I am Ethan Bell, a mechanical engineer at the University of Pittsburgh. I would first love to introduce myself and what I am interested in, which includes my desire to protect the oceans and marine life. Using engineering to monitor rivers and ocean health, I am determined to find solutions that impact climate change, plastic pollution, and global warming. Secondly, I am a certified scuba diver, this hobby was a recent adventure in my life. After realizing my love for marine life, I wanted to experience it up close. This new perspective deepened my connection to water and marine life, shedding light on the problems at hand. Traveling with my family to Ikaria, a small island to the east of Greece, has inspired my love for the sea. This is where I would spend my summers as a child, observing fish and building sandcastles. Ultimately, this is where I found my love for marine life and the ability to think creatively.

I chose the plus 3 program because it combines my interests in engineering and travel, allowing me to explore a new country early in my college journey. Studying abroad is an incredible experience, and it will help me learn more about different ways of life and give me a fresh perspective on engineering. My main goal while I attend South Korea is to understand how people in other cultures use engineering to solve everyday problems and make life easier. I also want to learn about consumer needs in different parts of the world, which will help me think about real-world engineering solutions in new ways. Lastly, I’m excited to experience the culture firsthand and make memories that will stay with me.