Aaron Kumlien
(pictured left)
1. What is your role at UAS Labs?
I am a Quality Control Analyst at UAS Labs.
My responsibilities include ensuring the quality of the products throughout production, use of microbiological methods to ensure our product is free of any foodborne pathogens or contaminants, environmental monitoring of the facility, and troubleshooting any issues we may see with our products.
2. Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a degree in Microbiology.
3. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy hiking, camping, reading, and home brewing. I home brew beer and sometimes wine. I particularly enjoy Belgian style beers as well as stouts. I am still experimenting with different wine recipes to find what I enjoy most.
4. Have you ever completed something off your “bucket list”?
Yes! I visited the Taj Mahal when I took a school trip to India.
5. If you could live during any time period, when would you live?
I would live during the Renaissance. I am fascinated with the history of the time period. It was a time of innovation in the worlds of art and science, and being able to see some of that development would be interesting to me.
6. What is your military job?
I work as an Ammunition Section Chief in a HIMARS Rocket Artillery Company.
7. What is it like balancing military duties & a civilian career?
It can be difficult balancing military and civilian careers, but I find both to be rewarding and I embrace the challenges in both worlds. I really enjoy working in both areas and wouldn’t change anything.
UAS has been very helpful and accommodating, especially with an upcoming deployment.
8. Who is someone you really admire?
My Grandpa because of how hard he worked throughout his life to get where he is today. He grew up in a poor family and had to live on his own from the age of 16. He worked his way up a vehicle manufacturing facility and found success in the working world as a foreman. He understood the importance of education, and made sure that all three of his children were able to get a college education.
9. Cats or dogs?
Both!
10. Teleportation or flying?
Teleportation would make travelling much easier.
11. What do you enjoy most about working at UAS Labs?
I like the people, the friendly working environment, and the level of teamwork between departments here at UAS Labs.
