A. Michael Shekari

I deeply treasure the variety in what I do. Most days I teach emerging Unmanned Vehicle System (UVS) professionals in my primary role at Gulf Coast State College. However, I thrive on the thrill of using traditional aircraft and unmanned systems to assist during emergencies, discovering new insights with geospatial data, building resilience in organizations and communities through system-level risk management and contingency planning, and of course, maintaining the fixed-wing general aviation fleet.

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Over the past decade, my professional career has allowed me to work directly for, or in partnership, with higher education, law enforcement, fire-rescue, emergency management, airline, defense manufacturing, and flight training organizations. This background has helped me understand that there is no true "one size fits all" solution, and center my focus on the customers and stakeholders that I serve.

 

My academic qualifications include a Master's in Occupational Safety Management, a Bachelor's in Homeland Security, and an Associate's in Aviation Maintenance Science. Additionally, I am an FAA-certificated airman (Remote Pilot, A&P Mechanic, and Private Pilot ASEL), Florida Professional Emergency Manager, and Graduate Safety Practitioner.  ​

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