Chasing Impact
This article appeared in the 2023 edition of Full Circle, Castilleja's annual magazine.
The story begins in 2005, just a year after Sophia Berger ’06 and Jessa Lee ’06 founded Gatorbotics Team 1700. Erin, a freshman at the time, participated in a variety of activities, noting, “I joined robotics for a week, but between that, volleyball, and horseback riding, it was a lot. I remember not knowing whether I had the time to commit to robotics.” What happened the next day was a pivotal moment in Erin’s life.
While competing in a volleyball game, Erin jumped up for a block and broke her ankle. Rather than dwell on how the injury would prevent her from playing or riding, she recalls, “I got super involved in Gatorbotics and really loved it.” Erin’s involvement only grew; she went on to lead the team and the engineering product development group. This twist in her path changed everything.
EXPLORING IMPACT
The four years of building robots with the Gatorbotics team undoubtedly impacted Erin’s decision to pursue mechanical engineering and engineering leadership in college. During her undergrad years, Erin continued to search for additional ways to have a positive impact by leading her university’s Engineers Without Borders group. This experience took her to Nicaragua, where
Ever the scientist, Erin approached this next step with a personal thesis. It became her mission to acquire more knowledge about
the array of businesses focused on addressing climate-based solutions. To prove her thesis, she began business school. There, she learned about the impact of thermal batteries that are run with clean electricity. “Energy supply from renewables is decoupled from demand, and thermal batteries cost-effectively bridge this gap, providing better economics for renewable projects and a credible path to decarbonization for industry,” she excitedly described when explaining the transformative nature of how thermal batteries could change manufacturing processes.
CREATING IMPACT
When asked about where she imagines herself after business school, Erin’s reply might intrigue you. “One day, I’d love to start my own equestrian facility and increase access to equestrian sports in the Bay Area,” she mused. Growing up competing in three day eventing in the East Bay, Erin mentioned that the impacts of climate change result in dangerous conditions for horses and people. A facility located in the cooler regions of the Bay Area would “expand access to people who want to learn about horses and how to care for them,” she said.
“I want to continue chasing impact for myself and encourage as many people as possible to pursue impact in their own careers.”