Chad is the Lead Technical Training Instructor for the FCA Performance Institute in Minneapolis and is responsible for FCA Dealer Technician training in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Northern Iowa. Chad was a 16-year Chrysler Master Technician and was recruited into technician training in 2004. In 2013, he left FCA to take the […]
Justin Manley is an innovative technologist and executive with experience in startup, public corporation, academic, and public sectors. He has been working with marine technology and robotics since 1990 and is a recognized leader in unmanned systems development and operations. After professional roles at MIT, supporting NOAA and in the private sector he founded Just
Mike Hanson has been an educator since 2004. He is a graduate from Mayville State University where he earned Bachelor’s in Business and Physical Education, along with Minors in Education, Technology and Coaching. Mike went on to earn a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota in 2012. Mike has been a
Andy’s early passion for aviation led him to join the Air National Guard, where he served for six years as an aircraft mechanic on the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. While serving in the Guard, he earned a degree in Aerospace Flight Dispatch and Scheduling from Middle Tennessee State University
Steve Kane started his career in the Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (AMS) maintaining Grumman EA-6B Prowler aircraft. Upon discharge he earned his FAA Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) license and began working in the regional airline industry. Over the course of eight years he worked for four airlines, progressing initially from base maintenance
Sandra Mikolaski, PhD, serves NCAT, along with Manjari Wijenaike, PhD, as external co-evaluators. She has over 25 years with NSF ATE Centers, grants, and programs. She previously served as PI, Co-PI, and Senior Personnel at the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (Bellevue WA), one of the first NSF ATE Centers of Excellence ever funded
Manjari Wijenaike specializes in grant evaluation, development, strategic planning, and research for technician education programs. She has worked with National Science Foundation grants and STEM programs at community colleges and universities across the nation for over two decades. Manjari currently evaluates NSF Projects, NSF ATE Centers, and a Department of Defense Grant.
Before entering higher education, Andrew Dahlen worked as a manufacturing engineer designing automated machinery for the manufacturing of composite window and door components. Andrew also developed and improved processes for the manufacturing of computer hard drive components and medical devices. As an instructor at Northland, Andrew teaches a variety of automation and electronic topics including;
Dr. Estevez is the Director of the School of Public Affairs Research Institute (SOPARI) and professor in the Department of Geography & Planning at St. Cloud State University. His research and experience focuses on survey research in the field of planning and urban economics. Apart from his research and academic endeavors, Dr. Estevez is a
Aaron is a community leader and advocate for unmanned aircraft systems technology. He earned a degree from the University of North Dakota in Airport Management. Aaron has a private pilots license, 107 certificate, and has been involved in sUAS since 2010. He was the co-founder of MAVMeetup, a community group focused on sUAS education, safety,