Camryn Huff (’24, ’25) grew up dreaming of working in aviation, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s reputation as a “premier flight school” caught his attention early on. 

When it came time to officially choose a university, the culture and warm climate of the Daytona Beach Campus made the decision easy. 

Originally planning to be a commercial pilot, Camryn unfortunately developed severe motion sickness issues. After his first cross-country solo flight, he knew that he needed to make a change. 

“I made it back safely and passed, but it showed me that path might not be for me,” he said. “So, I took a step back, weighed my options and chose to operate aircraft from the ground instead.” 

Camryn pivoted into a B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, now Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), with a minor in Business Administration.  

A Foundational Undergraduate Education

Camryn took a variety of regulation and operations classes throughout his undergraduate degree. The wide range of classes and course material set him up for success across a wide range of experiences. 

“Advanced UAS Videography helped prepare me to conduct drone operations for broadcast at the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament,” he shared. 

Camryn noted that while an interest in aviation drew him to Embry-Riddle, his environment activated new interests. 

“I picked up new hobbies ... such as photography and filmmaking from classes such as Dronealism and Cinematography,” he said. 

Hands-on activities outside the classroom continued to inspire him. Camryn spoke to an experience where associate professor and UAS program coordinator, Kenneth “Mike” Canada, took his class on a hike to practice drone usage.  

“We hiked well over a mile each way, but the location was beautiful,” he said. “I actually marked a tree out there and came back the next day just to read and film under it.”

Internships that Shape Careers

Camryn worked as a research associate intern at the UAS Center at San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) and a UAS intern at AviSight Advanced Drone Infrastructure Inspections.  

While both internships advanced his knowledge of UAS, they were vastly different roles. 

“I was [the UAS Center’s] first-ever intern and was mainly conducting research on potential partnerships, even developing a plan to recruit future interns from Embry-Riddle,” he said. “At AviSight, I conducted survey flights ... this gave me experience operating drones in a survey role.”

Why Pursue an Embry-Riddle Graduate Degree?

Camryn’s first post-graduate job was as a surveyor working with drones to inspect infrastructure such as farms and power lines, but he felt called to a different kind of position.  

With his long-term career goals in mind, Camryn decided to pursue his M.S. in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems with a research focus through the Worldwide Campus. 

“My dream is to be involved in research and policy, especially concerning the role of drones in current warfare.”  

While his bachelor’s degree gave him fundamental knowledge in the field, obtaining a master’s degree gave Camryn access to more advanced concepts.  

“This expanded my skill set ... enabling me to take on more tasks, such as coordinating drone operations at large events like the U.S. Open, where I had to work with the New York Police Department, FBI and even the Secret Service to ensure safe operations.” 

Embry-Riddle made it easy for Camryn to optimize his graduate education; he utilized the remainder of his G.I. Bill benefits and built relationships with expert professors and mentors. 

Embry-Riddle students fly a drone on the tarmac
Camryn conducts Part 107 training during his internship at SBD.
Camryn Huff stands in his graduation cap and gown holding his diploma in front of a plane
Camryn celebrates graduating with his M.S. aboard the USS Midway.

Master’s Thesis Tops Off Academic Achievements

With Dr. Hans-Joachim K. Ruff-Stahl and Dr. Patti J. Clark as co-authors, Camryn developed and later published his graduate thesis in the Journal of Strategic Studies. While it was an achievement he never could have dreamed of for himself, it did not come without hard work. 

“The months spent researching, writing and eventually preparing the work for publication taught me that commitment and the right relationships can take you further than you expect,” he said. “I was fortunate to have professors who not only believed the work was worth publishing but were willing to see that process through.” 

Being published was one of the highlights of Camryn’s academic career and reinforced his love for research. 

“Research is a vital part of any student's education,” he said. “Learning how to conduct rigorous analysis and translate it into a coherent, compelling paper are skills that carry into every professional context.”

Starting Up an Exceptional Career

Camryn’s accomplishments initially led him to a role as a lead remote operator and aviation compliance specialist at an autonomous drones and robotic solutions startup company. 

Camryn has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a startup’s efforts to expand its operator team and customer base. 

“The startup environment allows one to truly see growth and success that you wouldn’t typically see in a usual, corporate job.” 

He recently received an offer to further his career as a flight test engineer at drone company CX2, an opportunity that he describes as a significant step forward towards his long-term goals.  

Camryn plans to continue gaining experience, growing into leadership and expanding his network as he works towards a career in drone policy. And if his extensive education, experience and drive to succeed are any indication, it won’t be long until he gets there. 

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