NORFOLK, Va. — Alan E. Bell, son of Bruce and Elizabeth Bell of Auburn, recently received a doctorate degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University.

Bell is a 1985 graduate of Edward Little High School. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989. Upon graduation he cross-commissioned into the U.S. Navy.

After completing his flight training and carrier qualifications, Bell served two tours in the Middle East as an S3 pilot and landing signal officer. He retired from the Navy with the rank of commander, having completed more than 1000 carrier landings during his naval career.

After leaving the Navy, he began his graduate work at Stanford University and later received his master’s degree in engineering from the University of Virginia. His doctoral study was completed at Old Dominion University. ODU is the Norfolk division of the College of William and Mary. His doctoral dissertation was accepted by ODU in August.

Bell is presently doing contract research for the FAA on airport safety and “next gen” technology. He lives in Virginia with his wife, Karen, and daughters, Ashley and Sarah.