USU Aviation Alumna and Current Graduate Student Awarded Industry Scholarship

Nicole Zinger, a 2023 graduate of Utah State University’s aviation management program and current master’s degree student, is one of just two students to be awarded the Jim Morasch/Jerry Olson Memorial Scholarship from the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives.

Zinger will use the $2,500 scholarship to fund the remainder of her master of aviation science degree studies through USU. She is on track to complete her master’s degree this summer at age 22 and plans to pursue industry designations as a certified aviation manager, accredited aviation executive and airport certified employee.

Zinger is currently employed by the Utah Department of Transportation's Division of Aeronautics as an aviation operations and emergency manager, a position she was offered directly after graduating from USU with her bachelor’s degree. She is applying her education and experience to growing Utah’s aviation infrastructure and connecting with local aviation communities, as well as completing her master’s degree while working for UDOT. The master’s degree is available at USU campuses statewide and online, which allows people working in the aviation industry, like Zinger, to earn the degree anywhere.

Zinger has used multiple opportunities to jump-start her education and career. She is active in various clubs and organizations, including Women in Aviation International, Women Military Aviators, National Business Aviation Association, Utah Business Aviation Association, National Intercollegiate Flying Association, Alpha Eta Rho, Professional Aviation Club, DroneWorx, Air Force JROTC/ROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Utah Aeronautics Advisory Board, and others.

Her efforts in all these organizations made Zinger an outstanding candidate for the scholarship from the American Association of Airport Executives, an organization that promotes airports by developing, connecting and educating aviation industry professionals, and helping aviation students succeed in building their careers.

Her involvement with aviation organizations also allows Zinger to use her passion for doing outreach activities with students at aviation events across the country, introducing children to the wonders of flight and the opportunities and benefits aviation can bring to their futures and local communities.