By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

As an aviation student at Bowling Green State University, senior Mohamed Abbas takes classes on the mechanics of flying and spends significant time putting his knowledge to practice in the sky.

In addition, students in the flight technology and operations specialization at BGSU learn about the business side of aviation, ensuring they graduate prepared for various careers in the industry.

For Abbas, his business aviation course not only broadened his knowledge, but also led to him securing an internship at Mercy Health Life Flight Network in Toledo, which he was integral in creating.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” said Abbas, who works part-time as an administrative intern for the regional healthcare organization while completing his senior year at BGSU. “I have been able to apply so much of what I learned in the business aviation course directly to this internship.”

The opportunity arose from the relationship Abbas built with the course’s instructor, Douglas Wattoff, the president and director of operations for Mercy Health Life Flight Network, and reinforces the importance of connections BGSU builds with regional and global organizations to bolster student success.

Partnership success

Mercy Health Life Flight Network's relationship with BGSU, which initially began with Wattoff taking on a role as an adjunct professor, is an expansion of the University’s existing and longstanding partnership with Mercy Health.

“Beyond establishing this internship, we have an opportunity to continue finding other ways to work together to serve our communities,” Wattoff said.

The BGSU aviation program is one of the largest in the United States and exemplifies the University’s commitment to partnerships. The aviation program, through its longstanding public-private partnerships with North Star Companies and Republic Airways, provides students with the most modern technology and a workforce pathway to careers in aviation.

During the business aviation course, Abbas said he was captivated by Wattoff’s teaching style and ability to connect course material to his decades of experience in aviation, both as a pilot and successful business owner.

With a desire to learn even more from Wattoff, Abbas inquired about completing an internship at Mercy Health Life Flight Network. No such program or position was in place, but Wattoff encouraged Abbas to explore options for creating one. 

“I learned so much in the class he taught, and I wanted the opportunity to work with and learn from Mr. Wattoff professionally,” Abbas said. “I have aspirations of one day becoming a chief pilot, which combines flying and business. Getting this experience will help me achieve my dream.”

Creating an internship

Empowered by his BGSU education and ambitious attitude, Abbas spent this past summer tracking down the necessary paperwork and grant funding for Wattoff to establish the internship.

“As an entrepreneur, I understand and appreciate someone who is also an entrepreneur,” Wattoff said. “Mohamed did all the work on his own. He created the idea for this initiative. When you have individuals willing to put in that kind of work to create something valuable to them, that should be celebrated.”

Abbas began the internship at the start of the Fall 2024 semester and will continue working at Mercy Health Life Flight Network through Spring 2025, shortly before he graduates in May.

Wattoff said Abbas has been a welcome addition to the team and is gaining a range of experience in aviation administration. 

“I tell students all the time that aviation is our craft,” Wattoff said. “We must be subject-matter experts in the business of aviation, not just as pilots flying the plane but in all the operational aspects that ensure these businesses function smoothly. This internship is providing Mohmaed an opportunity to see that up close.”