Topic: Aviation/Air Safety/Aerospace

Jeff Forrest, Ph.D., is the chair of the Aviation and Aerospace Science Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

He has been involved with designing and managing applied and basic research projects within the domains of aviation, aerospace, and Earth science for over 30 years. Forrest has served as a co-PI in several State of Colorado and NASA aerospace related grants. He established the Academy of STEM, Undergraduate Research program, the Aerospace Systems Engineering Technology program and leading the development and educational programming for unmanned aeronautical systems (UAV/UAS) at MSU Denver. Forrest also serves on the board of directors of the Colorado Division of Aeronautics.

He has co-authored several published books, including “Practical Airport Operations, Safety and Emergency Management” and “Practical Aviation Security.”

Forrest received his doctorate in computer and information science from NOVA Southern University, a master’s in space systems integration management from Webster University, a master’s in aviation management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a bachelor’s in professional pilot from MSU Denver and a bachelor’s in geography and earth science from University of North Carolina. He holds numerous FAA pilot certifications and ratings, including serving as pilot in command of jet, glider and seaplane flight operations.

Tanya Bulleigh is an affiliate professor in the Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Tyler Bachelder, M.S., is an associate professor in the Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science at Metropolitan State University. He specializes in technologically advanced aircraft, flight training, simulator and ground school instruction.

Bachelder worked as an affiliate instructor and production technical specialist at Jeppesen Sanderson in Englewood, Colorado from 2011-2016. As a production technical specialist, Bachelder worked in the Approach and Airport Charting Group where he managed the completion and delivery of time sensitive aeronautical data for airports around the globe, developed product specifications, and solved product and workflow problems. At MSU Denver, Bachelder works primarily as a technical faculty member, teaching ground school classes for students working towards a variety of certificates, ratings and flight simulator classes held in the World Indoor Airport lab. Recently, he has been focused on developing engaging and interactive online content to suit the learning styles of millennial and Gen Z students. Additionally, he is an active flight instructor with Aspen Flying Club at Centennial Airport.

He volunteers with Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles Rallies and Craig Flight flying events. He introduces future MSU Denver students (ages 8-17) to aviation with flights around Denver, and patients at Craig Hospital a similar introductory flight and exposure to all facets of aviation.

Bachelder received his master’s of science in aviation and a bachelor’s in flight education and commercial aviation from University of North Dakota. He is a FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) on aircraft with single engine and multi-engines and flight instruments, and a certified FAA advanced and instrument ground instructor.