Experience

OceanX

• United States
• Philanthropic Fundraising Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Submersible Pilot

  • Jan 2022 - Present

  Submersible Pilot and Sub Team Member aboard the OceanXplorer. Submersible Pilot and Sub Team Member aboard the OceanXplorer.



Global Engineering and Exploration Counselors

• Founder

  • Jan 2015 - Present

  GEECs first mission is to develop a network of Girls Underwater Robot Camps. These are three to five day workshops designed to immerse girls aged 13-17 in real-world applications of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts using open-source OpenROV kits. Its robust design and simple user interface make the OpenROV a versatile, valuable tool for students and scientists worldwide to use in researching and monitoring their local ecosystems.Building an OpenROV as a team, each student learns to use hand tools, solder microelectronics, and understand basic marine technology. High-intensity engineering workshops are followed by planning and running a micro-expedition in the field to achieve a research or exploration goal. Documenting along the way, girls also learn how to tell their story through social media, photography and filmmaking.The end result is a well-rounded, empowered and inspired individual who can engineer the tools, plan the expeditions, tell the stories, and collaborate on ocean exploration projects on a global scale. Completed OpenROVs become available to participants for individual or community research projects, and are also taken on expeditions around the world by mentors and explorers.



Aquatica Submarines Inc.

• Chief Pilot & Director of Operations

  • Jan 2017 - Sep 2019



ExploreOcean

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Submersible Pilot

  • Feb 2013 - Jan 2014

  Submarine Pilot / Videographer / Educator – Pilot submersibles for filmmaking, science, and education.Write grants and fundraise in support of ocean education and outreach.Produce short (3-5 min) underwater films and stop motion animations. Develop the curriculum, educational multimedia, and teacher resources for NOAA expeditions.Coordinate classroom visits and live video conferencing with students.Upcoming: A web series available for free to students, educators, and the public. "Behind the Scenes: With Erika Bergman" explores the world behind ocean exploration, super cool marine tech, and the lives of ocean explorers and scientists.



OceanGate, Inc.

• United States
• Maritime Transportation
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Submarine Pilot

  • Jun 2010 - Feb 2013

  Maintain and pilot OceanGate's primary submersible Antipodes as well as other deep submergence vehicles as needed. Coordinate and manage engineering projects and teams of 3-8 people in support of submersible operations. Attend and participate in academic and engineering conferences and oceanographic workshops. Reach out to students of all ages through pilot presentations and student activities to encourage participation in the global ocean community. Maintain and pilot OceanGate's primary submersible Antipodes as well as other deep submergence vehicles as needed. Coordinate and manage engineering projects and teams of 3-8 people in support of submersible operations. Attend and participate in academic and engineering conferences and oceanographic workshops. Reach out to students of all ages through pilot presentations and student activities to encourage participation in the global ocean community.



University of Washington, Dr. Paul Quay

• Student Researcher

  • 2008 - 2010

  Operate and troubleshoot the vacuum line for air/sea interface CO2 saturation data.Process samples from atmospheric equilibration to sample prep for NMR.Prep and vacuum sample collection glassware for field work. Operate and troubleshoot the vacuum line for air/sea interface CO2 saturation data.Process samples from atmospheric equilibration to sample prep for NMR.Prep and vacuum sample collection glassware for field work.



Virginia V

• France

• Steamship Fireman

  • 2008 - 2010

  Work directly under the Chief Engineer on the maintenance and operation of a triple expansion reciprocating steam engine. Responsibilities included boiler startup, familiarity with individual burner characteristics and steam production capacities. Monitor boiler water chemistry and adjust chemicals as necessary. Grease and maintain multiple steam pumps throughout engine operation. Start up and maintenance of 32KW and 36KW generators. Monitor and maintain onboard potable and non-potable water systems.



Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority

• United States

• Sailor/ Engineer's Mate

  • 2006 - 2010

  Worked as a sailor on square rigged tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain putting sail theory into practice. Sailors were expected to do daily manual maintenance, climb rigging in any weather to set and furl sails, and teach new sailors the proper techniques for the operation of each set of sails. Played both crew member and leadership roles on both vessels as a sailor as well as worked as engineer's mate on the Lady Washington. This position involved regular operation of the generators, detroit engine, electrical systems, safety equipment maintenance.



Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center

• Swim Instructor

  • 2003 - 2006

  Instructed students levels Infant to Junior Swim Team/Orca level according to Red Cross standards. Instructed students levels Infant to Junior Swim Team/Orca level according to Red Cross standards.