From ROTC to New Beginnings: Embry-Riddle Alumna Shares Her Story

An Early Decision to Switch Degrees

The path that Lauren Stonefeld (’26) took to graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was anything but conventional.

Lauren initially enrolled in Aerospace Engineering after an aerospace-focused college credit program introduced her to Embry-Riddle, but she discovered during the program that she did not prefer math or engineering disciplines.

With her doubts in mind at the end of her senior year in high school, Lauren “took a really hard look at everything and talked with an academic advisor.”

Discussions with family, friends and her advisor unearthed Lauren’s interest in analysis, briefs and response processes in foreign military contexts. She decided to switch into the Global Intelligence and Security Studies (GSIS) program before her first semester started.

“I came in the fall as GSIS, and that has stuck ever since,” she said. “I've absolutely loved it.”

Despite changing her degree, Lauren maintained the same career goal: commissioning in the Air Force.

Coping with Changed Plans

Lauren immediately started in the Air Force ROTC program at the Prescott, Arizona, campus, but was unable to continue due to personal challenges with the timeline for medical qualification.

The ROTC program allowed Lauren to continue in several Air Force classes and finish her Defense Studies minor while she contemplated how to pivot. 

"I still felt part of my community, and my ROTC friends helped me understand that I am way more than my ability to join the military," she said.

“It forced me to take a look at who I am and what I want to do,” she said. “Through courses and talking to professors, I was opened up to all the opportunities of the intel community.”

Redirection brought Lauren new opportunities while she continued fueling her passions, such as through her involvement in Silver Wings.

Honorable Achievements On and Off Campus

Silver Wings is a professional collegiate organization recognized by the Air Force Association that focuses on developing civic leaders through defense education. As a senior, Lauren held the position of Region X & XI president, overseeing chapters across 11 states.

Lauren attended conferences such as the Executive Boards in Washington D.C., where she networked and coordinated organizational goals with fellow Region presidents and listened to talks from the chief of staff of the Air Force, Air Mobility Command commander, the first chief of space operations and others.

“This conference helped me better understand the opportunities and scope of the organization, as well as the values,” she said.

Her dedication to the organization would pay off in an exceptional way. She attended a conference in April 2026 where she received the Synthia Judd Essex Legacy Award, an honor given to a graduating member who left a positive impact on Silver Wings.

“When they called out my name, I was in shock, and I had the biggest smile ever,” Lauren shared. “I was so happy to receive the award because Silver Wings means so much to me.”

On top of her leadership role in Silver Wings, Lauren completed two internships and participated in Embry-Riddle's Honor Corps Rifle Drill Team and Color Guard.

Learning to Ask Questions

Courses including International Relations, Studies in Global Intelligence I and Russian-U.S. Relations inspired her interest in national security policy. Lauren also spent a summer at Northrop Grumman as a security intern, which inspired her to pursue her specific interests more closely.

“If I were to redo the internship as who I am now, I would have asked about opportunities to pursue and things I wanted to learn about,” she said.

Her later internship at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) surprised Lauren in an unexpected, positive way.

“When I got an interview for my internship at the [PNNL], I did not really understand the job I was getting into,” she said. “The internship tasks ended up being way cooler than I was expecting ... I got to learn about new aspects of national security, and that is where I got interested in nuclear policy specifically."

Asking questions and prioritizing her interests in conversations with her team gave her the chance to get the most out of her internship and gain clarity on what her future academic and professional careers may look like.

“Express your goals and interests because the people around you will help you build connections and get opportunities,” she emphasized. “The worst thing you can do is never ask, because then you will never receive.”

Valuable Experiences That Extend Beyond Embry-Riddle

Lauren grew increasingly interested in international relations while learning under former faculty member Dr. Tyrone Groh, professor of global security and intelligence, in GSIS classes.

“After courses with Dr. Groh, I approach my studies differently, challenging assumptions and asking questions to deepen my understanding,” she said.

His mentorship helped Lauren identify opportunities beyond her undergraduate education.

“Dr. Groh took on a mentor role for me and played a large role in where I am now taking my career,” she said.

Lauren’s time at Embry-Riddle was marked by personal and professional growth, as demonstrated by her decisions to change her degree, move forward to leading in Silver Wings and challenge herself in classes and internships in a way she had never done before.

“We learn best from failures, and college is the best time to do so.”

Adventure Awaits

While Lauren has set aside plans to commission in the Air Force, she is embarking on a new journey and starting a master’s program this fall.

“Taking International Relations with Dr. Groh is what started it all,” she said. “[Dr. Groh] encouraged and pushed me toward grad school, reassuring me that I am qualified.”

Lauren remains interested in many different potential opportunities, looking toward the future with an open mind and heart.

“I definitely want to pursue embassy work, defense intelligence or nuclear policy,” she said. “Outside of academics, I want to have fun ... experience new things and meet people all over the world.”