Hi, my name is Conner, and I am a first-year student at the University of Pittsburgh, my hometown university. Growing up just 15 minutes north of the city, Pitt has always felt like a natural fit. I am currently working toward declaring an industrial engineering major, with a long-term goal of working in the sports equipment industry as a product designer. Beyond that, I hope to eventually transition into coaching once I am established in my career. Outside of the classroom, I have been passionate about sports my whole life. I played throughout my childhood and continue to pursue that passion here at Pitt as a member of the club hockey team. When I am not on the ice, you can find me at the gym, playing pickleball, or biking through Schenley Park.

Academically, I am navigating a demanding engineering course load while staying deeply engaged in campus life. My interest in industrial engineering is rooted in systems thinking and problem-solving, specifically understanding how complex processes can be made more efficient and effective. These are skills I am eager to develop further and eventually apply to product design in a field I care deeply about. Professionally, I am still early in my journey, but I am driven by a clear vision and excited to build the foundation that will get me there.

I chose the Plus3 Spain program because it aligns perfectly with that systems-thinking mindset, and Bilbao is a particularly compelling destination. The city itself is a remarkable story of reinvention. Once a struggling industrial hub, it transformed itself into a thriving cultural and economic center. Learning about Bilbao’s medical industry within the broader context of regional innovation offers a fascinating perspective for studying large-scale problem-solving. I am also very excited to collaborate with the nursing students on this trip, as their perspective will add a dimension to our shared experiences that I would not get in a purely engineering context. Personally, this trip represents a major milestone. Though I have traveled extensively across the eastern U.S. for hockey, this will be my first time leaving the continent. I hope to return not only with new academic insights but with a broader worldview and a deeper appreciation for how different cultures approach the challenges we all share.

I cannot wait to see what Bilbao has in store. Hopefully this is just the first of many adventures abroad!