Griffin Dugan

HONORS 100
Experiential Learning Interview
I interviewed Erik Skeel about his interests. While he does enjoy sailing, he also knows
it already is such a significant part of his life, so he wants to pursue other interests. Erik is
interested in engineering because it allows him to actively create something with his hands. He
is also interested in doing volunteer work, but he doesnt just want to do busywork or simple
manual labor: he wants his volunteering to incorporate his intellect as well, so he can make a
more profound difference. In high school, besides sailing, Erik was usually engineering things
with his friends and brother, such as a model steam engine, and before high school he was
heavily involved in Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout. Besides engineering, Erik is interested in
learning about the movements of tides/currents in the ocean, and possibly doing research and
applying engineering to harness this tidal power. In addition, Erik wants to look at
entrepreneurship as a means of applying his engineering. Erik also wants to study abroad
immensely, though the challenge is finding the program that works with him given his busy class
schedule. He would love to explore all the activities of Europe, and is particularly interested in
the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, but he also would be interested in
volunteering in a place like Africa because he would find it most fulfilling. Erik would
appreciate some sort of leadership experience that allows him to guide a team to a goal.

1. Exchange with Norwegian University of Science and Technology

a. https://studyabroad.washington.edu/index.cfm?
FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10465
2. Physical Oceanography Research
a. http://www.ocean.washington.edu/story/Physical_Oceanography
3. Fostering interest in engineering by volunteering with Seattle MESA (Mathematics,
Engineering, Science Achievement)
a. http://seattlemesa.org/opportunities/for-volunteers/