Dr Mike Bennett (Chairman/Co-Founder)

Mike Bennett operates at the critical juncture of aviation, safety, and healthcare. His passion for flight took hold decades ago, beginning with his initial training at the historic El Toro Marine Aero Club in the 1980s. He has since built a distinguished career that bridges the precision of medicine with the operational demands of the skies.

As a licensed Pharmacist holding a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of California, San Francisco, Mike brings a deep understanding of human physiology and emergency response to the cockpit. His credentials extend beyond traditional medicine into the realm of unmanned systems, where he serves as both a certificated FAA Part 107 UAS (Drone) Pilot and Instructor. This expertise is complemented by his hands-on experience in Emergency Medical Services and Aviation Safety.

Mike’s skill set is defined by a commitment to safety and operational excellence. He holds a Private Pilot certificate with an Instrument Rating, allowing him to navigate complex environments with precision. Outside of his professional aviation and medical work, Mike enjoys the challenges of the underwater world, holding a certification as a PADI SCUBA Divemaster.

Mike brings this unique convergence of healthcare knowledge, flight experience, and safety management to the STEM Aviation team, helping to foster a culture of meticulous preparation and education for future aviators.

Jim Berray (President/Co-Founder)

Jim Berray has spent much of his life in aviation. While serving in the U.S. Air Force at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, he soloed an aircraft for the first time at age 19. His Air Force experience included work with F-4 weapons systems and Combat Sage ground crews under Tactical Air Command. He later worked in information technology for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Jim went on to spend 23 years flying for Continental Express and United Express, building more than 15,000 hours of flight time over the course of his career. He also owned a flight school at Springfield Airport, where he continued his involvement in pilot training and instruction. His aviation credentials include Certified Flight Instructor, Multi-Engine Instructor, and Airline Transport Pilot certificates, and he remains active with AOPA, NAFI, and EAA.

Aviation education and mentorship have remained important to Jim throughout his life. His experience spans military aviation, airline operations, flight instruction, and general aviation, giving him a firsthand understanding of the many different paths available within the industry. He also continues to enjoy flight simulation and stays closely connected to aviation decades after his first solo.

Jim co-founded STEM Aviation to give young people the kind of guidance and exposure to aviation that he wishes he had received at an earlier age. Through the organization, he hopes to help students discover the range of careers available in aviation, gain meaningful hands-on experience, and see the industry as something they can realistically pursue.

Jake Buurma (CFO/Co-Founder)

Jake Buurma has spent much of his time at the intersection of engineering, technology, and aviation. His interest in science started early. At 16, he attended NASA Space Camp at the Florida Institute of Technology, which led to an internship working with lasers and holography. He later interned at Harris Semiconductor, where he tested integrated circuits that were used in lunar missions, and was later presented with a NASA award by Buzz Aldrin.

After moving to San Jose more than 50 years ago, Jake went on to build a career across engineering, systems analysis, and program management, including work with National Semiconductor. He earned master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Santa Clara University and an MBA from Duke University. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor, as well as a certified Systems Analyst and Program Manager.

Outside of his professional work, Jake has continued to stay involved in technical and community-focused activities. He is a Master Diver, Drone Responder, certified oxygen provider, and trained CERT member. He also remains connected to aerospace through the NASA Aeronautics Research Institute, where he serves as a peer reviewer of NARI white papers.

Jake brings that broad range of experience to STEM Aviation, along with a longstanding interest in helping others learn about aviation, technology, and hands-on STEM opportunities.