Currently a senior Professor at Kansas State University Aerospace and Technology Campus focused on sponsored projects, graduate program development, entrepreneurship, and aviation business consulting.Most Recently I was the Associate Dean of Research and Outreach at Kansas State University Polytechnic, or as we say, K-State Salina. Responsibilities include executive oversight of 2 research centers, research development and process management, advising on proposals and budgets, and helping connect researchers with funding opportunities and related research projects.Previously, I was the Executive Director of the Applied Research Center where I developed what is now the leading collegiate unmanned aircraft applied research and educational program in the U.S. In conjunction with that I was also Professor and Head of the Department of Aviation, a role in which I helped make K-State's aviation program one of the finest in the USAMy enthusiasm for aviation stems from being born on a US military installation in Germany to a mother who loved planes. I took my first flight with my parents at just two weeks old and have been flying since that time.My aviation achievements encompass Cessna Citation Co-pilot training, King Air B200 PIC training, and since 1990, a Certified Flight Instructor certificate, as well as glider and seaplane pilot certificates. In addition, I hold an aircraft mechanic rating and have completed the FAA's accident investigation course.My academic qualifications include a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University, a Master's in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology from Purdue University.I have been honored to receive the University Aviation Association's Sorenson Award for Scholarship Contributions to Aviation, multiple Master Instructor Awards from the National Association of Flight Instructors, Indiana State's Fred Swalls Award in Educational Administration and Leland D Melvin Award in Education. For my sins, I was also named by Ingram's magazine as one of the '50 Kansans you should know.'