Message from the Executive Director

GCAPS works to create a better future for humans, creatures, and the environment. It may seem like a broad statement to most, but this principle is fundamental to the GCAPS community.

We are dedicated to assembling a team of talented and driven individuals. Driven to what, you ask? Our people are driven to find solutions to mobility challenges that will benefit humanity.

Whether we work together to solve problems and refine our contributions to the future, or you decide to join GCAPS as an individual to support the latest innovations in safety and performance, let’s get started now.

We are not followers. GCAPS was created to forge new trails and enable new paths. Our Process of Mobility makes GCAPS uniquely capable of helping you realize your dreams. Don’t be complacent, desperately holding onto the methods and ideas of the past. Join us on a newly charted path to the future you want to achieve.

We are eager to tackle any challenge we face, and we are committed to creating a universal solution.

About Us

The Global Center for Automotive Performance Simulation (GCAPS) is a Virginia Tech affiliated company that is revolutionizing the automotive industry. GCAPS provides mathematical modeling, advanced tire research, vehicle simulation, and various algorithms for virtual vehicle technology development. The Center specializes in independent simulation, testing, research, and assessments to complement or supplement activities performed by global vehicle manufacturers, tire manufacturers, suppliers, and motorsports teams.

GCAPS provides and utilizes accurate models to support virtual development for the mobility industry. The simulation group, the members of which have significant experience ranging from mathematical model development to graphic design to tire mechanics, has the advanced skills needed for successful model creation.  These models—including tire models, vehicle models, and environments—are created from both customer data sources and physical testing performed in GCAPS’ advanced testing facilities, which feature the world’s most capable indoor flat–belt tire test machine. GCAPS’ physical testing expertise has led to research and new modeling methods for improved customer products. Clients use the models and testing services to elevate their performance in vehicle handling, autonomous vehicle technology, and many other aspects of transportation simulation. Collectively, GCAPS’ vast experience in controls development, vehicle simulation, model creation, and physical data interpretation helps many companies in the mobility industry excel.

Since 2012, GCAPS has worked with more than 100 global companies. In our desire to be the best, we have established long term partnerships with GM, Pirelli and VTTI. Our commitment to advancing the transportation industry has led to the support of research by universities such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Virginia Tech as well as support for NHTSA projects. We are privileged to be approved tire test laboratories for auto OEMs such as GM, Ford, Stellantis, and Toyota. The dedication and knowledge of our testing department has led to consistent customer relationships with companies such as Goodyear Racing, Alpine F1, and many other prestigious motorsport entities. Our advancement in ADS simulation continues to grow our relationships and introduce new companies to our physical and virtual services.

Core Values

Core values are imperative in any organization. They clarify the means by which companies operate daily and achieve their goals. At GCAPS, it was important to define our core values and create a culture of transparency between our employees and our customers. Innovation is at the heart of our core values as a company. All other core values are the means by which we achieve high levels of innovation.

  • Integrity â€“ Honest, consistent, reliable, and fair—we take commitments seriously
  • Trust â€“ Upholding trust and common ground between our employees 
  • Logical Truth â€“ Solution Paths are defined by physical and system knowledge 
  • Communication â€“ Two-way process to transfer relative information, in the right medium with clarity and concision, in a timely manner 
  • Flawless Execution â€“ Profound understanding of the task, recognition that all steps of a project are critical—tasks are completed above expectations and on time 
  • Resolve â€“ Endless quest for solutions to advance our clients’ missions and employees’ work-life
  • Engaged â€“ Passionate dedication to scientific learning that benefits our clients and advances our employees’ growth 
  • Influential â€“ Thought leaders for new methods, processes, and technologies with no restrictive bounds that would impede advancement 
<a href="/company/frank-della-pia">Frank Della Pia</a>

Frank Della Pia

Executive Director


Jonathan Darab

Jonathan Darab

Operations Director


<a href="/company/kevin-kefauver/">Dr. Kevin Kefauver</a>

Dr. Kevin Kefauver

Technical Director


Evan Lowe

Evan Lowe

Director of Business Development


Chethan Acharya

Chethan Acharya

Test and Simulation Engineer


Dillon Alderson

Dillon Alderson

Data Specialist


Derek Allen

Derek Allen

Test Technician


David Billet

David Billet

Research Engineer


Chris Bradley

Chris Bradley

Maintenance Lead


Ryan Confer

Ryan Confer

Research Engineer


Corey Conner

Corey Conner

Test Technician


<a href="/company/alex-hatchett">Alex Hatchett</a>

Alex Hatchett

Research Project Manager


Bruce Hatchett

Bruce Hatchett

Maintenance, Safety, & Facilities Coordinator


<a href="/company/dustin-holley/">Dustin Holley</a>

Dustin Holley

Research Engineer


Dr. Sean Hubbard

Dr. Sean Hubbard

Research Scientist


<a href="/company/steven-huggins/">Steven Huggins</a>

Steven Huggins

Research Engineer


<a href="/company/pawan-kallepalli">Pawan Kallepalli</a>

Pawan Kallepalli

Research Engineer


Prathamesh Khade

Prathamesh Khade

Test Engineer


<a href="/company/prakhar-kumar">Prakhar Kumar</a>

Prakhar Kumar

Research Engineer


<a href="/company/yi-li">Dr. Yi Li</a>

Dr. Yi Li

Modeling and Simulation Engineer


Savannah Mason

Savannah Mason

Data Specialist


Brent McSherry

Brent McSherry

Test Technician


<a href="/company/lauri-mustonen">Dr. Lauri Mustonen</a>

Dr. Lauri Mustonen

Research Scientist


Veronda Osborne

Veronda Osborne

Business Manager


Jorge Rojas

Jorge Rojas

Research Scientist


<a href="/company/zach-saunders/">Zach Saunders</a>

Zach Saunders

Data Specialist


Travis Terry

Travis Terry

Research Scientist


Matthew van Gennip

Matthew van Gennip

Research Engineer