Dylan Goings
Future City 1996
MYA Middle School
Ann Arbor, Michigan

EDUCATION:  B.Sci., physics, Carnegie Mellon University

CURRENTLY:  Chief Information Officer, Yogapro, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Responsible for all computers systems, programs, and data for rapid-growth eCommerce company.

After returning in Spring 2007 from serving in the Peace Corps in Namibia, through a small fortunate series of events I took a job as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at an eCommerce company in Ann Arbor, Michigan (my hometown). The company, Yogapro (www.yogapro.com) develops and sells innovative health, fitness, and beauty products.  It is in the stages of rapid growth, and as CIO I am responsible for maintaining all of the computer systems, programs, and data that drive our company, as well as planning for future expansion. We are currently completing the project of building a brand new network infrastructure at our new warehouse and office building in town.  My recent tasks have including building and configuring several servers and network components, setting up new website analytics and inventory management programs, and leading the development of a new website and customer database.  I also occasionally lend input to other areas of the company, such as the design of our print ads (which can be seen in magazines such as Self, Vogue, InStyle, and Rolling Stone).  It's an incredibly exciting job for me, combining my enthusiasm for all things technological along with a heavy dose of problem solving in the planning, configuration, and troubleshooting of so many different computer systems.

In 2006-07, I served in the Peace Corps in the African nation of Namibia.  As an education volunteer, I taught math, sciences, and computer skills for students in grades 8 to 10.  It was incredibly challenging.  For example, the students at my school were, on average, about five grade levels behind in their understanding of math and science (I had grade 10 students who struggled with multiplying simple numbers).  But at the same time there was so much opportunity for improvement.  I think my biggest achievement was in coaching a small group of students to do simple science fair projects which they eventually presented at the country’s national science fair.  My school had never had a science fair – or even heard of a science fair – and for these students it was an amazing opportunity that I hope really opened their eyes to the possibilities of furthering their education in math and science.

In the near future, I will pursue a graduate degree in mechanical engineering, with the goal of working on sustainable, environmentally friendly engineering projects.  I am especially interested in alternative fuels and energy sources and their applications in developing nations, as well as the automotive industry.  Working as a volunteer in Namibia really opened my eyes to the need and benefits of such technology.  I can remember our winning the 1996 Future City Competition and how we tried to place emphasis on recycling and renewable solar energy, but at that time I had no concept of just how vital and imperative these technologies are.

I'm still committed to furthering my education in the near future, but for now I'm happy to follow this little detour into the professional world.  If there's one thing that I took away from my service in the Peace Corps, it's that we are fortunate for every opportunity we get to do something amazing and influential, especially while we are young.  Plus I need to save up for that Hydrogen-electric hybrid car that's just over the horizon.

It is wonderful to hear that the Future City program is still going strong.  More than ever, I believe competitions and programs such as this are an essential and invaluable addition to our educational system, and I’m so glad to hear that you’re doing more to promote this spirit.  I cannot stress enough how special an event like the Future City Competition is, and how lucky the participants are, and I’d like to wish them all good luck.