Building Skills for the Future of Work
About Uplift Training
At Uplift Training, our team brings together the trades, educators, technologists, and STEM professionals to pioneer the next generation of workforce development for high-wage careers.
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We design and deliver AI-based virtual reality training for the skilled trades, STEM education programs, and workforce development that connect students with real-world skills and career pathways. From training commercial astronauts to building the largest VR STEM program in Utah, our work bridges industry and education through innovation and hands-on experiences.
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Our team collaborates with partners like NASA, Blue Origin, and leading universities to create transformative learning environments that unlock opportunity and inspire exploration.
Our Team
Josh Hanes
Co-Chairman & CEO
CEO Josh Hanes is an accomplished executive with experience managing multimillion-dollar equity funds and large-scale real estate investments. As former COO of Reef Life Foundation, he oversaw major reef restoration projects in the Caribbean. A graduate in Physics from the University of Utah, Hanes began his career developing advanced propulsion concepts with Dr. Steve Howe. His combined expertise in finance, operations, and space technology positions Uplift Aerospace as a leader in the industry’s next frontier.
Mark McLaughlin
Co-Chairman & Advisor to the CEO
Mark McLaughlin is a veteran executive with extensive experience leading companies in the health and biotech sectors. He is currently CEO of Immudyne Nutritional and previously served as President and CEO of Immudyne, Inc. (now LifeMD, Inc.). Since 2021, he has advised Uplift Aerospace’s CEO and Board, bringing strategic insight and executive leadership to support the company’s growth and commercialization efforts.
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Matt Sharpe
Director of AI Development
Matt Sharp is a seasoned AI and data engineering leader, and brings deep expertise in deploying, managing, and scaling machine learning and generative AI systems in production. Known as a “Data Pioneer,” Sharp has led successful AI initiatives across startups and large technology companies, building robust ecosystems that drive innovation and adoption across organizations.
Emily Higgins
Director of Education
Emily Higgins is the Director of Education for Uplift Training, and is currently leading program development for Starborn Academy. With a background in STEM education and a Masters degree in Visual Communications, Higgins specializes specifically in immersive storytelling through impactful visual media (film, photography, graphics). She is passionate about combining art and information to create deeper connections with subject matter, spark curiosity, and foster the next generation of explorers and innovators.
Shane Smit
Senior VR/AI Developer
Shane Smit is a veteran software engineer with over 33 years of experience, including contributions to 20+ commercial games across console, PC, mobile, and VR. He has worked with major studios such as Disney Interactive and specializes in AI, physics, multiplayer systems, and custom tools. Shane helped establish the engineering courses for the Entertainment Arts & Engineering master’s program at the University of Utah and later led data engineering and machine learning efforts at MX Technologies. His deep passion for game technology and culture fuels his work at Uplift Training.
Peter West
AI Advisor
Peter West is an AI entrepreneur and product leader focused on human-supervised automation. As CEO of Qualiti.ai, he built an AI platform for web application testing that writes, executes, maintains, and triages tests while keeping engineers in control. Previously, Peter led Seva Development as CEO and later Chairman, helping companies build high-performing engineering teams, and held product roles at SilverVue in digital health. At Uplift Aerospace, he advises on AI strategy, reliability, and tooling.
Kerri Hanes
Program Manager
Kerri Hanes is an experienced program manager with a background in recreational therapy, specializing in group dynamics and experiential program design. She is passionate about creating impactful learning environments that foster connection, personal growth, and a strong sense of community. At Uplift Training, Kerri leads the development and coordination of educational programs, applying a hands-on, people-centered approach to ensure every initiative supports workforce development and student engagement.
Jeffrey Johnson
Board Member
Jeffrey Johnson is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience in operations, government relations, and contract negotiation. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Utah and has led procurement and performance oversight for major government agencies. At Uplift Training, he helps guide the company’s strategic growth and cross-sector collaboration, including partnerships with NASA, Blue Origin, and others.
Eric Willeitner
Board Member & Research Dir.
Director of Engineering Eric Willeitner is a mechanical engineer with experience developing aerospace systems for military, commercial, and space applications. He earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University and led test systems engineering at RAM Company, improving project success through coordinated testing and manufacturing. At Uplift Training, Eric applies his expertise to advance initiatives like the Constellation Vault, Suborbital Triptych, and Moon Cast.
Work With Us
We believe that the future of workforce training must be dynamic, immersive, and accessible. Whether you’re an educator, employer, workforce leader, or policymaker — we’d love to explore how we can work together to build pathways to opportunity.
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Let’s shape the future of workforce training — together.