ASU aeronautical management grad connects education to passion for aviation

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2021 graduates.

With a lifelong passion for aviation and a zest for opportunity, Spencer Pomerantz chose Arizona State University to fulfill his dreams of becoming an air traffic controller.

“Aviation has always been a big part of my life, so I wanted to learn more and turn it into a career,” Pomerantz said.

Pomerantz, a Barrett, The Honors College student, ambitiously decided to double major in air traffic management and air transportation management while minoring in human systems engineering during his time at The Polytechnic School, one of the six Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU.

An air traffic controller’s job can be stressful. In his future career, Pomerantz will be responsible for the lives and safety of others on a daily basis. 

“I would be responsible for separating aircraft and getting passengers and cargo to their destinations,” he said. “But stress aside, it would be very rewarding for me.”

During the fall 2020 semester, Pomerantz got the chance to operate the air traffic control radar simulator using the practice and knowledge he had gained in previous semesters, an experience that made him feel even more confident in his path.

“One of my most memorable experiences in the program was in AMT 350 (Aircraft Design and Logistics Management) with Professor Anthony Wende and Mr. Alan Bradesku. My class and I were tasked with designing, building and test flying a radio-controlled airplane,” Pomerantz said. “It was so fulfilling to manage the process from start to finish.”

In addition to a full course load, Pomerantz made time to serve others. He volunteered on many on-campus events like orientation and helped guide students as a community assistant in the residential halls. He also volunteered off campus at Feed My Starving Children and United Service Organizations Arizona.

Pomerantz was also a shift supervisor and trainer at Signature Flight Support and the director of guest experience at a local Chick-fil-A.

Following graduation, Pomerantz will continue his education in the 4+1 accelerated aviation management and human factors master’s degree program. 

No matter where his future takes him, Pomerantz says he has “learned to think outside of the box and approach problems from different viewpoints” during his time at ASU.

He touts his professors at ASU for sharing this wisdom. 

“I have had the pleasure of working with many different faculty during my time here and they have all been wonderful,” Pomerantz said. “I want to thank all of them for putting me on a path to success.”