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Aviation and Aerospace Science Department Faculty
Jeffrey Forrest, Ph.D.
Professor and Department Chair
[email protected]
303-615-1194
- Ph.D. – NSU Florida | Computer & Information Science
- M.A. – Webster University | Space Systems Integration Management
- M.A.S. – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Aviation Management
- B.S. – Metropolitan State University of Denver | Professional Pilot
- B.A. – University of North Carolina | Geography & Earth Science
- Graduate Certificate – NSU Florida | National Security Affairs & International Relations
- Commercial SEL, SES, MEL, HS-125, CL-600, Glider, IA, AGI-IGI
Specializes in: Aerospace systems management, research methods, aviation and aerospace information policy, information science and human-computer interaction.
Professor Chad Kendall, M.B.A.
Professor and Associate Chair (AAM & ASC)
FAA 141 Chief Instructor, TSA Provider Agent, General Aviation & Flight Training Advisor, and Airline & Corporate Pilot Careers
[email protected]
303-605-7224
- M.B.A. – Jacksonville University
- B.S. – Jacksonville University | Aviation Management and Flight Operations
- ATP, CFI-IA, AGI-IGI, SIC Type: CL-65, EMB-145
Specializes in: FAA flight/ground training, advanced systems, jet transition training, aviation curriculum, and psychophysiology.
Associate Chair Michael Botyarov, Ph.D.
Aerospace Operations, Aerospace Systems Design, and Aerospace Project Analysis
- Ph.D. – Colorado State University | Systems Engineering
- M.B.A. – CU Denver
- M.S. – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Systems Engineering
- B.S. – MSU Denver | Aerospace Systems Engineering Technology
Specializes in: Artificial intelligence, project management, and systems engineering as applicable to aerospace operations.
Professor Tyler Bachelder, M.S.
General Aviation & Flight Training Advisor
[email protected]
303-615-1218
- B.S. – University of North Dakota | Aeronautics
- M.S. – University of North Dakota | Aviation
- Commercial SEL, MEL, CFI, CFI-I, MEI
Specializes in: Technologically advanced aircraft, flight training, simulator and ground school instruction.
Professor Derren Duburguet, M.A.
Senior Flight Capstone Instructor & Ground School Mentor
[email protected]
303-615-1205
- M.A. – San Diego State University – Physical Geography
- B.A. – San Diego State University – Physical Geography
- A.S. – Mesa College – Aviation
- ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, IGI, AGI. Typed: Q-400, SAAB-340, Embraer 135, 140, 145
Specializes in: Regional airline operations & flight standards, flight training, aircraft performance, weather, remote sensing, computer systems engineering and career planning.
Professor George King, M.S.
[email protected]
303-615-1207
- M.S. – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Engineering Systems Analysis
- B.S. – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Engineering Systems Analysis
- CFI-I, Commercial SEL, MEL, AGI, IGI
Specializes in: Aerodynamics, Aviation Weather and Flight Instruction.
Professor Kevin R. Kuhlmann, M.A.S.
FAA AT-CTI (ATC) Program Mentor & Airline Pathway Program Mentor
[email protected]
303-615-1196
- M.A.S. – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Aviation Technology
- B.S. – Southern Illinois University | Aviation Technology
- ATP, CFI, CFI-I, Commercial, MEI, AGI-IGI, SIC – BE-1900D
Specializes in: FAA ATC training and certification, airline operations, airline flight standards, safety and human factors, military flight operations and regional airlines.
Professor Jeffrey Price, M.Ed.
AAAE & Student Leadership Mentor
[email protected]
303-615-1210
- M.Ed. – Colorado Christian University – Instructional Design
- B.S. – Metropolitan State University of Denver – Professional Pilot
- Commercial SEL, IA
Specializes in: Aviation security, airport and aviation management, aviation job targeting and aviation career counseling.
Assistant Professor Michael Gref, M.S.
General Aviation & Flight Training Advisor, Corporate Pilot Careers
303-605-5510
- B.S. – Walla Walla University | Aviation Management
- M.S. – Purdue University | Aviation and Aerospace Management
- ATP-MEL Commercial SEL, CFI, CFII, MEI, IGI, Glider Sport Endorsement. Typed: BE-300
Specializes in: Flight/ground training, aviation weather, advanced aircraft systems, crew resource management, and aviation curriculum.
Assistant Professor Lena Heffern, Ph.D.
- Ph.D. – Arizona State University | Exploration Systems Design
- M.S. – University of New Mexico | Nuclear Engineering
- B.S. – California State University Chico | Physics, Mechanical Engineering
Specializes in: Systems engineering and mission design, planetary remote sensing, radiation environments and space weather, payload/instrument development, space resources, small-sat development, nuclear non-proliferation, and space policy.
Assistant Professor Annmarie Heth, M.S.
Aviation Management Program Lead
615-556-7556
- M.S. – Middle Tennessee State University | Aviation Management
- B.A. – The Ohio State University | Communications
- Certified Member (C.M.) AAAE
Specializes in: Aviation security, airport and aviation management, aviation safety, airline planning, online course development, and student aviation career counseling.
Assistant Professor Casey Phinney, M.A.Ed., M.A.
Unmanned Aerial Systems, General Aviation
303-615-1703
- M.A.Ed. – Western Colorado University
- M.A. – Western Colorado University
- B.A. – Western State College
- Commercial Rotorcraft Helicopter, Commercial Remote Pilot, CFII, BGI
Specializes in: Unmanned aerial systems and general aviation flight/ground training.
Senior Lecturer Laura Braunschmidt, B.S.
General Aviation & Flight Training Advisor
[email protected]
303-605-7223
- B.S. – Utah Valley University | Aviation Science, Professional Flight Officer
- A.S. – Arapahoe Community College
- ATP, SEL, MEL, IA, AGI-IGI, PIC Type: CL-65
Specializes in: Flight training, simulator and ground school instruction.
Lecturer Dagmar Kress, M.B.A.
Faculty Coach: Aerobatics and Glider Team
303-605-5123
- M.B.A. – University of New Mexico
- MÉcole Hôtelière de Genève – Geneva, Switzerland, Diplôme
- ATP, CFI-IA, MEI
Specializes in: competitive flight operations and training – IAC and NIFA coach, general aviation flight training, airshow demonstrations.
Senior Lecturer Randy Owen, M.S., M.Eng.
Astronautical/Electrical Engineering and Space Operations Advisor
[email protected]
303-615-1220
- M.S. – Air Force Institute of Technology | Electrical Engineering
- M.Eng. – University of Colorado Boulder | Engineering Management
- B.S. – Cornell University | Electrical Engineering
Specializes in: Electrical engineering, space science, spacecraft dynamics, space remote sensing, spacecraft engineering and operations.
Lecturer Dagmar Kress, M.B.A.
Faculty Coach: Aerobatics and Glider Team
303-605-5123
- M.B.A. – University of New Mexico
- MÉcole Hôtelière de Genève | Geneva, Switzerland, Diplôme
- ATP, CFI-IA, MEI
Specializes in: Competitive flight operations and training – IAC and NIFA coach, general aviation flight training, airshow demonstrations.
Lecturer George Nolly, D.B.A.
General Aviation & Flight Training Advisor
[email protected]
303-605-5126
- D.B.A. Business Administration, Northcentral University
- M.S. – Systems Management – University of Southern California
- B.S. – Electrical Engineering – United States Air Force Academy
- ATP Certificate: B-727, B-737, B-777, B-787, Learjet, CE-680, BGI, AGI, IGI
Specializes in: Simulator instruction, Aviation Weather and ground school instruction.
Lecturer Marlene Price, M.B.A.
Aerospace Industry Business Development
[email protected]
303-605-8750
- B.A. – University of Colorado Boulder | Chemistry/Biochemistry
- M.B.A. – University of Phoenix, Southern California | Technology Management
Specializes in: Aerospace (Aviation and Aerospace) Industry, including but not limited to Manufacturing, Assembly, Materials, and Processing Technology Research & Development.
Lecturer Dan Sprinkle, M.B.A.
AAAE Student Chapter Advisor
303-330-5474
- M.B.A. – Regis University | Project Management
- B.S. – Southern Illinois University | Aviation Management
- Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), ACE Operations, ACE Security, NIMS: 100, 200, 300, 400 & 700
Specializes in: Airport planning, airport and aviation management, AAAE Certified Member preparation, air cargo, general and business aviation, student internships and development, and aviation career counseling.
Front Office Staff
Kiha Sutta, M.S.S.B.
Associate Director of Community Engagement and Administration
[email protected]
303-250-4241
- Master of Science in Sports Business (M.S.S.B) – University of Northern Colorado | Strategic Partnerships, Operations, and Leadership
Specializes in: Community and industry engagement, strategic planning and organizational leadership, department operations and administration, workforce and career pathway development, partnership development, and student engagement.
Thomas Shriver, B.S.
Student Retention & Academic Program Analyst
[email protected]
303-605-7216
- B.S. – MSU Denver | Aviation & Aerospace Science
- CFI-A, Commercial SEL, IA, IGI, FAA Part 107
Specializes in: Advanced Advising, Student Outreach & Retention, Departmental/University Data Analytics, General Aviation Flight Training.
Sierra Lucero
Assistant Office Manager and Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]
720-490-9100
Specializes in: Administration, Course Scheduling, Office Finances, Front Office Student Employee Management.
Aeronautics and Aerospace Systems Laboratories (AASL) Staff
Joshua Carrier
Technical Operations Manager
303-605-7217
Specializes in: Aircraft and ATC Simulation Systems Support, Laboratory Maintenance and Logistics, and Computer/Network Technology Management.
Wes Phillips
Technical Systems Administrator
303-615-0991
Specializes in: Technical Systems Support, Laboratory Maintenance and Logistics, and Computer/Network Technology Management.
Questions? Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in the Aviation and Aerospace Science Department at MSU Denver.
Prospective students, parents, alumni, and industry partners are welcome to submit inquiries to the departmental email (located on the right side of this section).
Campus Address:
Aviation and Aerospace Science Department
Metropolitan State University of Denver
1250 7th Street – Seventh Street Classroom
Campus Box 30
PO Box 173362
Denver, Colorado 80204