Acting/Talent Experience:
My insatiable curiosity and engaging personality on camera have won the hearts of local, national, and international audiences. I competed in the Norwegian reality show Alt For Norge, 2013. National Doritos/Xbox One Shark Feeding Frenzy commercial, 2013, Shark expert in the Webisode Series Tanks to the Ocean-Sharks, 2014. I am not just a spokesman or personality; I am a working scientist collaborating on local national & international conservation projects. For more work examples see My Links.
Am I affiliated with unions?:
No
A major event in my life was:
Last year I suddenly lost my older middle sister just before I was to embark on a milestone event. I was returning to Norway to meet my ancestral family. She was a big part of my life and what really sticks with me over all these years was all the travels we shared as a family each summer nationwide. With every adventure we would discover new animal life together under every overturned rock and tidepool. I am driven to this day to continue to explore the world and love wildlife in her memory.
The accomplishment I am most proud of:
I had an emergency midnight call that our young rescued green sea turtle had unfortunately had an accident and drowned. I rushed in hoping it was just a misunderstanding-these turtles are known for impressive breath holding. But it was true. This 2yr old turtle had been pinned underwater too long and had passed. I can be as stubborn as a turtle and I started to thump gently on the turtle's bottom side. Finally with a deep inhalation the life came back into his eyes! Turtle CPR worked! Who knew?
An embarrassing story about me was:
I don't embarrass easily but can often cause others to blush. However this time it was my cheeks that turned red. I was enjoying some weekend water skiing with my sister's family and our Mom. I'm no pro but I was having fun despite a few spills. After zooming by all the river homes it was time to get in the boat. When I turned to towel off-and is important-my MOM cries 'Oh Eric what happened to your suit?' It had split open in back for the world and Mom to see. I was truly EmBareAssed!
My favorite Movie:
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure!
My favorite TV Show:
Well I’m a little biased here so first off let’s rule out Alt For Norge. It may be a tie between Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, because I truly believe I would not be the person I am today without watching them. They are truly heroes to me.
My best Physical Trait is:
I got it from my Dad and a heritage of proud Norwegians. Hands-down; or should I say Handlebar-down, my moustache.
Topics off limit to me at a party are:
I have none, but I can’t say the same for the rest of the party. But it sure is fun finding out!
Do I have tattoos or piercings:
No not yet, but I am open to the adventure.
The weirdest thing about me is:
I have happily unicycled in the arctic keeping an eye out for polar bears, dove to the ocean’s depths where even too much oxygen can kill you just to get a glimpse of a shark, eaten smoked sheep face, sucked the eyeballs from a fresh cod, and savored boiled duck embryo (balut) …but eating onions on my pizza, I don’t think so.
My friends would say my best qualities are:
Ask my friends and they will tell you I am genuine; it is how I embrace life and never tire of adventure – which began with family summer travels through nearly all the states throughout my childhood. I still have the ability to find wonder and joy in the world. There is adventure everywhere!
The personality traits I most like about myself are:
Everything – ever-ready for adventure and willing to share the adventure with those around me. Life is fun when you can get your friends to join in the adventure.
The personality traits I like least about myself are:
I procrastinate...I'll write more later.
Miscellaneous Information:
My dedication to science & discovery has taken me around the globe: Rhino conservation in Kenya, diving the frigid fjords of Norway, reef restoration in the Philippines. With a genuine passion for the ocean, a keen scientific mind, and an energetic style of communication, I bring experiences to life like few can. I am used extensively by media relations as an animal liaison and representative for sharing the challenges & importance of the ocean’s coral reefs and sharks to the fate of the seas