Project “Modernisation of Transport and Telecommunications institute STEM study programmes” (8.1.1.0/17/I/009)

Current position – Rector of TSI, Docent of the Faculty of Transport and Management, Head of the study direction “Mechanics and Metalworking, Thermal Power Engineering, Heat Engineering and Machinery”.

Experience – about 10 years total administrative and academic work experience at the Transport and Telecommunication Institute as well as at the University of Latvia and Riga Stradins University, including previously also as a Vice-Rector for Administrative issues, Director of International Relations Division of TSI and Director of Academic and Professional Aviation Center of TSI; 10 years’ work experience at the State Joint Stock Company ”Riga International Airport” as a Chairman and Member of the Supervisory Board and Member of the Executive Board; for two years was Director / Chairman of the Executive Board of State agency “Latvian Investment and Development Agency” (previously – “Latvian Development Agency”) and afterwards for two years Chairman of the Executive Board of State Joint Stock Company “State Information Network Agency”; from 1993 until 1998 was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Head of Mission  at the Embassy of Latvia to Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Mission to the European Union and NATO and Ambassador for Special Assignments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia; an overall work record at the public administration institutions and state owned enterprises exceeds 20 years.

Membership – in 2016 was founder and for five years was a Member of Supervisory Board of NGO “Latvian Aviation Association”; in 2018 was Member of the organizing committee of Riga Aviation Forum „How to respond to Future Demand for Aviation Professionals?”; from 2012 until 2016 was Member of the Qualification Commission of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia; in 2007 – 2008 was Member of the Technical and Operational Security Committee of Airports Council International (ACI) Europe; was Member of the Board and Vice-President of NGO “European Movement in Latvia”.  

Teaching activity – Transport policy of the EU and Republic of Latvia (master level), History of European Integration (master level).

Publication activity – author of monograph “Way of Latvia to the European Union. From general to specific”; reports at scientific conferences and articles published on the issue of Impact Assessment in Transport Policy; presentations at the conferences and round table discussions on the issue of Education and Training for Aviation Professionals.

Projects – ERDF funded project “Modernization of Transport and Telecommunications institute STEM study programmes” Nr. 8.1.1.0/17/I/009 (participant); ESF funded project “Strengthening Transport and Telecommunication Institute Academic Staff in the Areas of Strategic Specialization (STTIAS)” Nr. 8.2.2.0/18/A/011 (participant); Erasmus+ Key Action 2 project “Spread Your Wings” (project supervisor).

Supervised theses – supervised Master’s theses of few students at the University of Latvia.

Research interests – European Union integration issues, Transport policy of the EU and Latvia, Aviation transport policy, airport management.

Motto – “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”  Seneca