Aeronautical Science Scholars

Dennis Abramov
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ivanova
Expected Graduation: May 2009

One day you might find yourself sitting next to me in a helicopter about to knock some pine cones off trees. I’m an Aerospace Studies Major at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with minors in Business, Safety and Helicopter Flight. My journey here, to this stage of my life, has been nothing short of an adventure. I was so fortunate that my parents were able to bring me to America; and even more fortunate that I came here at the age of ten. I was young enough to adjust to society and yet I was old enough to have a worldly view on life. Education and opportunity are the reasons that my parent brought me here, and now that I was given this opportunity I will make the most of it and I will continue to pursue education, knowledge, and adventure.

Stephanie Rodder
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dickey
Expected Graduation: May 2009

I have always looked for something to challenge me. After high school I joined the United States Navy and served as a Naval Aircrewman. I have always wanted to be a pilot. After an Honorable Discharge from the Navy I decided to make the transition from the back of the aircraft up to the front and decided to go back to school. The only choice for me was ERAU. I am an Aeronautical Science major and am working on my pilot certificates. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made and am extremely happy to be here. My area of research will be in Aviation Environmental Science and I hope to do a research project that will help develop better aviation practices to protect the environment, the development of "Green" airports and aviation facilities, and hopefully teach others about how aviation potentially impacts the environment.

Fernando Ramirez Fernando Prieto Ramirez
Mentor: Dr. Parsons
Expected Graduation Date: May 2010

I was born and raised in Zacatecas Mexico then moved to the United States at the age of 10 and resided in Lakewood, Calif. My passion for Aviation led me to Embry-Riddle. I attended my first year at the Daytona Beach campus, and then later transferred to Prescott where I was recruited by the McNair Scholars Program. I currently hold a commercial multi and single engine land flight rating, and am training to become a flight instructor. I plan to enter the Masters Program in Aviation Safety Science then the ERAU PhD in Aviation. I love what I do and am grateful to all the people that have helped me get there. Thanks to McNair I am on my path to becoming the best at what I chose to do with my life.

Soroush Entezari
Mentor: Dr. Lawrence
Expected Graduation Date: December 2009

My name is Soroush Entezari and I am from Afghanistan. I have been in the United Sates for 10 years. I started school in the US from 7th grade and without knowing any English at all. Now I attend ERAU graduating with an Aeronautical Science degree this December. Ever since I was a kid, I loved flying and finally my dream became true when I started attending ERAU. Currently I am working on my commercial certification after that hopefully I will start my CFI. My goal is to become an International airline pilot and enjoy traveling.

We'd like to tell you more about the McNair Scholarship Program here at Embry-Riddle. Call Olga Diaz at (928) 777-6935 or e-mail her to request more information or an application. Or, use our convenient online inquiry form.