truly invaluable."