SEAS Cruise 2007 : People
Bruce Strickrott - Alvin Pilot
- Where is your hometown?
- A good question. I've been one of the WHOI homeless for about ten years now. I've lived briefly at friends' houses while on shore leave and at a few rental homes during the last two Alvin overhauls but I've essentially not had a home since 1996. My last true home was in Florida. I grew up in northern New York near Saratoga but haven't lived there since 1986.
- What is your role on this cruise?
- My position is Alvin's Chief Pilot. It's my responsibility to coordinate the training of Alvin's future pilots. Additionally, I'm responsible to Pat Hickey (the Expedition Leader) for the mechanical maintenance of the submersible.
- What is your education/training?
- I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University. Additionally, I served for six years in the United States Navy where I gained a lot of practical at-sea experience.
- What inspired you to choose your career & who were your role models?
- I really didn't head toward this sort of work until I was back at school. Originally, I thought I'd pursue a writing or communications career. During my first year at school, I met Dr. Ray MacCallister, past head of the University's Ocean Engineering Department. He convinced me to change my major to Ocean Engineering. I've been interested in working in the water since I learned how to SCUBA dive. That experience really opened my eyes, so to speak. But I really had no idea that I would end up working in the ocean, the 'deep end of the pool', until early 1996. I guess my greatest role models would be my Father and Grandfathers. They each inspired me in different ways. Mainly they all were go getters, never the type to sit around and watch others have all the fun.
- Please describe your family:
- My family is interesting to say the least. My mother lives in northern New York and is finishing up her career there. My brother lives in Florida, a block from the ocean and works for Disney. His wife is a scientist at Florida International University working on invasive species control. My father worked as the Vice President of a data processing company through the 70's and 80's until he passed away in 1982.
- Is there any message you'd like to send to the SEAS students?
- First of all, get out there and follow your dreams. Don't let the TV or media paint the picture of your future. Get out in the world and investigate your interests. You'll be surprised at what you'll find. Don't live in fear. I think that many people are afraid to take the chances that will change their lives for the better. I believe that it is within everyone's power to create happiness in their lives. But you have to be pro-active when it comes to this ... as far as we know we only have one
life, might as well be a good one.
