Blog

Name: Tim Dingman
Hometown: Sudbury, Massachusetts
University: Brown University ’11, ’12

Engineer, Accio Energy
Detroit, MI
 
 
What initially attracted you to Venture for America?
After the experiences of my undergraduate engineering career, I decided I was fully uninterested in a career in research. I wanted to combine my technical skillset with my organizational and creative abilities to make an immediate impact. With Venture for America, I knew I could fulfill my goals – at work and in my city.
What is the best part of being a VFA fellow?
The best part of being a VFA fellow is the other fellows. The other Detroit fellows are all my friends, and we have helped each other adjust to our new situations and surroundings with vigor. They impressed me during training camp, and I know we can use our talents to help rebuild our cities in the next two years.
What does Accio Energy do?
My company does wind power without blades or turbines. I can’t disclose much else, as we have patents pending and must keep the details of our technology secret.
What do you do on a typical day at work?
I have two jobs at work: one as a mathematical modeler of the physics of our technology, and one as a test engineer in our shop. Some days I sit at the computer running and analyzing simulations, and some days I run experiments and collect data. The key to working here, and at any startup, is flexibility.
What’s your favorite thing about Detroit?:
The best thing about Detroit is the communal spirit. Everyone knows Detroit has seen better days, but they know equally as well that we all have the power to change the city for the good. People here have a gritty pride about their city, and from what I’ve seen they want to help out in any way they can.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time with VFA?
In my two years, I hope to have a measurable impact on Detroit and to lock in business partners for any possible ventures. In the short term, impact might mean picking up trash or helping to construct an urban farm. In the longer term, though, I am open to the possibility of setting up shop here in the D.