Sustainable Technology

Transcript

You all are gonna be inspired by this next student’s story. We’re heading over to the GCU labs to meet Erik Yost. Erik is a freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Management. What this young man is doing to change the world for good using his engineering skillset is absolutely mind blowing. Eric, the floor is all yours.

– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Throughout my life, I’ve always felt the need to go and serve the world in the name of the Lord. I’ve always loved engineering and entrepreneurship from a young age, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my skills specifically. In high school, I was heavily involved throughout campus as student body vice president for sport varsity athlete, robotics mentor, and a leader in the engineering and entrepreneurship program. I focused my skillset on our ISS program, an elite engineering program, where students were able to send their research projects onto the International Space Station. I worked on multiple different teams, and eventually sent six different projects into space. My primary project was focused on microbial fuel cells. Fuel cells are able to take any form of organic waste and convert it into electricity. We were able to take this project to the American Society of Gravitational and Space Research, and win first place, which was a huge accomplishment. From there, I started to work with NASA on sustainable energy research. I felt my calling to use my skills in engineering to help better the world. When I started looking at colleges, I learned about the Discover GCU trips. I just knew I had to participate. These trips are so immersive, and you get to experience firsthand, what it means to be a Lope. During this all-expenses-paid on-campus experience. We learned about that dynamic academic programs offered across GCU’s nine colleges, connected with GCU’s vibrant campus community and explore different ways to connect with current students, faculty and leadership. On this trip, I was introduced to GCU’s engineering program, entrepreneurship initiative, a strong sense of Christian community, and a place I could truly thrive. It was awesome, and I fell in love with GCU. Once on campus, I started my LLC, generate a biotechnology company, focused on building my fuel cells through the entrepreneurship initiative, so I’m able to fund my nonprofit, and help better the world around me. Here on campus, I’m also starting a program called STELLAR, which allows GCU students to send their projects to the International Space Station. Here at GCU, you’re able to join any club or program and grow your skills and glorify God. You can impact your local community globally, or even the universe. There’s such a multidisciplinary aspect between the colleges, where students are able to learn real life skills and apply all around their life. And I pray that I’m able to glorify God in all that I do, that He’s able to use me as a vessel through my clubs, business and leadership. Back to you, Alex.

– Erik, it is so profound to see you use your passion and experience with biotechnology to help make the world a better place. It’s all very impressive. Thank you for sharing that, we’ll see you soon. Cheers, Erik.