Kevin Gowan

Following a Lifelong Dream   

In the fourth grade, Kevin Gowan decided he wanted to be an engineer.  Fast forward ten years or so and he is right on track.  Gowan is a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, with a minor in electrical engineering at Washington State University.

What started as a keen interest as a child grew into a devotion to a field where Gowan can not only do what he loves, but help others in the process.  “Many engineers focus on increasing the quality of living for the wealthiest ten percent of the world,” he noted.  “I am not planning on being an engineer for the money, I want to be able to increase the standard of living for those without.” 

Gowan plans on going into renewable energies after graduation, specifically solar and wind power and would like to work with Engineers Without Borders to bring energy sources to areas with little to no access to energy.  In the interim, Gowan is getting hands on experience in and outside the classroom.  This past summer, he interned with Puget Sound Energy’s Hopkins Ridge Wind Facility where he learned the ins and outs of wind turbines. 

In addition to coursework, Gowan is an active member in Solar Splash – a club in which the members constructed a solar powered boat to use in national competitions; Engineers Without Borders and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).  But it is not all work and no play, Gowan relaxes from time to time with a bit of slacklining, a sport similar to tightrope walking – but harder.  When time permits he also likes to hike and has summated both Mount Rainier and Mount Baker.  “I like the outdoors, but even more than that I like the fellowship of other hikers,” he said. 

It may be this mentality that simply sets him apart from the pack.

“Kevin shows great maturity in his ability to interact with, show respect for and express gratitude to people, and that gives him opportunities not always available to other students,” said Dr. Bob Olsen, associate dean for the College of Engineering and Architecture.      

Whatever the reason – his grades, his extra-curricular performance or his personality, Gowan appreciates every minute spent focusing on those aspects of life over paying the bills. 

“These scholarships have made it so I am able to devote time to school and academic pursuits,” he said.  But what is it that keeps a 20-year-old so focused on a singular goal? 

“My dad,” he said.  “He’s really encouraged me to pursue my interests – he’s the greatest source of encouragement I’ve ever had.”