An electrical engineer, Eric worked for Battelle Memorial Institute on the Hanford Project, where they operate Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for the US Government. Initially working with plutonium metallurgy, he later became involved in metallic, ceramic, and optical coatings for turbine blades, nuclear waste storage, laser mirrors, and lithium battery production. He instrumented processes used in making the coatings, specified the design of special equipment, and designed the automation of those processes.
Flying sailplanes since 1975, he has been a sailplane flight instructor for 16 years, and holds airplane (single engine), glider, and glider flight instructor (CFIG) ratings.
Since his retirement in 1996, he has toured from Florida to Alaska with his wife – who willingly drives the supporting motorhome and trailer. They spend half their soaring time each year in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, then travel to soaring camps around the United States and Canada and make “occasional” state record and badge attempts.
Eric has been Soaring Society of America member since he began flying sailplanes, served as an SSA Director.