Vignettes from the Flight Line Show What's on Hand for Enterprising Students

Embry-Riddle published a handful of student testimonials surrounding its cadre of scholarship winners, shining a light on those chosen to receive the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) Foundation Scholarship.

First up, a winner of $30,000, was Chuan "Cici" Chen. Chen currently studies in the Embry-Riddle Business Administration program, working towards a Master's degree in Aviation Finance. She's a 3rd-generation pilot in the family as a CFI until she moves onwards and upwards in the industry. Chen has spent time leading a project for Textron Aviation, interning at China Eastern Airlines, and as an airline pilot in Canada. She's the biggest winner of the ISTAT scholarship students, leading the way to fellow Aviation Finance students Sinan Aykan and Ashwin Sriram, who received $20,000 and $10,000 respectively.

Aykan brings 17 years of commercial airline experience abroad, working in his native Turkey before Captaining in Qatar, the UAE, China, and Taiwan. He said the $20,000 scholarship was much appreciated, allowing him to "cover my tuition fees and enable me to concentrate more on my studies. Most importantly, it shows that I’m valued.”

Ashwin Sriram brings a background in aircraft engineering and air transport management, with a long term goal of becoming an "aviation industry leader". He said the ISTAT selection would be key to opening doors and moving on up in life. “The scholarship opens doors to educational conferences, enriched learning experiences and connects me with industry mentors. The ISTAT community provided a network for growth and excellence.” Previously, he completed a UK degree from Kingston University, with a Master's in Air Transport Management from Cranfield University. Prior, Sriram was an aircraft technician trainee for Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul companies in India, Jordan and Kuwait.

Additional students have seen similar awards around the world, with the 2023 International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading Foundation disbursing almost $365,000 to 37 students around the globe.

FMI: www.erau.edu