Hi everyone!

My name is Ben Kitchen and I’m from Allentown, PA. Next semester, I’ll be entering my second year as a Mechanical Engineering student in the Swanson School of Engineering. I’m also a member of Pitt’s honors college, which has given me the opportunity to explore how I can fit global experiences such as Plus3 into my engineering coursework. On campus, I’m involved in the Biomedical Engineering Society club (BMES) and intramural soccer. With my course load easing up next semester, I look forward to getting involved further on campus and in the city.

Outside of academics, I love cooking, discovering new music, playing/watching sports, and spending time outdoors – especially hiking and camping. I’m also passionate about sustainability and innovation, and I hope to apply my engineering skills towards solving real-world problems in those areas. Professionally, I’m interested in combining technical design, global responsibility, and applications in the medical field. I chose to pursue mechanical engineering over bioengineering because it gives me the flexibility to explore a wide range of industries while still preparing me to contribute to healthcare-related challenges.

I’m so excited to participate in the Plus3: The Netherlands program. I was drawn to this program specifically because of the Netherland’s commitment to innovative engineering solutions, sustainability, and unique infrastructure. The country is a global hub for forward-thinking companies, so I’m excited to see how Dutch engineers tackle real world problems through creative and sustainable methods. I look forward to returning to Pittsburgh after this program so that I can apply the skills I’ve learned in both my academic and professional careers.

Beyond the academic focus, I’m really looking forward to immersing myself in Dutch culture. As someone who enjoys art, history, and exploring new places, I’m excited to visit museums, historical landmarks, and get a feel for daily life in the Netherlands. I also see this trip as a chance to grow both personally and professionally. I want to gain a broader global perspective, learn how to better collaborate with others from different cultures, and understand how engineers think when making decisions that affect the public.