UNOH Grad Finds Success in Automotive Research and Development

Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2025

UNOH Alum Peter Gliwa '22

Written by Contributing Columnist Melanie Barnas-Simmons, VP of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations

From a garage in suburban Chicago to testing prototype vehicles at a major automotive research center, Peter Gliwa’s journey has been driven by passion, perseverance, and hands-on learning.

Originally from Glenview, Illinois, Peter grew up with a love for cars, often spending late nights in the garage tinkering on projects. After high school, he worked as a parts manager at Black Dog Speed Shop, where a colleague introduced him to the University of Northwestern Ohio. Intrigued by UNOH’s accredited degree programs and strong reputation in automotive education, Peter quickly knew it was the right fit.

“My parents came to the U.S. from Poland and never had the chance to attend college,” Peter shared. “Being the first in my family to pursue higher education made them incredibly proud. When we visited UNOH, my dad was asking more questions than I was—he was so excited to see the opportunities ahead.”

At UNOH, his first course, HVAC and A/C systems, set the tone for the hands-on, real-world learning environment he would come to value. Balancing classes with working at a local body shop, he developed both technical knowledge and practical experience.

Through UNOH’s Career Services, Peter landed a highly competitive internship at the GM Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. For three months, he worked on prototype vehicles and gained invaluable insight into research and development.

“That experience opened my eyes to just how much goes into developing a car. I was able to work on vehicles that weren’t even on the market yet. It was incredible,” he recalled.

Following his graduation in 2022, Peter was hired full-time at GM. He contributed to both development labs and the new battery cell test lab, gaining early exposure to electric vehicle (EV) technologies at a time when the industry was rapidly shifting in that direction.

While Peter valued his experience at GM, he missed the hands-on side of working directly with cars. When a position opened at the Hyundai America Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he seized the opportunity. Today, Peter works as a Senior Technician, preparing vehicles for testing, instrumenting prototypes with sensors, and supporting both hot and cold climate test trips across the U.S.

“It’s a great balance. I get to work on prototype vehicles, collaborate with engineers, and see how our work translates into future production models. Plus, the car culture and snowboarding opportunities in Michigan make it feel like home,” Peter said.

Peter is thriving just a few years out of college, both financially and professionally, and he encourages current UNOH students to chase their passions:

“Apply yourself, dream big, and chase those dreams. Manifestation is real—you’ve got to work hard, but the rewards will follow.”

Want to connect with Peter?
If you’re a UNOH student or alumnus interested in learning more about his career path or possible opportunities with the Hyundai America Technical Center, reach out to the Alumni Office at alumni@unoh.edu, and we’ll connect you.

Category: Applied Technologies

Keywords: Alumni, Automotive, High Performance