The Initiative

Before starting my formal university studies, I joined a student team in Lelystad with a bold goal: to design and build a functional boat powered entirely by solar energy.

This wasn't just a theoretical exercise; it was a hands-on crash course in mechanics, renewable energy, and collaborative problem-solving. We had to translate blueprints into reality, troubleshoot electrical systems, and ensure the vessel was hydrodynamic enough to race.

The Experience

Competing in the Young Solar Challenge was my first exposure to the pressure and excitement of engineering competitions. It taught me that technical skills are only half the equation. Communication and adaptability within a multidisciplinary team are just as important to success.

This project sparked my interest in how technology can be used to solve environmental challenges, a theme that has influenced my later work in Human-Computer Interaction and sustainable design.