January 14 Interview Steve Faluotico, Alvin Electrician/Pilot Conducted by Alison Sipe, Graduate Student, University of Delaware College of Marine Studies Age:  31 Hometown: Aspen, Colorado; grew up in upstate New York. Favorite musical groups: Enjoys many types of music, especially when diving in Alvin. Hmm ... if he has to pick one favorite, it would be Rush. Favorite movie: Ground Hog Day Hobbies: Running, skiing, mountaineering, cycling, hiking, traveling, and experiencing remote parts and people of the world. General job description: Install and maintain the electrical systems on the submarine. Steve is one of the Alvin pilots. How did you choose your current occupation? Steve earned a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University in Pottsdam, New York.  He loves the outdoors and spent some time as a ski bum in Aspen, Colorado. His older brother wanted Steve to find a "real job" and sent him a job advertisement for the position with the Alvin group.  Steve had no idea what he was getting into when he applied for the job. The application process was long and required perseverance and persistence.  Steve has grown a lot and feels he is very fortunate to have his current occupation. Best aspect of job: Adventure. Many aspects are difficult and challenging, but he feels fortunate to take people to visit the seafloor. Seeing and experiencing some very unique places and people are highlights of his unique occupation. Worst aspect of job: Life at sea is difficult when you have many hobbies that are enjoyed on land.  Running on the ship's treadmill is no comparison to running cross-country in the Rockies.  It is unfortunate that other aspects of life pass by while at sea. How many days/year do you spend at sea? Steve spends about eight months at sea each year. He has been at sea in the Atlantic Ocean (Mid-Atlantic Ridge), and in many vent sites in the Pacific Ocean, such as Juan de Fuca in the Pacific Northwest, 9°N above the equator, and south of the equator in the Southern East Pacific Rise. Steve crossed the equator last year, which is a major event for sea-goers. What's next? After working as an Alvin pilot, Steve would like to take time to enjoy some other adventurous jobs. He would like to spend a season fighting forest fires, travel to remoter areas of the world, and do some climbing, and also would love to work in an ice cream/chocolate factory. Ice cream, particularly chocolate, is one of his various passions.  Of utmost importance is that he has fun.  At some point, Steve would like to have a dog, a golden retriever.  This is probably the only breed that could keep up with Steve's energetic lifestyle.