Discussion focuses on importance of science, technology, engineering and math education
Series supports the goals of Qatar's National Vision 2030
DOHA, Qatar: While his career has been literally up in the clouds, Boeing [NYSE: BA] Test & Evaluation Chief Pilot for F/A-18 Programs Ricardo Traven said the root of working in the aerospace field starts firmly on the ground - in the classroom.
During a discussion with cadets on Sept. 20 at the Qatar Leadership Academy in Al Khor, Traven shared stories from his decades flying military aircraft, stressing the importance of science, technology, engineering and math education, and the roles those disciplines can have on achieving a career in the aerospace industry.
"We have an obligation to encourage the next generation of aerospace leaders to pursue their higher-education goals and to follow their career dreams," Traven said. "There are real opportunities throughout the aerospace industry within their reach. It is clear to me that their fascination with math, science and aviation has been sparked, and this was a fantastic opportunity to help fuel that interest."
Traven's visit was part of a Boeing Lecture Series launched in January 2011 to support the educational goals of Qatar's National Vision 2030 for human development and sustainable economic diversification. Previous speakers in the Lecture Series, such as a former NASA astronaut, are chosen to provide real-life experiences and guidance to students pursuing careers in aerospace.
The Qatar Leadership Academy is a boarding school formed through an educational partnership between the Qatar Foundation and the Qatar Armed Forces.
"The session was an eye-opening experience for the cadets," said Mr.Colin H. Campbel, a leadership teacher at the academy. "Ricardo serves as a real-life example of what a person can achieve when he is committed to his education, and he showed the cadets the challenging and fulfilling career possibilities that await them."
In addition to his role with F/A-18 Programs, Traven is also certified to fly the P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, a military derivative of the Boeing Next-Generation 737-800. Traven graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada and the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and has been an instructor at the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School.
Boeing's relationship with Qatar extends across its business units. Qatar Airways operates dozens of Boeing 777 commercial airplanes and has ordered 30 787 Dreamliners. The Qatar Emiri Air Force has used its two C-17 Globemaster III airlifters to provide humanitarian aid around the world.
Qatar Leadership Academy:
Qatar Leadership Academy was formed in the spring and summer of 2005 under the leadership of chairperson H.E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani with an innovative partnership between Qatar Foundation and the Qatar Armed Forces. The Academy was designed to take a holistic approach to youth development, providing the highest standards of education to develop young men into future leaders. Advice was sought from many sources, with a special early partnership forming with St. John's Northwest Military Academy in the U.S State of Wisconsin.
The Academy opened its doors in the town of Al Khor, North of Doha, on August 28, 2005, with 48 cadets being greeted by the Emir, the Heir apparent of the State of Qatar and HH Sheikha Mozah, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation. By the end of its second year in the summer of 2007, 85 students were enrolled and the school received authorization to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma. In May 2008, the first graduates finished the Academy, and in May 2009, the first IB Diplomas were awarded. In the spring of 2010, QLA was accepted as a candidate school for accreditation by the prestigious Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States and expects to be adding an internationally recognized high school diploma program in addition to the IB Diploma by graduation 2012.
Boeing Defense, Space and Security:
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
© Press Release 2012
