Carl Eric Fonville, a vehicle design engineer at General Motors, was honored with the Research Leadership Award at the 2020 BEYA STEM Conference. With more than 37 years of experience at GM, Fonville has achieved significant milestones, including 20 U.S. patents and eight research disclosures.

Fonville is a respected leader who shares his insights with young engineers. He is also a sought-after mentor and served as chapter president of the National Society of Professional Engineers.

Fonville’s current projects focus on engine sealing, structural integrity, transmissions, and battery components, all of which support GM’s journey towards a Zero Emissions, all-electric future.

During the BEYA gala, Fonville recounted his journey and shared his advice for young engineers. He encouraged them to aim for patents as these can provide documented contributions and recognition. Fonville expressed his admiration for the STEM leaders in the audience, who are paving the way for future generations.

“At thirteen, I knew I wanted to be an engineer and attended my father’s alma mater, The University of Michigan,” he said at the BEYA gala. “With the assistant dean’s guidance, I became the Minority Engineering Student Society president and a first-year student mentor for DAPCEP (Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program). At GM, I began working on patents, which provide documented contribution and recognition,” he said.

“As I look into the audience, I’m in awe of all the STEM leaders here, paving the way for future generations,” he added.