Mike Shekari
Flight Operations Technician
Mike Shekari is a seasoned aerospace and public safety practitioner with experience in aviation operations, emergency management, unmanned systems, and safety management Prior to joining Mississippi State University, he served as Director of the Technology Center for Emergency Response and Unmanned Vehicle Systems at Gulf Coast State College, where he led instructional programs and public safety support operations involving unmanned aircraft, maritime, and ground systems. In that role, he supported law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental protection, emergency management, and homeland security missions for local, state, and federal partners.
Mike first became involved with unmanned aircraft systems as an Embry-Riddle student conducting undergraduate research on near-shore ocean rescue applications for small UAS. He then earned his FAA Remote Pilot Certificate in 2018 to support volunteer search and rescue efforts and transitioned into unmanned systems full time in 2022. He holds degrees in Aviation Maintenance Science, Homeland Security, and Occupational Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His credentials also include FAA Private Pilot, Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, and Advanced Ground Instructor; Florida Professional Emergency Manager; FEMA ICS Train-the-Trainer; and NASAR SARTECH II.
