Kate Balis is a third-year student at Ohio University, where she is pursuing a dual major in Aviation Flight and Aviation Management, along with minors in Communications and Business Administration. Kate is from Sandyville, West Virginia, a small town across the Ohio River. Kate's love for aviation began at a young age. At just 14 years old, she took a discovery flight, sparking a love for flying. After soloing at 16, she was "bit by the flying bug" and knew she wanted to make aviation her career.
Kate chose Ohio University's flight program because of the supportive faculty and strong sense of community, which has provided her with the perfect environment to grow as both a student and aviator. She is an active member of the university's Women in Aviation chapter, where she has helped with several events such as Girls in Aviation Day and the annual Runway 5K. When she's not out at the airport, Kate enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family.