Victor Cova Is Shaping the Future Alongside NASA

"Working at EFRC has really sparked my interest in uncrewed vehicles, which are pretty cool." Victor Cova's (’26) enthusiasm propels him from Madrid to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. There, he leads an award-winning team of aerospace engineering students.

From Madrid to Embry‑Riddle

Victor discovered Embry‑Riddle through online research. Set to earn his aerospace engineering degree in 2026, he was drawn to its top-tier reputation and close-knit academic community. Without ever visiting the U.S., he leaped across the Atlantic. His decision quickly paid off as he immersed himself in one of the world's leading aerospace programs.

Leading Innovation at Eagle Flight Research Center

Victor's journey at the Eagle Flight Research Center (EFRC) began modestly. He volunteered on a team designing a drone for the GoAERO Prize competition. NASA, The Boeing Company, RTX Corporation and Honeywell backed this challenge, which tasked university teams with developing a prototype Emergency Response Flyer to assist first responders in crisis situations.

Initially one of three team members, Victor spotted a leadership gap and stepped up. "I realized there wasn't really a leadership role to follow, so I got more involved and took on that responsibility," he said. His initiative earned him a formal project lead role and the task of mentoring newer students.

Victor’s team designed a quadcopter drone using commercially available parts, optimizing it for emergency response. Among 198 teams from 85 countries, their proposal stood out, earning a top-14 spot and $30,000 in funding.

Collaborating With AE Experts

Victor attributes much of his success at EFRC to faculty mentorship. Project Manager Patrick Hruswicki guides him through avionics systems and design. EFRC’s Director Dr. Kyle Collins helps refine the team's engineering approach. Shop Manager Jonathan Schroder helped design the landing gear and provides hands-on training in practical skills. "He's done all the safety briefs, taught me how to solder and is teaching others on my team how to 3D print," Victor said.

These collaborations have enriched his technical expertise and prepared him for real-world challenges. "The faculty here push us to think critically while giving us the tools we need to succeed," he added.

From Concept to Reality — Quickly

With NASA's backing, Victor's team has entered the construction and testing phase. "We are building a half-scale model to be ready this summer," he shared. They aim to exhibit the scale model at the EAA AirVenture 2025 airshow in July and deliver a full-scale working model by 2027. If successful, their Emergency Response Flyer could transform disaster relief operations, enabling rapid deployment of medical supplies, rescue personnel, and evacuations in challenging environments.

Shaping the Future of Uncrewed Vehicles

Victor's work at EFRC has cemented his passion for uncrewed aerial systems. His hands-on experience has deepened his interest in developing cutting-edge drone technology. He actively hones his skills in avionics, electronics and aerodynamics to contribute meaningfully to this evolving field.

Beyond the Classroom

Victor participated in other high-profile competitions. In last year’s Design/Build/Fly (DBF) challenge, Embry‑Riddle's team secured a world championship. His ability to thrive in high-performance environments shapes his leadership style. "I lead by example because we're not a very large team," he explained. “More than 60% of my work is engineering and the other 40% is managing.”

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Victor plans to pursue a master's degree at Embry‑Riddle, potentially focusing on Aerodynamics and Propulsion. Long-term, he envisions working on unmanned aerial systems that balance technical innovation with practical applications. Victor Cova is already shaping the next generation of uncrewed aerial systems — proving that innovation starts long before graduation.