Faculty & Staff Directory

Division Administration

• Paul Herrick (Division Director)
  

  Paul Herrick

  Director
  peherrick@alaska.edu
  907-786-7211

  Paul has been involved in aviation education for 30 years as a professor and in various administrative positions. He has also been employed as a mechanic, pilot, aircraft designer and in the flight test environment. His career enjoyment stems from the people he meets ranging from students entering the field, to having worked with many true aviation visionaries.

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  Master of Technology; Aeronautical Engineering Technology (Arizona State)

  Bachelor of Science; Industrial Technology, Aeronautics (Utah State)

  FAA Mechanic and Commercial Pilot certificates

• Marcus Brown (Student Success Advisor)
   

  Marcus Brown

  Student Success Advisor
  mbrow197@alaska.edu
  907-786-7250

  Marcus has worked in aviation administration for 9 years, 5 of which were at the UPS Anchorage Flight Training Center.  He is now in his fifth year at UAA.  Marcus has admitted he has a coffee problem, and is currently making efforts to cut back.  His favorite part of being a Student Success Advisor is giving simulator tours and helping students reach their career goals.  

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  Bachelor of Science in English, Private Pilot Certificate

Faculty

Piloting and Aviation Management

• Brian Keller
  

  Brian Keller

  Assistant Professor
  blkeller3@alaska.edu
  907-786-7215

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  Master of Aeronautical Science Degree, Operations and Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  Bachelor of Science Degree, Political Science with Minor in Spanish, U.S. Air Force Academy

  Commercial Pilot Certificate; Multi Engine Fight Instructor

• Jim Mullin
   

  Jim Mullin

  Assistant Professor
  jfmullin@alaska.edu
  907-786-7222

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  Jim has been teaching with UAA since the Fall Semester of 2017. He teaches Introduction to Aviation Technology, Aircraft Accident Investigation, Airport Operations, as well as pilot ground schools.  He serves as a flight instructor teaching primarily instrument and commercial pilot flying.   

   

  Jim proudly serves as the Honorary Commander for Detachment 1, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, here at UAA, supporting the detachment staff and our cadets on their journey to become US Air Force commissioned officers.

   

  Community Service:

  Jim serves as President of the Alaska Search and Rescue Association and on the boards of directors of the Alaska Emergency Management Association and the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group. He is active in search and rescue (SAR) management and field operations in Alaska, working regularly with the Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center on ground and aeronautical search and rescue operations.

   

  
  Education:

  Air Command and Staff College, Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL, 1998

  Master of Public Administration, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 1997

  Bachelor of Science, Government and Politics, University of Maryland, Okinawa, Japan, 1990

   

  Aviation Credentials:
  Commercial Pilot, Single Engine Land and Sea, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)/Instrument (CFII), US Parachute Associate Master Parachutist, Small UAS Commercial Pilot.

   

  Jim is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with nearly 28 years on active duty as an enlisted member and officer in logistics, aircraft maintenance, command and control, and acquisition program management. His highest military award is the Bronze Star for service in Afghanistan.
• Ishmael Cremer
   

  Ishmael Cremer

  Assistant Professor
  iacremer@alaska.edu
  907-786-7216

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   Dr. Ishmael Cremer comes with a diverse background in aviation, science, and aeronautical education.  Ishmael earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Engineering at KAUST, and a PhD in Aviation Sciences at FIT.  Ishmael moved into a faculty position within the College of Aeronautics teaching various courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and online level. During his time at Florida Tech he developed the Aviation Environmental Program and was highly involved with the online and international aviation degrees. His research interests have been in Human Factors, Team-Training in Unmanned Aerial Operations, and Aviation Sustainability. Ishmael moved with his family to Anchorage in 2019. He and his wife enjoy exploring Alaska through flying, hiking, camping, scuba diving, and nature photography.

   

Air Traffic Control

• Sharon LaRue
  

  Sharon LaRue

  Associate Professor
  sllarue@alaska.edu
  907-786-7218

  10 years as en-route air traffic controller, including oceanic and domestic control. Co-author of the textbook, "A Career in Air Traffic Control".

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  Master of Adult Education

• Michael Moravec
  

  Michael Moravec

  Assistant Professor
  mjmoravec@alaska.edu
  (907) 786-7217

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  M.S. Education Administration, University of Nebraska-Omaha

  B.S. Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  Retired Air Traffic Control Specialist, Federal Aviation Administration

  Anchorage ARTCC, Kansas City ARTCC

  Subject Matter Expert, Lead Instructor for Scientific Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

Aviation Maintenance Technology

• David Helmso
  

  David Helmso

  Assistant Professor
  djhelmso@alaska.edu
  907-786-7223

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  Bachelor of Science, Business Administration / Management

  Associate of Applied Science, Aviation Maintenance Technology

  FAA Private Pilot, Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic certificates

  Air Surveillance / Weapons Control Officer, E-3 Sentry [AWACS] Aircrew, USAF [Retired]

  Docent, Pilot, A&P Mechanic, and Project Volunteer, Alaska Aviation Museum

  Founding Member, A&P Mechanic, and Project Volunteer, Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum

  Member, A&P Mechanic, and Project Volunteer, Commemorative Air Force

  Member, Alaska Airmen Association

   

• Lou Nagy
  

  Lou Nagy

  Professor
  lnagy@alaska.edu
  907-786-7214

  Professor Nagy’s aviation experience covers a wide variety of aircraft flown in Alaska. His specialty areas are business class aircraft and avionics. Professor Nagy has taught a wide range of aviation courses and currently focuses on turbine powered aircraft and electronic/electrical systems.

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  AAS Aviation Maintenance Technology, AAS Electronics Technology, BS Technology, MS Vocational Education

  FAA Mechanic with Airframe & Powerplant, Inspection Authorization, Private Pilot certificates

  FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner

  FCC Radio Telephone license with RADAR endorsement

• Wade Weiss
  

  Wade Weiss

  Assistant Professor
  wweiss6@alaska.edu
  907-786-7209

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  Master of Aeronautical Science – Aviation Aerospace Safety Systems, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  Bachelor of Science – Mechanical Design Technology, Oklahoma State University

  Airframe and Powerplant Certificate – Aviation Maintenance Technology, University of Alaska Anchorage

   

•  Levi Hohl
   

  Levi Hohl

  Assistant Professor
  lmhohl@alaska.edu
  907-786-7208

  Levi began his aviation maintenance career at a young age out of necessity as a fishing guide in western Alaska. As a graduate of the UAA Aviation Maintenance program, he is thrilled to be back teaching where he was licensed and learned the craft. Levi enjoys flying, fly fishing and all of the incredible places all over Alaska that these pursuits take him.

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  AAS Aviation Maintenance Technology, BS Technology

  FAA Mechanic with Airframe & Powerplant, Inspection Authorization & Private Pilot certificates

  U.S.C.G. Merchant Mariner Captains License

• Scott Wasmer 
   

   

  Scott Wasmer

  Assistant Professor
  sawasmer@alaska.edu
  907-786-7213

  Scott began his career as an aviation maintainer with the US Navy in 1984, where he served as an avionics technician, maintenance controller, and maintenance supervisor.  Since leaving the Navy, he has worked in Part 91, 135 and 145 aviation operations, and has served in management roles at both Part 135 and Part 121 airlines, as well as Part 145 repair stations.  He has also owned his own Alaskan business specializing in mobile aircraft electrical and avionics maintenance.  

  Scott is an avid adventurer and a skilled communicator.  In his spare time, he enjoys tying flies, writing stories, and venturing into the Alaskan outdoors.

Support Staff

Aviation Maintenance Technology

• Michael Chamberlain
  

  Michael Chamberlain

  Lead Lab Technician
  mrchamberlain@alaska.edu
  907-786-7242

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  FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificates, Inspection Authorization

  NDI qualifications: Magnetic Particle, Dye Penetrant & Eddy Current Inspection

  Adjunct Professor & tutor for maintenance students

  Student Pilot

  State of Alaska Registered Hunting Guide & 25 Ton Masters license for inland waters
   

• Connor Paulson
  

  Connor Paulson

  Lab/Support Technician
  ccpaulson@alaska.edu
  907-786-7213

  Connor started his career in aviation maintenance in 2011 and acquired his A&P certificate in 2013.  Currently he is employed by the University of Alaska, Aviation Maintenance Technology and works part time as an NDT inspector for Alaskan Aircraft Engines.  Connor is also taking classes through UAA Auto Diesel Technology and plans to acquire a Diesel mechanic certificate.

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  FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificates, Level 2 NDT Inspector
   

Flight Operations

• Greg Stoddard
  

  Greg Stoddard

  Chief Flight Instructor
  gestoddard@alaska.edu
  907-786-7231

  Greg took private pilot ground school at UAA and received his pilot certificate in 1984.  He been flight instructing for almost thirty years. He currently has nearly 7,000 flight hours, mostly in Alaska. He has flown the 'bush' and has instructed many pilots over the years for various certificates, ratings and endorsements, including float, ski and tail wheel operations and authorizations.

  He has been teaching at UAA since 2001 and became Chief Flight Instructor for our FAA part 141 flight school in 2003. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and Flight Instructor Certificate with Multi-engine and Instrument Airplane Ratings. He is also a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), operating through the Anchorage area FSDO.

  The Professional Piloting program focuses on producing instrument-rated commercial pilots and flight instructors in single and multi-engine airplanes. The vast majority of Greg's flying is done in support of this effort.

  Greg owns a Cessna 150 and enjoys flying to off-airport areas when the weather permits and the fish are calling. He has been a ‘Ham Radio’ operator since the age of 9. He also plays several musical instruments and has written many songs. Whether flying or playing instruments, Greg enjoys rising to the challenges they bring.

   

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  Airline Transport Pilot: Airplane multiengine land

  Commercial privileges airplane single engine land & sea

  Flight Instructor: Airplane single and multiengine; instrument airplane

  Ground Instructor: Advanced, Instrument

  FAA Designated Pilot Examiner: All pilot and instructor certificates/ratings except ATP
   

• Paul Deits
  

  Paul Deits

  Asst. Chief Flight Instructor
  pdeits@alaska.edu
  907-786-7236

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  Airline Transport Pilot

  Certified Flight Instructor

  Ground Instructor

  Flight Engineer
   

• Derk MacPherson
   

  Derk MacPherson

  Flight Operations Scheduling Officer 
  damacpherson@alaska.edu
  907-786-7251

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  Derk is a long time aviation enthusiast who started his flight training in 1987 in San Diego, CA before enlisting in the US Air Force. After retiring from the USAF he enrolled in the UAA Piloting Program and earned his Private Pilot certificate in 2013.  He has worked as the Flight Operations Scheduling Officer for the UAA Professional Piloting program since 2019 , while also attending UAA to finish his degree in Aviation Technology (Piloting Emphasis). Derk also volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol as the Alaska Wing Director of Operations, helping with Search and Rescue missions, Aerospace Education, and the Cadet Program.

• Chip Kell
  

  Chip Kell

  Asst. Director of Aircraft Maintenance
  tgkell@alaska.edu
  907-786-7200

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  Chip is a lifelong aviation enthusiast, who began his aviation career at the young age of 14 as a ramper in Eloy, AZ.  He went on to solo on his 16th birthday, and later flew professionally for Everts Air Cargo, Air Tahoma, Renown Aviation and Turf Soaring School.  Chip is a licensed Airframe & Powerplant mechanic with an FAA Inspection Authorization, and has worked in aircraft maintenance at United Airlines, as well as multiple flight schools and flight charter companies.  

   

  Chip's first priority as an aircraft maintainer is safety, and his favorite part of his job at UAA is helping students learn, grow, and overcome the challenges of becoming a pilot.  

  
   

• Scott Sebastian
   

  Scott Sebastian

  Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician
  907-786-7225

  Scott is an FAA Airframe and Powerplant rated mechanic and holds an FAA Inspection Authorization. He has worked with numerous types of general aviation aircraft. Scott has worked in Part 135 operations up to and including the job of Director of Maintenance. He currently works with Cessna 172, Piper PA-30/39, Diamond DA-20 C1, and Tecnam P2006T airframes.Associate of Applied

• Rania A. Rollin
  

  Rania A. Rollin

  Technician
  rarollin@alaska.edu

  Rania has worked with both general aviation and commercial aviation aircraft. She has worked in with Embraer 140 series and 170 series aircraft doing heavy maintenance, repair, and overhaul. She currently works with Cessna 172, Piper PA-30/39, Diamond DA-20 C1, and Tecnam P2006T airframes.

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  Associate of Applied Science in Aircraft Maintenance, Texas State Technical College-West Texas.

  FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate.

Simulations Unit (ATC & Flight)

• Bryan Coffey
  

  Bryan Coffey

  ATC Instructional Support
  bkcoffey@alaska.edu
  907-786-7232

  Bryan has always had a passion for aviation and enjoys his work in the Aviation Technology Division.  After spending 10 years in Alaska he calls it his other home, his first home being New Zealand where he was raised.  When not working for the University he enjoys travelling the world.
   

• Michael Workman
  

  Michael Workman

  Simulation/IT Engineer
  mcworkman@alaska.edu
  907-786-7228

  Mike began his career as an aviation maintenance technician for 13 years prior to coming to UAA.  He was hired by UAA in 2003 to oversee and maintain the Aviation Technology Division's simulation and IT operations.  He was part of the ADS-B Capstone team for 5 years, heading up handheld cockpit device and iridium research.  In that role, he also served as the designated ADS-B maintenance trainer for FAA and industry participants involved in the capstone program.  Mike also supports the Flight Operations Maintenance team in a variety of capacities.   

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  Colorado Aero Tech, UAA and specialized training with Honeywell, Frasca, UFA, Garmin, Rockwell Collins, General Dynamics, Chelton, Bendix King, Microsoft, Cisco, and Hewlett Packard.

  FAA Airframe & Powerplant, Private Pilot and FCC certificates.