My name is Austin Ivins a graduate student at Elizabeth City State University located in Elizabeth City North Carolina. My studies began in 2014, with the Aviation Science department where my passion for aviation took flight, and my dreams while still large in scale became grounded and realistic.

Air Traffic Control is where my interest first landed, I found the objectives were challenging, and required a special type of person to manage the many responsibilities that air traffic controllers take on every day. Taking on new and ever more challenging tasks has became a part of my daily life. From completing the private pilot training at ECSU, to taking on a six week internship in New London, Connecticut with the United States Coast Guard Academy. I continue to challenge myself and those around me.

In may of 2016 I finished my Bachelors Degree in Aviation Science, with a Minor in Air Traffic Control. My pursuit for higher education continues at Elizabeth City State, with the graduate program focused on mathematics with a concentration in remote sensing.

Beginning in the summer of 2016 I joined the Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research (CERSER) program, directed by Dr. Linda Hayden. The goal of this program is to develop and implement innovative and applicable education and research collaborations. In the short time I've been involved in this program, I have learned a number of skills which will serve me well as I venture out and participate in other research and educational opportunities.

Over the 2016 summer session I completed two remote sensing courses and a graduate level math course. While math had never been my strong suit, relentless ambition and a new found study techniques launched me into a new level of learning and research. My skills in mathematics continue to develop and sharpen.

My plan is to graduate from Elizabeth City State University with a Masters degree in Mathematics and then continue on into a doctorate program.