At this time in exactly two weeks, I will be driving to the airport for my flight to Iceland, and I am beyond excited! I can’t believe the trip is so close – it feels like just yesterday I was telling my parents that I would be going to Iceland for spring break.
I am looking forward to this trip for many reasons, such as learning about Iceland’s unique culture, seeing breathtaking views, trying Icelandic food (especially the hot dogs), and possibly seeing the aurora borealis, an item that’s been at the top of my bucket list since I was little. I am most excited, however, to explore Iceland’s use of its geography in its approaches to sustainable energy.
Iceland is a landmark in its sustainability practices, with its abundant use of renewable geothermal energy. Their ability to use the volcanic nature of their surroundings as an energy source is inspiring and I look forward to learning about this firsthand. I know that exploring this will inspire me to think about how we can implement more sustainable practices in our lives, as Iceland proves that this is achievable no matter what the surrounding conditions are.
On the note of geothermal energy, right when we arrive, we are touring the Hellisheiði Power Plant. I, just like a lot of my fellow engineers, am really looking forward to this. I have never toured a geothermal power plant before, or even a power plant for that matter, so I look forward to learning and exploring the connection between engineering and the environment. Even beyond the power plant, Iceland leverages its abundant geothermal activity for various other applications, such as cooking and farming. Iceland is a very cold and windy place, so being able to farm under their conditions really proves how innovative of a country they are.
My cousin went to Iceland about a year ago and raved about the Fontana Geothermal Bakery. When I found this on our itinerary paired with visiting Fridheimar’s Stud Farm and Greenhouse Cultivation Center, I had to tell him. He sent me so many pictures – of the bread, the glaciers, the national parks, and the hot baths – and I look forward to seeing it all in person.
As an undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, I am grateful for this opportunity to expand my worldview and immerse myself in other environments. I believe this trip will be influential to my educational journey as I learn about Iceland’s adaptability and truly be able to appreciate sustainable engineering practices. I can’t wait to step outside of the traditional classroom to see how Iceland applies concepts I have learned about to their daily lives, bringing back what I learn to share with my family and friends, and apply it to my future career.
Swanson School of Engineering 