Aerospace Education Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Bureau of Aeronautics
Nicole Wiessinger joined Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics in December 2010 as the Aerospace Education Manager.
In her position, Nicole serves as the state’s program manager for the Aviation Career Education (ACE) program, providing technical expertise and oversight to create training and apprenticeship opportunities associated with aviation careers for socially and economically disadvantaged youth. The ACE program is currently housed at General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Each year, 35 interns are hired as limited term employees by employers such as the 128th Air Refueling Group, Signature Flight Support and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). ACE students engage in educational and leadership opportunities throughout the seven-week internship.
Nicole also manages the statewide Aviation Education program, which is in a period of revitalization. The Aviation Education program currently promotes youth aviation/aerospace education through programs such as Flightlink, Rockets for Schools, and the Aviation Art Contest. Nicole is working to develop innovative and comprehensive programs in education focusing on the air transportation and aerospace industry. She is developing accessible resources and programming for Wisconsin’s youth to further interest and participation in the field of aviation. Nicole also serves as the institutional representative for the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium.
Nicole Wiessinger has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Edgewood College. Before accepting her current position Nicole was teaching high school science in New Orleans, Louisiana. She has also served as a manager for the Early Head Start and Head Start programs for a five-county region in Wisconsin. Nicole currently lives in Verona, Wisconsin, with her family.
For questions regarding aviation education please email Nicole Wiessinger at nicole.wiessinger@dot.wi.gov or call 608-266-8166.
