Talon Talks

Alain Aguayo (’11, ’16) came to Embry-Riddle in 2006 from the Dominican Republic, itching to be a commercial pilot. He came back for a second bachelor’s degree in Aerospace & Occupational Safety, but not before learning to fly upside-down and becoming an aerobatics enthusiast. He won his first competition and the thrill of aerobatics gripped him ever since. We talked about how to get involved in aerobatics, his seemingly contradictory passion for safety, and even a little bit of Mario Kart.

Alain Aguayo (’11, ’16) came to Embry-Riddle in 2006 from the Dominican Republic, itching to be a commercial pilot. He came back for a second bachelor’s degree in Aerospace & Occupational Safety, but not before learning to fly upside-down and becoming an aerobatics enthusiast. He won his first competition and the thrill of aerobatics gripped him ever since. We talked about how to get involved in aerobatics, his seemingly contradictory passion for safety, and even a little bit of Mario Kart.

Michelle Lucas ('00) is the founder and president of Higher Orbits, a nonprofit that promotes STEM education and student success, and co-founder of UniPhi, a management agency that creates public opportunities for retired astronauts to share their experiences with others. She was honored with the Eagle Entrepreneur Award in 2019.

Michelle Lucas ('00) is the founder and president of Higher Orbits, a nonprofit that promotes STEM education and student success, and co-founder of UniPhi, a management agency that creates public opportunities for retired astronauts to share their experiences with others. She was honored with the Eagle Entrepreneur Award in 2019.

Dennis Jones (’80) retired earlier this year from his post as Managing Director at the National Transportation Safety Board, where he investigated some 1,300 aircraft accidents over his 4-decade career. He studied aviation maintenance, avionics and aviation technology at Embry-Riddle, and was one of the founding members of Brothers of the Wind, our first club for African-American students.

Dennis Jones (’80) retired earlier this year from his post as Managing Director at the National Transportation Safety Board, where he investigated some 1,300 aircraft accidents over his 4-decade career. He studied aviation maintenance, avionics and aviation technology at Embry-Riddle, and was one of the founding members of Brothers of the Wind, our first club for African-American students.

After a week off the boys of WIKD Scores are back with special guest and sports nonsense.

Ed Onwe (’12) started his career hands-on in aviation maintenance and worked his way up to Vice President and General Manager of VT San Antonio Aerospace, the world’s largest aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul organization. We spoke about balancing home and work, getting an education while raising a family, the status of the aircraft mechanic shortage, and how he satisfies his need for hands-on projects now that he’s a high-level executive.

Ed Onwe (’12) started his career hands-on in aviation maintenance and worked his way up to Vice President and General Manager of VT San Antonio Aerospace, the world’s largest aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul organization. We spoke about balancing home and work, getting an education while raising a family, the status of the aircraft mechanic shortage, and how he satisfies his need for hands-on projects now that he’s a high-level executive.

As founder and CEO of the private equity firm Muir & Associates, Douglas Muir has built several multi-million dollar companies from the ground up. He has also hosted a radio show, and taught entrepreneurship at University of Virginia.

We talked with Douglas about key factors in starting a business, how to reduce employee turnover, and how he kept his firm afloat during the Great Recession.