SEAS Cruise 2007 : People
Sacha Wichers - Electrician
- What is your job title, and what do you do?
- I am the Electrician here on the Atlantis. Some of my responsibilities include keeping the lights working, maintenance on all equipment, problem solving, and fixing things that break.
- How long have you been working on the R/V Atlantis?
- I have been on the Atlantis since October. Before that I worked on the Knorr and the Oceanus (other WHOI ships) with the SSSG group.
- What is your background/education/training?
- I came to the United States from Holland to have freedom to do what I wanted; working with my hands and solving problems. I worked on sailing ships 22 years. I went to college at the University of New Orleans and earned my degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. I earned my Master's Degree from WHOI/MIT in Ocean Engineering.
- What inspired you to choose this career/who were your role models?
- Where is your hometown?
- In the summers I live on Martha's Vineyard, and I winter in Slidell, Louisiana.
- What are some of your favorite things about life at sea?
- The food is great out here. Also, you're isolated from the propaganda machine-no newspapers or TV. You're not culturally bound out here. I like the challenge of interacting with different people. You have to get along with everybody.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- I like to build wooden boats during vacation. I also enjoy sailing and being out on the water.
- Is there any message you'd like to send to the SEAS students?
- Follow your dreams; dream big. Do what you want to do and don't let anyone stop you.
