- Date
- July 8, 2026
David Zink (’25, ’27), who earned his B.S. in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and is pursuing his M.S. in Uncrewed Systems, said uncrewed aircraft systems were part of his upbringing, not just a passing interest.
Long before he became a graduate student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus, David learned to fly radio-controlled (RC) aircraft alongside his father and grandfather. What began as a family tradition evolved into a passion rooted in innovation, research and real-world impact.
“My grandfather was in the Air Force and flew RC aircraft as a hobby,” David said. “He taught my father, and my father taught me how to fly RC planes when I was a kid.”
That early exposure sparked a fascination with uncrewed and autonomous systems that eventually guided him to Embry-Riddle, a university first suggested to him during middle school.
Though he originally planned to complete only his undergraduate degree, the mentorship and opportunities he discovered within Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) convinced him to stay for graduate school.
Using UAS Technology to Make a Difference
Since then, David has taken his work far beyond the classroom, supporting environmental research, public safety initiatives and student outreach while becoming a leader within Embry-Riddle’s growing autonomous systems community.
One of his earliest opportunities came through a UAS study abroad program in Argentina, where he researched the effectiveness of UAS at differing altitudes. He built lasting friendships and strengthened his interest in field operations and research.
“That trip really opened the door for me to become more involved in UAS research on campus,” he said.
After returning, David began assisting with research flights in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and supporting projects within Embry-Riddle’s UNVAIL lab.
With UNVAIL, he is currently working on an EPA-funded project that uses UAS to collect water samples during algal blooms in Lake Okeechobee. The project aims to test algal toxins in the water and aerosolized toxins that could affect people in their daily lives.
His other experiences include assisting with flood mitigation inspection flights for the City of Cape Canaveral. The project introduced him to commercial UAS operations and demonstrated how autonomous systems can improve infrastructure management and community safety.
He has also supported conservation projects with the Brevard Zoo, including sea turtle and whale monitoring efforts using UAS technology. Through this work, he has seen how autonomous systems can contribute to environmental research and conservation.
“All of these projects have real-world impacts and sharing them with the community helps people see the good that UAS can bring,” he explained. “They can be tools for research, education and conservation.”
During the summer, David volunteered at STEM events for younger students, introducing them to autonomous systems technology through drones and flight simulators.
“A lot of younger students have only seen drones as toys or in videos online,” he said. “When they get the chance to fly a commercial grade drone or use a simulator, their excitement is contagious.”
Building What Doesn’t Exist Yet
On campus, David’s leadership is most visible through the Student Uncrewed Aerial Systems (SUAS) club, where he serves as build lead for Embry-Riddle’s team in the annual RoboNation Student Unmanned Aerial Systems competition.
This year, the team tackled one of its most ambitious challenges yet: designing and building a fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing aircraft from scratch.
For David, the project has become one of the most rewarding experiences of his academic journey.
“Being confined by a rule book each year helps you build skills that directly apply to the career field,” he said. “You learn how to work under deadlines, design within constraints and adapt when things do not go as planned.”
The process has also strengthened his leadership and collaboration skills as he works alongside students from multiple disciplines across campus.
Like many engineering efforts, the project has faced setbacks. Manufacturing delays forced the team to pivot its focus toward hardware and software development, including target identification systems and camera integration. Instead of slowing progress, the challenge reinforced an important lesson.
“When something doesn’t go as planned, it does not mean progress has to stop,” he said. “Sometimes the best thing to do is switch focus, use the time effectively and keep moving forward.”
As a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, he has also developed mentoring and public speaking skills while helping undergraduate students navigate the same program that helped shape his own path.
David believes autonomous systems will continue transforming industries ranging from infrastructure inspection and environmental monitoring to transportation and public safety.
The Power of Participation
For students hoping to follow a similar path, David advises getting involved.
“Research and clubs helped me grow technically, but they also helped me build friendships, confidence and experience,” he said. “The opportunities outside the classroom can make all the difference.”
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