AeroTalk

Join Matt as he meets some members from the UND Aerobatics Team during EAA AirVenture! In this episode, we take a closer look at aerobatics at UND, from the class itself to what it’s like to be part of the team and compete at the national level. And with the team competing in the 2026 National Championship last week, the timing couldn’t be better. You can rewatch their competition on YouTube at ww...

During Oshkosh, Matt sat down with UND alumnus, Samuel Johnson, to explore their career journey after UND. Sam shares how a pivotal internship expanded his horizons, leading him to the cutting-edge world of drone delivery at Amazon Air , to the high-stake floors of Boeing , and now to operational safety at Alaska Airlines .

Meet the ND Space Grant Consortium housed at UND! This week, we are joined by NDSGC Director, Caitlin Milera and STEM Ambassador, Amanda Curatti. In this episode, we learn more about what opportunities Space Grant offers including, research and educational projects, internships, and scholarships. NASA initiated the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, also known as Space Grant, in...

This week, Matt sits down with SAAC President Nawin Bravo and Vice President Evan Danek to discuss the many ways students can get involved on campus. From joining clubs and playing intramurals to volunteering and finding new ways to connect with the campus community, Nawin and Evan share how students can get involved and make the most of their college experience.

This week we're joined by Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, Bryan Smith, to share five practical tips to help you stay on track and make the most of your training. Whether you're just starting flight training or working toward your next certificate, these insights can help you set yourself up for success!

Happy first day of classes! We’re kicking off the semester by sitting down with Dean Kraus. From a 28-year career in the U.S. Air Force to becoming Dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, Dr. Kraus has had quite the journey. In this episode, we talk about his path to UND, experiences in the Air Force and higher education, and advice for students as they begin their own journeys.

This year, the Si Robin Foundation generously sponsored a 5-day trip to the world's largest aviation gathering, EAA AirVenture, for UND students and CFIs! During the week, Matt spoke with Lori Vreeke, the executive director of the Si Robin Foundation, and some of the campers. Camping at EAA AirVenture is a long-time tradition of the airshow, with thousands of individuals setting up tents next to t...

Join us with David Leiting, the Eagles Program Manager at EAA, as he breaks down what it really means to be part of the EAA community. Learn how to get involved with a local chapter, find scholarship opportunities, and take advantage of the many learning and educational opportunities EAA has to offer.

Join us as we talk with UND alumni, Jeff Boerboon and Mike Lents, right after their aerobatics performance in Oshkosh on Monday, July 20th! Alum, Jeff Boerboon, is a captain at Delta Air Lines and four-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion. Jeff has competed in multiple World Aerobatic Championships and performed airshows in aircraft including Jack Link’s Jet Waco, the “Screamin’ Sasquatch” and th...

During EAA AirVenture, Matt met up with UND alumna Tina Druskins, a First Officer at United Airlines. She currently flies the Boeing 757 and 767 but still enjoys the simple pleasures of flying her vintage Cessna 120 . A longtime AirVenture attendee of more than 20 years, Tina shares how general aviation shaped her career and continues to fuel her passion for flight.

During EAA AirVenture, Matt had the chance to talk with Ed Kornfield, an Anchorage-based Trimotor pilot ! Ed gives an inside perspective on this incredible 100 year-old aircraft.

Warren is the owner of the Minot Aero Center, which today provides FBO services, aircraft maintenance, flight training, testing services, and pilot support. He also spent nearly two decades flying for ATA Airlines, serving as captain on the L-1011, Boeing 727, and Boeing 737. As co-founder and Chief Pilot of the Dakota Territory Air Museum, Warren has played a central role in developing one of the...

Hear Kathleen's presentation, Beyond the Pattern, at the EAA WomenVenture Center on Friday, July 24th from 10-11:15am ! Kathleen is a certified flight instructor at the University of North Dakota and member of the 2025 Collegiate Aerobatic Championship Team. During her presentation she'll explore her journey through collegiate aerobatics, flight instruction, and balancing a career in aviation alon...

We’re taking AeroTalk to Oshkosh this year! Stay tuned for multiple episodes this week highlighting our incredible alumni and the unique experiences EAA AirVenture has to bring. In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Roesler who has been volunteering at AirVenture since she was 16 years old.

This week, we chat with two graduate students working on their master’s in Space Studies! Specifically, discussing the Rendezvous & Operations for Autonomous Docking and Servicing (ROADS) satellite mission . UND has established a dedicated satellite operations training facility, including satellites, ground stations, and a mission control center. This initiative gives students real-world exper...

For more than 40 years, UND Aerospace has been a leader in collegiate helicopter flight training. Now, that legacy continues with the Helicopter Operations Degree , newly separated from the Commercial Aviation degree program. In this episode, we discuss what’s new, the flight training and certifications students earn, career pathways, and how to apply. Whether you're exploring a future in helicopt...

Anne Simpson and Karen Ruth have known each other for many years. In this episode, we dive into how their lasting friendship and meaningful mentorship shaped their careers and helped them navigate both the triumphs and trials of life. Anne Simpson was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Anne was hired by Northwest Airlines in 1981 as their third woman pilot. Her 35 year career at Northwest and...

The UND Air Race Classic Team, also known as "The Frozen Force," is comprised of four female pilots from UND. Join us this week as we chat with two members of the 2026 Frozen Force Team before they takeoff for their race on Tuesday, June 23rd! Support the team: https://aero.und.edu/aviation/air-race-classic-team.html Follow the race: https://airraceclassic2026.maprogress.com

Matt Brown’s path to the flight deck began in Sugar Grove, Illinois, where he started private pilot lessons at age 15. At UND, Matt became actively involved in campus life as a member of SAMA and Sigma Chi. As a recipient of the UND AAAB Scholarship in 1998, he's come full circle and is currently serving as President of the UND Aerospace Alumni Advisory Board. Now based in Las Vegas, flying the B7...

Established in 1966, the UND Flying Team competes under the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) at regional and national competitions. The team, made up of students and faculty, competes in numerous ground, simulator, and flying events throughout the year. At the 2026 National SAFECON, the UND Flying Team placed 2nd overall among 25+ universities, while UND pilots secured both the 1...

Today, we welcome Heather Rider, Regional Sales Director for Citation Aircraft at Textron Aviation and a UND alumna. Heather shares her unconventional path to UND and how it led to a successful career in aircraft sales with Mooney, Cessna, Beechcraft, and now Textron Aviation. She describes how her career goals evolved over time, skills that are critical for students interested in aviation sales,...

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Wagener, a UND alum and first-generation pilot who grew up near Eau Claire and now resides in Grand Forks. Today, he serves as a Captain for R.D. Offutt Company, flying the Challenger 350/300 and Citation XLS. Along the way, he earned a wide range of certificates and type ratings, including the CE-525S, CE-560XL, CL-30, and EMB-505. We discuss his path from UN...

On this week’s episode of AeroTalk, we sit down with two United Airlines pilots who also hold management positions within the airline to discuss what it is like balancing responsibilities both in the cockpit and in the corporate side of aviation. They share how their careers developed from their time at UND to flying for a major airline, the experiences that helped them move into leadership roles...

This week on AeroTalk, we sit down with Vanya Voskresensky, Manager of SMS Policy, Promotion, and Oversight at Southwest Airlines, to discuss his role in airline safety management and the responsibilities that come with overseeing Safety Management Systems (SMS) at a major airline. Vanya also shares how his experiences at University of North Dakota helped shape his path into the aviation industry...

This week’s episode features Associate Professor Alan Frazier and Commercial Aviation student Kathleen Thompson as they explore two UND Aerospace study abroad programs focused on the Battle of Britain or D-Day. They discuss the academic structure of these courses, how immersive travel enhances the learning experience, and the historical significance of the sites visited. Having attended the Battle...