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 www.youtube.com/@EAAIAC.

Team members present: Dillon Johnson, Elisabeth Nelson, Zachary Paluch, Allison Sutherland, and Kathleen Thompson.

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 1989. Space Grant is a national network of colleges and universities. These institutions work to expand opportunities for Americans to understand and participate in NASA's aeronautics and space projects by supporting and enhancing science and engineering education, research, and public outreach efforts.

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 their aircraft. This was the first year that UND Aerospace had a designated campsite, called Robin's Nest!

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 the YAK-110.

Mike Lents is as an Associate Professor of Aviation at UND specializing in Aerodynamics, Aircraft Systems, Human Factors and Aerobatics. He is an IAC National Champion and Master-CFI of Aerobatics. Lents has coached the UND Aerobatic Team to 12 National Collegiate Championships, including the most recent victory in 2025.

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.