Dylan Abood had more cause for satisfaction on the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11 than the end of his team’s losing skid. While Air Force tied Holy Cross for its first point in five games, he got to hear about the progress of his summer’s work off the ice.
The senior defenseman spent his latest offseason at MIT Lincoln, building a portable solar power system for disaster-relief operations. Considering the recent hurricane devastation in the United States and the Caribbean, Abood’s work is both timely and relevant.
Amidst his team’s most recent road trip, he got a firsthand reminder of that. One of the MIT Lincoln Laboratories is in Lexington, Mass., less than an hour northwest of Holy Cross’ campus in Worcester.
He took the opportunity to catch up with his summer supervisor “and learn that there was a ton of interest in our power system, especially following the hurricanes in Houston and Puerto Rico,” he told Pucks and Recreation. “They could not test the system in extreme environments yet, but it will be something they continue to work on for next year.”
With his contribution to the project so far, among other credentials, Abood is a candidate for the 2017-18 Senior CLASS Award. He admits his contribution to MIT Lincoln’s solar power play was the equivalent of jumping in on the fly as part of the second unit. That said, his presence helped the team drive its agenda home.
“I was looking for a summer research position,” he explained. “I was not sure about this particular project until two-to-thee weeks before I started. When I joined, the company was working on several projects. This particular project was already past the design phase. By the end of the summer, I had time to get it ready for a demonstration.”
“It was fantastic working with a team of that caliber (at MIT Lincoln). The coordination and teamwork were impressive.” – Dylan Abood (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
This demonstration showcased how the product could provide electricity to equipment that would aid relief workers.
Abood connected with MIT Lincoln through the Air Force Academy’s Cadet Summer Research Program. The program allows cadets to solve relevant problems through “real world applications.”
Much like the teamwork necessary to defend the Atlantic Hockey championship, Abood recognizes the importance of cooperation in his research endeavor.
“It was fantastic working with a team of that caliber (at MIT Lincoln),” he said. “The coordination and teamwork were impressive. Each person had a role, and they were highly motivated. The professionalism, role-playing and motivation helped us succeed on this project.”
Despite this cooperation, Abood faced personal challenges. But as Air Force’s second-year hockey captain and the flight commander for 24 cadets, he embraces growth opportunities.
“There were certain things I have never done before,” he said. “Programming was an example. There was a steep learning curve there. My supervisors recognized my capabilities and put me in a position to succeed. It was challenging, but fun.”
“I picked the energy-systems group because I have always been interested in renewable energy. I couldn’t be luckier to have the added human component of aiding in disaster relief and saving lives.” – Dylan Abood
All of this teamwork and perseverance paid off for the Centennial, Colo. native.
“The greatest reward was demonstrating the project,” said Abood. “I could dedicate my whole time to this effort while they worked on other things. They weren’t sure if they could finish it by the workshop at the end of the summer. I was happy I could help them accomplish what they set out to achieve.”
Abood’s summer research also provided clarity on his future plans.
“Before I started there this summer, I picked the energy-systems group because I have always been interested in renewable energy,” he said. “I couldn’t be luckier to have the added human component of aiding in disaster relief and saving lives.
“I knew that electrical engineering would provide me with flexibility and that my passion for power systems and power grids will give me insight into my future career.”
Despite his strong resume of on-ice, classroom, work and volunteer experience, Abood remains humble and honored to be part of the Senior CLASS Award pool. There are many lessons he will take from the experience as well.
“All of the leadership experiences I have had have been a huge part of how I’ve grown,” said Abood. “Each experience requires different leadership styles. I have learned a lot about myself and how I can keep improving. I feel more prepared for the future because of this experience.”
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