Steve Leon, a doctoral student in transportation and logistics at NDSU, was named the Region VIII Mountain-Plains Consortium University Transportation Center Student of the Year. The U.S. Department of Transportation honors an outstanding student each year for achievement and potential future contributions to the transportation field. Students are selected based on accomplishments, academic merit, research and leadership.
The Odenton, Md., native came to the Midwest to pursue aeronautical studies at the University of North Dakota. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1990. He later earned a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in international business from Loyola University Maryland in 2007. Leon is expected to graduate from NDSU with a doctorate in transportation and logistics in May. His dissertation is titled, “Global airlines: Modeling trends and portfolio for allocation to international regions.”
At NDSU, Leon works as a research assistant for the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute. He helped submit a proposal to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and contributed to obtaining funding for air cargo research. His other research interests include economic development through air transportation, government policy, risk management and resource allocation in supply chain management.
In 2009, Leon received the Transportation Research Forum Foundation Scholarship. He also is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society at Loyola University Maryland and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at NDSU. Leon served as the president of the NDSU Transportation and Logistics student organization. He has taught undergraduate courses at NDSU, UND and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz. He serves as a member of the UND Aerospace Alumni Advisory Board and also is an assistant coach for the Fargo Youth Soccer League.