Impact
Filters: No active filters
- Led by Eagle and United States Air Force veteran Jon Foti, Operation Song® uses music to share healing stories from active duty military, veterans and military families.
Operation Song CEO Helps Americans Tune Into VeteransLed by Eagle and United States Air Force veteran Jon Foti, Operation Song® uses music to share healing stories from active duty military, veterans and military families.A song needs a hook to connect with listeners. Operation Song® delivers that appeal by capturing stories of service. The nonprofit pairs professional songwriters with veterans, active-duty military members and their families to create songs that share, celebrate and heal.
From the genesis of weekly song sessions in Tennessee, Operation Song has grown into a national movement. Leading this charge is Jon Foti, a veteran whose journey from the skies to the stage has been propelled by the United States Air Force and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Capturing Memories Through Music
The nonprofit was started by Bob Regan as weekly song sessions in a VA Medical Center in Tennessee. Regan is a Grammy® and Dove Award-nominated songwriter based in Nashville. On his Armed Forces Entertainment Tours, he discovered many service members were natural storytellers who could benefit by expressing their thoughts, feelings, and memories. These collaborations became a series of weekend songwriting retreats and charity events. More than 1,500 songs now reflect experiences from World War II to current deployments.
Both rewarding and traumatic memories are captured by Operation Song, from the snapshot of a single moment to the ongoing struggle with post-traumatic stress or addiction. Foti points out, “There are songs about sacrifice and struggle, but also songs of triumph and pride. We have a really beautiful song about Air Force aviators that would fly into Afghanistan every day and support the ground troops there. On their way back to Kuwait or Qatar or wherever they were stationed, they would go over this mountain range called the Karachi. They would call it the Karachi Sunrise. So there is a song about the beauty in a simple moment in a war-torn area.”
That song is a collaboration between hit songwriter Chuck Jones, who has written more than 50 songs for Operation Song, and airman Ryan Cobb, a 2020 graduate who earned a degree his Master of Science in Aeronautics. Jones had high praise for his writing partner. “Ryan is a musician himself, plays B3 organ and a little slide guitar, so I sent him the music stems and he added the organ and slide on that song.”
The Power of Song: Healing and Connection
Foti sees the power of song in his work every day and views it as equally important as his previous nonprofit work focused on housing, healthcare, and transition services. “Songwriters can be great therapists. A song can be a catalyst for veterans who are often disenfranchised by the system, who aren't engaged with the system at all. This song can be an opening of a whole new world of the nonprofit community to them, and it can open them up to their own story. There's a lot of veterans that will say things in a song that they won't say out loud to their family, and it can be an incredibly powerful way to connect.”
From the Skies to the Stage
Foti is a veteran committed to serving those in the armed forces. He was a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot. As one of the top ROTC cadets in the country, when he was told aviation was hardest to get into, he set his sights on flying. He credits a buddy who attended Embry-Riddle with helping him through flight school. “He had so much fixed-wing time, he already knew a lot of what we were learning. Things like navigating a traffic pattern were basic to him and he really helped me make it through flight training.”
Foti earned his Master of Science in Aeronautics in 2022. Attending graduate classes through Embry-Riddle Worldwide at Fort Campbell in 2015, he was initially leery about whether hybrid, then remote, learning would work for him. “All of us were there, but then our teacher was on screen in Florida. That took down a barrier for me. I didn't know if I had the discipline to be in a completely remote program. And so what I really liked about Embry-Riddle at the time is that it had that option, which really opened me up to that concept. As an aviation officer, I was thinking ahead about ways to strengthen my resume for aviation management after I transitioned. I knew it would help to have some of the civilian learning experience from Embry-Riddle and pair that with my military experience to find a job.”
That transition came much sooner than he expected. A diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes grounded Foti. “The only thing I had done in my adult life up to the age of 27 years old was lead troops in combat and fly helicopters in combat, and I couldn't do either of those things.”
After working in some “aviation-adjacent” management jobs and some sales work for a tech startup, Foti’s wife joined the United States Air Force and he followed her to Oklahoma. Looking through USA Jobs, he spotted a Wounded Warriors Fellowship available for a Congress House of Representatives member in Oklahoma City. His disability rating qualified him for the two-year fellowship focused on advancing veterans' issues. He loved the work and eventually landed a management position with Dale Graham Foundation, a nonprofit.
The once super-competitive cadet now focused his energy and management skills on growing the operation. “I took the Dale Graham Foundation from a $900,000 budget to a $1.4 million budget over the course of three years. I tried to really grow and scale the processes by using lean principles and project management principles to improve how the veterans we served could flow through the process and receive the benefits they were entitled to.”
Foti appreciates that he has a mission and a sense of purpose, which many veterans struggle to find. “I would put the uniform back on today, but now I put on a suit and that’s my uniform. The military is incredibly powerful at giving individuals a purpose. Even if they don't like it. They might be upset, they might grumble, they might complain about their commander or their mission, but at the end of the day they do have purpose and it could be incredibly rewarding being in the military.”
Steering Operation Song Closer to the Vision
Moving forward, he hopes to put Operation Song out of business. So to speak. “What I love about the nonprofit sector is that nonprofits exist to solve problems. The moment that problem is solved, they're supposed to close. Any cancer research nonprofit that you've ever donated to, their vision is to cure cancer. Their mission is what they're going to do to get there. So, Operation Song has done incredibly well over these past 10 years at building a culture around the mission. And now I want to slowly start steering it closer and closer to the vision."
That vision is to share stories with every American. “My goal is to share more stories with Americans so they remember the sacrifices of those who've borne the battle. That is my singular priority. If I don't take those songs to Americans, eventually I'm going to run out of juice. I'll lose donors. I'll lose corporate sponsorships. Grants will dry up. I have to continue to find ways to take those songs to Americans so that they remember that they need to support veterans. That's our mission.”
In its new CEO, Operation Song has helped one more veteran find his purpose after service. And through service.
- A dedicated Cyber Intelligence and Security major, Makayla Gill discovered her passion for cybersecurity at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is excited about making a difference in the field.
Securing the Future With Cyber Intelligence and SecurityA dedicated Cyber Intelligence and Security major, Makayla Gill discovered her passion for cybersecurity at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is excited about making a difference in the field.Growing up in the tight-knit community of Phelan, California, Makayla Gill ('25) always dreamed of following her grandfather's footsteps into the Air Force and becoming an Intelligence Officer. When her path to the Air Force took an unexpected turn, Makayla discovered Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Cybersecurity program housed in the nation’s first College of Business, Security and Intelligence (CBSI) — a finding that would profoundly shape her future.
Choosing Her Path
Today, Makayla is pursuing a B.S. in Cyber Intelligence and Security, complemented by a minor in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination. Her dedication and hard work have allowed her to excel in her academics and beyond.
"When I researched Embry-Riddle and found their outstanding Cybersecurity program, I saw it as a perfect fit for my aspirations,” she said. “Despite starting with no prior coding experience or technical background, I embraced the challenge head-on. It was intimidating at first, but I worked extremely hard inside and outside of class. Now, as I approach my final year in the Cyber program, I can honestly say I loved every moment of it."
Choosing Cybersecurity wasn't just a career decision for Makayla — it was a chance to make a meaningful impact.
"Helping people has always been my motivation. I wanted to join the military to assist in protecting people and now I am doing it in a different and rewarding way,” she said.
The Embry-Riddle Experience
Due to Embry-Riddle's renowned reputation, intimate class sizes and opportunity for career growth, Makayla found herself drawn to a place where success soars.
Beyond academics, Makayla has taken on leadership roles within the Student Government Association (SGA), serving as Treasurer and managing funds allocated to various student organizations on the Prescott Campus.
"It's been a great opportunity to refine my leadership skills and prepare for future career roles," she said. “I’ve learned how to refine my ability to learn and to craft my conversations to each person’s needs, which will hopefully prepare me for a leadership position in my future career.”
Additionally, Makayla initiated a school supply drive for the Prescott Unified School District, reflecting her commitment to community engagement and service. "It's been incredibly fulfilling to give back and build connections between Embry-Riddle and the local community.”
As Makayla continues her journey at Embry-Riddle, her experiences in leadership, academics and community service highlight her dedication to excellence, preparing her for a future where her impact in cybersecurity and beyond will be significant.
Internship Opportunities
Outside of her academic pursuits, Makayla’s journey has been enhanced by hands-on experiences, such as her internship with American Express (AMEX). Secured through the Fall Career Fair, this role involved performing data quality of standard deviations and creating training materials.
“Embry-Riddle has really helped in professional development,” she said. “Being able to go into Career Services and get feedback on a cover letter and resume is such a great tool to have. This resource aided in me getting my internship with American Express.”
The internship reinforced her technical skills and provided crucial networking opportunities, affirming her desire to build a successful career in the near future.
“My favorite part of the internship was the networking opportunities. AMEX pushes you to connect to anyone in the company and I really tried to take advantage of that. It showed me the importance of putting yourself out there to move forward in your career,” she said. “This internship helped show me what I enjoy doing in cyber security. I hope to make a career at AMEX and explore the opportunities they have to offer in cyber.”
Looking ahead, Makayla envisions a career where she can leverage her cybersecurity skills to contribute meaningfully to the industry. "What motivates me is knowing that my work helps keep people safe," she said. "It's not just about a paycheck; it's about making a difference."
Inspiration for the Future
Driven by a deep commitment to protect and help others, she views her work as a mission to secure the cyber world. The unwavering support of her family and friends, along with inspiration from her grandparents, fueled her ambition in the pursuit of her dreams.
“My family has supported me in everything I do, and my childhood friends have been by my side through my whole journey, offering me advice and motivating me to keep going to get my degree,” she shared.
She continued, “I want to have the drive and determination in my career and be a hard worker like everyone in my family.”
As Makayla approaches the final stretch of her academic journey, her experiences offer valuable insights for others navigating their own path. Her advice to current and future students of Embry-Riddle is simple yet profound.
"Put yourself out there and do not be afraid to try new things here! It can be a fresh start for you to figure out what you would like the rest of your life to look like,” she said. “Take advantage of every opportunity Embry-Riddle offers you. It might be intimidating at first, but the professional and personal growth you'll experience is worth it."
- From Embry-Riddle to Atlas Air, Captain Wes Atteberry inspires as a recruiter, paying forward his aviation journey.
New Captain Charts Course for Aspiring Pilots at Atlas AirFrom Embry-Riddle to Atlas Air, Captain Wes Atteberry inspires as a recruiter, paying forward his aviation journey.From his first flight at age 12 to a distinguished career shaped by an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University education, Wes Atteberry’s journey from a fascinated youngster to a seasoned captain at Atlas Air exemplifies a passion transformed into a profession. Since earning his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science in 2020, Wes has taken on a pivotal role in recruitment, guiding future pilots towards their aviation dreams.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Wes recalls a casual yet crucial conversation atop a maintenance building during a career fair at the university. “That encounter on the rooftop was with key Atlas Air personnel. Without my connection to Embry-Riddle, I would never have attended that career fair or had that conversation that launched my career at Atlas Air,” he shares.
As a recruiter, Wes now finds himself on the other side of the table, offering guidance and insights to hopeful aviators. His journey into recruitment was a natural progression from his role as a pilot, driven by his desire to give back to the community that fostered his growth.
Tips for Aspiring Aviators
In a recent interview, Wes shared invaluable advice for students aiming to stand out in the competitive aviation industry:
1. Diversify Your Experience: Wes emphasizes the importance of a varied background. His experiences after graduation, serving as a flight instructor at Warbird Adventures, Inc. and performing aerobatics, not only honed his skills but also demonstrated a passion and dedication that set him apart as a candidate.
2. Volunteer and Engage Broadly: Engaging in the aviation community, such as volunteering at Warbird museums, deepens knowledge and expands networks. This commitment can lead to unexpected opportunities and shows a dedication to the aviation world.
3. Showcase Soft Skills: Having a warm, outgoing personality and being approachable are crucial. Wes suggests that candidates should not hesitate to initiate conversations, offer a firm handshake and smile to make the best impression on potential employers.
4. Be Prepared and Proactive: Wes advises attending events like career fairs prepared and even showing up early, as he did, can lead to invaluable connections. Being proactive in such environments can distinguish a candidate from others.
Wes credits Embry-Riddle for not just the technical skills he acquired but for instilling a profound appreciation for aviation’s history and community. His narrative is punctuated with gratitude for the scholarships that eased his financial path and the alumni network that continues to support his professional journey.
Today, as he navigates global routes for Atlas Air, Wes remains deeply connected to the Warbird community, dedicating time to a museum in Ohio to preserve the history of flight that first captured his imagination. He is enthusiastic about his role as a recruiter, eager to be a point of inspiration just as an American Airlines captain once was for him.
Reflecting on his journey, the value of Embry-Riddle is clear. The university not only provided him with the technical skills needed to excel but also embedded a deep appreciation for the broader history and community of aviation. This foundation has shaped his career path, as well as his personal identity and ambitions within the industry.
Wes stands ready to inspire and assist at career fairs, ensuring that the legacy of Embry-Riddle and the spirit of aviation continue to soar.
- Embry-Riddle Worldwide Faculty Add Extra Experience to Expand and Humanize Business Education
The wide-ranging experience of Embry-Riddle’s faculty adds value and takes business education to a whole new human level.
The wide-ranging experience of Embry-Riddle’s faculty adds value and takes business education to a whole new human level.
When it comes to offering business degrees that put students on course to becoming aviation industry leaders, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus stands apart.
In addition to renowned online courses that are specifically designed to accommodate the lifestyles of busy working professionals, Embry-Riddle’s deep connections to the global aerospace industry ensure students have direct access to internship and career opportunities with today’s top employers.
Another distinguishing aspect of a Business degree at Embry-Riddle Worldwide is the expertise and experience of the College of Business faculty, whose skills span a range of key aviation and aerospace disciplines and serve to enhance the solid business foundation that students receive.
One such example is Associate Professor Dr. Michael D. Santonino III, who teaches courses in the Master of Business Administration in Aviation and the B.S. in Aviation Business Administration programs.
Dr. Santonino, who earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the ABET-accredited New York Institute of Technology, recently completed a sabbatical that took him back to his engineering roots and allowed him to become the first Worldwide College of Business faculty member to publish in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineer (IEEE) Access journal, quite an accomplishment for a business professor who has been out of engineering for 20 years.
“It has been a while since I was designing RF/microwave circuitry, calculating S-parameters, and measuring on spectrum analyzers and complex phase-arrays systems,” Dr. Santonino said with a laugh. “But I wanted to recall the ‘good old days’ and blend my engineering and business management background to publish in IEEE, even though it was a long and arduous journey to publish in such a high-quality journal.”
For Dr. Santonino, the high-tech side of the aviation industry was rooted in his DNA at the start of his career as he worked on the Rockwell B-1B Lancer bomber’s integrated RF countermeasure system at Raytheon Company-Sedco System.
He continued a successful engineering career at AT&T Bell Labs Microelectronics (as a member of the Technical Staff), Motorola Inc. and Harris Corporation as he also pursued a double doctorate in management and marketing from H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, which is AACSB accredited.
His career ladder progressed from electrical engineering to business management after post-graduate study, which, in turn, led to teaching.
Dr. Santonino joined the Worldwide faculty 12 years ago to teach a variety of management and marketing courses online, at several of Embry-Riddle’s U.S. campuses and at the Asia Campus, where he spent up to four months a year for eight years in a row.
“Eventually, anyone in business has a decision to make,” he said. “Over time, if you decide where your passion best fits, follow that path. My passion was touching the lives of a culturally diverse student population by teaching at military bases and our students in Singapore. My time at the Worldwide Campus has allowed me (and many other faculty members) to reach a diverse student body across the globe. It has been a life-changing journey.”
While Dr. Santonino’s own accomplishments are unique, his additional range of aviation experience is not. The entire instructional team at the Worldwide College of Business has extra expertise that they share with every student who pursues any one of the 14 bachelor’s or master’s degrees the school offers.
“We have learned the lessons,” Dr. Santonino said, “so we can share them with our students.”
- From turning wrenches to doing touch-and-gos, Embry-Riddle is helping student Nichole Stall explore the full range of possible aviation careers.
Embry-Riddle Fuels Eagle’s Journey as She Pursues All Things AviationFrom turning wrenches to doing touch-and-gos, Embry-Riddle is helping student Nichole Stall explore the full range of possible aviation careers.To say that Nichole Stall has gone all in on aviation would be a serious understatement. At age 23, the California native is working toward a B.S. in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus while she also builds her time and experience as an aviation technician and a pilot of both airplanes and helicopters.
Although her journey is just beginning, Embry-Riddle is helping Nichole set her course toward a range of crucial aviation milestones that can open doors to successful careers in the sky and on the ground.
Currently, Nichole works as a technician at COC Aerospace and is on a quest to earn her Airframe & Powerplant license to go along with her licenses to fly fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.
She recently took time out from school, work and flight training to share some highlights of her adventures as a student of aviation so far.
Tell us about your background and how you first got interested in aviation.
I am from Whittier, California, but we moved to Newbury Park when I was in elementary school and have lived here since. My dad has always been an aviation junkie and took me to air shows throughout Southern California. I also spend a lot of my time traveling and have always enjoyed being in the air.
Why did you choose Embry-Riddle for your A.S. and B.S. degrees in Aeronautics?
Embry-Riddle has a reputation that I trust, and they had the best degree programs for everything I wanted to do. The Embry-Riddle community has always been so supportive in addition to helping provide so many of the tremendous opportunities I have been given.
Tell us how you landed at COC Aerospace and the work you’re doing now.
I used to work for a company that specialized in SOCATA-Daher TBM turboprop aircraft. I started as a detailer, then worked my way up to an apprentice aircraft mechanic under their station license, where I gained hours for my A&P license.
I later found myself in the office as a Logbooks and Record Maintenance technician. In this role, I recorded all maintenance activities, inspections, repairs and alterations performed on aircraft in the logbook maintained by SOCATA-Daher, and updated work orders and log entries in accordance with FAA, Daher and Pratt & Whitney standards.
I also abided by Daher’s and the FAA’s direction regarding the Pilot's Operating Handbook and other revisions based on Service Bulletins and updated Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). I entered and printed Airworthiness Directives listings for each plane that underwent maintenance.
My supervisor communicated with data analysts to discuss insurance, management systems and the scheduling and monitoring of SOCATA-Daher TBM engine health to support my role in releasing planes that passed inspections and were verified as airworthy.
I used my A&P hours and FAA experience to land a job at COC Aerospace, which specializes in supporting the Northrop F-5/T-38 aircraft family. The company provides life extension, upgrades and maintenance solutions for these aircraft.
COC also supports global customers with parts, technology and solutions, leveraging over 50 years of experience in the aerospace industry. The company is an AS9100 Rev D certified supplier and collaborates with major aerospace firms like Northrop Grumman and Airbus Defense.
At COC, I build and overhaul parts for T-38 and T-5 aircraft, including landing gear, drop tanks, leading edges, and trailing edges. I use hand and pneumatic tools to assemble mechanical parts and subassemblies according to diagrams, specifications, blueprints and engineering drawings made by the U.S. Air Force.
I also use advanced technologies such as photogrammetry, laser tracking and electronic discharge machining to enhance aircraft performance. I also spend a lot of my time collaborating with global customers and strategic partners.
I am currently overhauling the landing gear for the Kratos supersonic UAV drone. This project involves disassembling the existing landing gear, inspecting each component for wear and damage, and refurbishing or replacing parts to ensure optimal performance and safety.
I collaborate with engineering teams to incorporate the latest technologies and materials, enhancing the landing gear's durability and reliability. This overhaul is crucial for maintaining the UAV's operational capabilities and supporting its tactical missions.
Not only do I spend a lot of time in the shop overhauling parts, but I also use the Inventory Locator Service (ILS) to efficiently source parts for the Northrop F-5 and T-38 aircraft. By leveraging ILS's extensive database, I identify and procure critical components from reliable suppliers.
I also collaborate with various companies to re-engineer obsolete or hard-to-find parts, ensuring they meet current specifications and standards. Additionally, I broker parts by negotiating deals and managing transactions between manufacturers and clients, ensuring that the necessary components are delivered on time and at competitive prices.
Tell us more about your pursuit of an A&P license.
As a Mechanic & Avionics Apprentice specializing in the Daher Socata TBM, I diagnosed issues, documented maintenance tasks, and stayed updated with industry trends and systems while upholding safety standards.
I recorded maintenance activities, inspections, repairs, and alterations in maintenance logbooks, ensuring meticulous documentation. I maintained and refurbished de-ice boots and systems integrated with the TBM, ensuring they met industry standards.
Utilizing hand and pneumatic tools, I assembled mechanical parts and subassemblies according to diagrams, specifications, blueprints and engineering drawings for Garmin Avionic Systems. In an actuator shop, I maintained and tested actuators using specialized machines.
Tell us more about your flight training.
I started my pilot journey in the summer of 2021, focusing on private fixed-wing aircraft, where I logged my first 10 flight hours. When I began working at the TBM maintenance shop, I gained turboprop experience and was given the opportunity to boost my total flight time.
This got me to my current 16 hours (in piston and turboprop). In the summer of 2023, I expanded my skills by starting to fly a Robinson R-66, adding flight hours towards my rotary-wing certification.
What is your ultimate goal, and how will Embry-Riddle help you reach it?
After I complete my bachelor’s in Aeronautics with a minor in Economics, I want to pursue a Master of Space Operations.
My ultimate goal is to fly for CalFire, as my dad worked for the Los Angeles County Fire Department for more than 32 years. In that process, I also want to dive into defense companies such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin or L3 Harris.
I am embarking on part of this journey this fall as I am currently coordinating employment at Northrop Grumman. I have also longed to fly as a helicopter pilot for aerial electric line workers.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
A Bible verse that means a lot to me and helps keep me going is Psalms 121, 7-8: “The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
- Combined with an Embry-Riddle education, a professional group like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) can open the door to incredible opportunities.
How to Land an Amazing InternshipCombined with an Embry-Riddle education, a professional group like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) can open the door to incredible opportunities.As a rising junior in the B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and the professional engagement chair for the Daytona Beach chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), I just completed a three-month internship at L3Harris, a defense and aerospace company with 48,000 employees in over 100 countries.
I worked as a Systems Integration and Test Engineer at the L3Harris campus in Palm Bay, Florida, where I was part of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) team that addressed and verified requirements for a multi-million-dollar missile defense agency program.
The experience has not only deepened my understanding of the aerospace and defense industry but also highlighted L3Harris's commitment to talent and fostering innovation on a global scale.
How did I end up working at such a fantastic company this summer? I have to thank Embry-Riddle and SWE for that.
I attended my first SWE meeting in my first year, fell in love with the club and have attended every meeting since. Beyond finding people who share my love of engineering, SWE also offers us the chance to help the community by empowering girls and young women to get more involved with STEM.
As part of the SWE group from the Daytona Beach Campus, I went to SWE’s 2023 Conference in Los Angeles, where I got 13 internship offers! I was grateful for each and every offer, and that’s where I decided to work at L3Harris this summer.
That conference and other events I have been part of through SWE taught me that you need to bring energy and passion when speaking to recruiters because they love to see what you care about and what you can bring to the table.
I also learned it was important to go to every single resume workshop that is available because the more advice you get, the better.
I am very thankful for my technical report writing teacher, Dr. Tanya Darlington, who helped me with my resume and with bringing confidence to the table. She was always willing to make time for me when I needed help or advice on anything related to effective writing and communication styles.
I am also grateful to my fellow SWE members because one of the great things about a student chapter like this is building friendships that can last forever.
An Extraordinary Way to Spend the Summer
My time at L3Harris has expanded my knowledge and helped me build a diverse network of connections. The internship offered various opportunities, including resume workshops, LinkedIn profile reviews, engaging tours and informative educational sessions, each contributing significantly to my professional development.
I was able to learn and broaden my perspective on the variety of roles a Mechanical Engineer is capable of filling. Visiting various buildings at the Palm Bay campus greatly expanded my understanding of L3Harris's scope and impact. It became clear how many projects the company manages and the extensive customer base that relies on their solutions.
During my time in the GMD program, I contributed to verification planning and developing transportation requirements. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with test and mechanical engineers to tackle challenges related to packaging, shock and vibration requirements.
I also gained valuable skills that I am ready to apply in my academic studies and throughout my career. I was able to gain knowledge and work with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Product Life Cycle Management (PLM), and DOORS which has provided me with skills that will be beneficial for my future.
Another valuable lesson was the importance of speaking up and thinking outside the box. This skill will serve me throughout my career, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to develop it. Whether it was speaking to my boss, my peer mentor or my task line manager, everyone offered new ways to improve my professional goals and communication.
Taking a Giant Leap Toward My Future
This internship has revealed the extensive range of career opportunities available to Mechanical Engineers, whether involving hands-on tasks or computer-based work, and it’s clarified my career goal of becoming a Systems Integration and Test Engineer.
This role will balance hands-on and computer-based work, aligning perfectly with my interests.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity with L3Harris and will always treasure the memories and skills I acquired during this experience. It also made me realize how hard I need to work in school to get my degree and how important my work with SWE is.
I learned that every opportunity to get your name out there can bring you one step closer to reaching your dream. It can be as simple as saying “good morning” to someone and making a connection that will change your life.
This summer also made me realize how important it is to speak up when you see something going wrong. One small mistake could have a major impact on the future outcome of any project.
I was able to get multiple life lessons that I am grateful to be able to use in the future!
Why SWE Stands Out for Students
The role of professional engagement chair requires me to reach out to engineering and aerospace companies and have them come in, connect with our members and help them find internships and full-time job opportunities.
For the upcoming 2024-25 school year, I have arranged for these companies to come in and connect with us: NASA, Safar Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris and also Bert Zevzavadjian from LinkedIn, who will help SWE members set up their profiles.
This is just one more way SWE makes a difference for its members and one more reason I am so proud to be part of this chapter. If you’d like to check out SWE, we meet every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Student Union 210 (The Chamber).
Come by and find out more about all the opportunities we can offer you!
Solid Support from the Home Front
Finally, I have to say that while I am grateful for Embry-Riddle and SWE, I could not have accomplished any of this without the support of my family, who mean the world to me.
Each one plays a vital role in my life, starting with my mom, who works at NASA in the Astronaut Crew Quarters and really does not understand how much I look up to her. She is a hard-working mom who is caring and always willing to listen.
My dad is my role model, and he is willing to do whatever he needs to make me and my younger sister happy. He is the most kind and caring father anyone could ask for.
Then there’s my sister, Brooke; I know I can always go to her when I need a laugh and someone to listen to how crazy life can get. She is a hard-working girl and an amazing cheerleader who may never understand how proud I am of her!
It's been fun to share some of my experiences as an Embry-Riddle student, L3Harris intern and SWE member with you. I hope it has helped highlight just some of the opportunities available through such an incredible school and an outstanding professional organization like SWE.
I hope to see you at one of our SWE meetings this fall!
An Extraordinary Way to Spend the Summer
My time at L3Harris has expanded my knowledge and helped me build a diverse network of connections. The internship offered various opportunities, including resume workshops, LinkedIn profile reviews, engaging tours and informative educational sessions, each contributing significantly to my professional development.
I was able to learn and broaden my perspective on the variety of roles a Mechanical Engineer is capable of filling. Visiting various buildings at the Palm Bay campus greatly expanded my understanding of L3Harris's scope and impact. It became clear how many projects the company manages and the extensive customer base that relies on their solutions.
During my time in the GMD program, I contributed to verification planning and developing transportation requirements. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with test and mechanical engineers to tackle challenges related to packaging, shock and vibration requirements.
I also gained valuable skills that I am ready to apply in my academic studies and throughout my career. I was able to gain knowledge and work with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Product Life Cycle Management (PLM), and DOORS which has provided me with skills that will be beneficial for my future.
Another valuable lesson was the importance of speaking up and thinking outside the box. This skill will serve me throughout my career, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to develop it. Whether it was speaking to my boss, my peer mentor or my task line manager, everyone offered new ways to improve my professional goals and communication.
Taking a Giant Leap Toward My Future
This internship has revealed the extensive range of career opportunities available to Mechanical Engineers, whether involving hands-on tasks or computer-based work, and it’s clarified my career goal of becoming a Systems Integration and Test Engineer.
This role will balance hands-on and computer-based work, aligning perfectly with my interests.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity with L3Harris and will always treasure the memories and skills I acquired during this experience. It also made me realize how hard I need to work in school to get my degree and how important my work with SWE is.
I learned that every opportunity to get your name out there can bring you one step closer to reaching your dream. It can be as simple as saying “good morning” to someone and making a connection that will change your life.
This summer also made me realize how important it is to speak up when you see something going wrong. One small mistake could have a major impact on the future outcome of any project.
I was able to get multiple life lessons that I am grateful to be able to use in the future!
- As a Maintenance Controller, This Eagle’s Service Area Is the Sky
Two degrees from Embry-Riddle helped Xavier Cisneros transition from the military to a career keeping planes and passengers safe as they cross the Pacific.
Two degrees from Embry-Riddle helped Xavier Cisneros transition from the military to a career keeping planes and passengers safe as they cross the Pacific.
Maintenance controller Xavier “Cisco” Cisneros ('97, '06) might spend his 12-hour shift monitoring 30 to 40 flights from Hawaiian Airlines headquarters in Honolulu. He is on call, four days on and four days off, to advise flight crews on how to deal with first-class seats that won’t recline, leaking coffeemakers or smoke detectors that won’t turn off after someone has been vaping in the lavatory.
Or he might be talking to a pilot via satellite phone, trying to determine if one of two engines is about to shut down. “Some days, you need a seatbelt,” he says.
The FAA requires every airline to have a maintenance controller and an expert aircraft mechanic trained to advise pilots on any mid-air malfunctions. Issues can also arise at the departure gate, such as blown bulbs and damage done by weather, bird strikes and baggage handlers.
Cisneros must know just about everything there is to know about the B-717, B-767, DC-10, A-321 and A-330. Soon, Hawaiian Airlines will add 17 Boeing B-787 Dreamliners to the fleet. He will also be supporting a wave of new captains as Hawaiian Air continues to hire about 24 new pilots a month.
From Disneyland to the South Lawn of the White House
Growing up in Anaheim, California, Cisneros lived so close to the theme park that he could hear the music from the nightly Disneyland Electric parade in his bedroom. However, what captured his imagination was taking things apart to put them back together.
He remembers, “I ‘Frankenstein-ed’ my bike from garage sale and hand-me-down parts and built bikes for neighborhood kids.” He moved on to tuning up motorcycles and then cars and joined the military, hoping to become an aircraft mechanic.
As a U.S. Marine, Cisneros was a crew chief on the Sikorsky CH-53 Delta, a big cargo helicopter. “I loved it. It was some of the best times I ever had.”
As a Marine, he acquired a nickname that stuck, Cisco, and the discipline to remain calm under duress, an ability that continues to serve him well in his current job. While on active duty, he earned his first degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus, a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics (now the B.S. in Aeronautics) in 1997.
In 1990, he was assigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1).
“I was one of those Marines you see on TV, saluting the president or vice president as he boards the helicopter,” he says.
While executive transport is the highly visible work of the squadron, it is also responsible for testing and evaluating aircraft and systems. Cisneros stayed with HMX-1 through the George H.W. Bush presidency into the beginning of Bill Clinton’s administration in 1994. He then settled in Hawaii.
After landing his job with Hawaiian Airlines, he earned his second Embry-Riddle Worldwide degree, a Master of Business Administration in Aviation in 2006.
He credits his education with his ability to establish credibility with pilots. “Cockpit resource management and all of that stuff that we studied at Embry-Riddle ties into what I do. A lot of coordination. A lot of talking. A lot of listening. Pilots have to trust us.”
Satellite Call for Cisco
When Hawaiian Airlines pilots call on the satellite phone, they reach him at headquarters behind three secured doors. (His work area has the distinction of being the only place employees are allowed to eat at their desks because their vigilance is critical.)
“On the trans-Pacific aircraft we fly (A-321 and A-330), I see cockpit abnormalities from my computer. If a light or fault pops up, I see it as soon as the pilot does.”
He remembers working with a nervous pilot two hours out, flying from Maui to Seattle.
“She told me she was at 38,000 feet, but the autopilot showed 17,000. At that lower altitude, the plane would burn more gas, and they would not make it to Seattle. We talked through when the computer glitch most likely occurred. It turned out her first officer reached over and hit something accidentally.”
Cisneros advised her to switch the autopilot to free climb and call the tower to request another 1,000 feet. She was cleared to climb, and once she added that extra 1,000 feet, the autopilot reset.
The quick solution was the result of his team consulting operations manuals and a veteran A-330 pilot who stepped in to confirm their solution. A cool head and a clear voice go a long way. As he learned as a Marine, “If you lose your head, you lose.”
A wrong decision can be costly as well as risky. “Turning a plane around could mean a quarter million dollars or more. The cost of gas is high. We could have lost food, compensation to passengers, payment to other airlines and overtime or the expense of bringing in another flight crew.”
Cisneros and his team also coordinate delivery of repair and replacement parts. “Everything goes through maintenance control for every plane. Hawaiian Airlines is in a parts pool so that they can borrow parts from American, United and Delta.
“We can interchange a fuel pump and give them another one later,” he said. “Or when we fix one, we can put it on and return their pump if they want their serial number and part numbers to match.”
A New Eagle in the Family
Cisneros and his wife raised three sons in Honolulu and have sent one off to Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Arizona, campus. He tried to interest his youngest child in aviation, taking him on rides in a vintage Bellanca offered to Hawaiian Airlines employees. Luke Cisernos had other ideas. He chose a degree in Global Security and Intelligence Studies.
His father’s advice to Luke is: “Enjoy college and fraternity life and have fun, but remember you are there to get an education.”
His own education and experience enable Cisneros to provide a lifeline for pilots. His role is collaborative. “The pilot has the final decision; I provide the information on risks and options so the pilot can make an informed decision. I don’t think about cost — I ask myself, what if my kids were on that plane? How would I protect them? It is a very rewarding job.”
He can do that rewarding job because he is a mechanic with an aircraft power plant license, has more than 30 years of experience working on jet engines, and has completed 40-hour familiarization classes on each of the planes Hawaiian Airlines flies.
“I tell the newer guys, slow down when taking an emergency call,” he said. “We are the voice of reason. If we sound nervous, the pilot gets nervous. We figure it out together. We are a team, and we will get through it as a team.”
- From baseball to homeland security, James Podlucky's journey at Embry-Riddle led to a new twist on a family tradition in public service, his career in emergency management.
Homeland Security Grad Bridges Safety and TechnologyFrom baseball to homeland security, James Podlucky's journey at Embry-Riddle led to a new twist on a family tradition in public service, his career in emergency management.The freshman who walked onto the baseball team at the Daytona Beach Campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University didn’t have a definite game plan. He had a general interest in public safety, but wasn’t sure what direction that should take.
“When I walked into that first Homeland Security class at Embry-Riddle, I was immediately hooked. The program was still young, but it was growing rapidly, and I felt right at home. I thought – I didn’t know this existed, but it’s awesome, and exactly what I want to do,” recalls James Podlucky, reflecting on the sense of discovery that led to his career in emergency management. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security in 2012.
Raised in New York, James was deeply influenced by a family tradition of public service—his father and uncle were firefighters, and his sister is a police officer with the New York Police Department. Discovering the Homeland Security program enabled him to carve out his own independent, yet related, path.
The integration of independent studies and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) training into his courses not only deepened his appreciation for the impact he could have but also equipped him with practical skills and certifications, blending rigorous academics with real-world application.
He continues to refine his expertise. “One of my favorite classes in college was HS410, Exercise Design and Evaluation. I later ended up taking a national FEMA course that built on that knowledge of how to train first responders and emergency management teams, the Master Exercise Practitioner program,” he says.
In his early career as an emergency management officer, he worked for Sarasota County government, served as deputy emergency management coordinator for the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and was a training and exercise coordinator for the Florida Division of Emergency Management. This city, county and state-level work familiarized him with the network of stakeholders that emergency management must inform and mobilize, from the National Guard to health services, from Florida Power & Light Company to supermarket chains and other key resources.
Fieldwork helped him identify a significant gap. "I've always had a passion for emergency management, from that first class at Embry-Riddle. And then, as I worked in the field, I noticed a huge gap in the technology used to manage those disasters."
He is closing that gap at Everbridge, a technology-focused provider of critical event management tools. The company’s suite of products includes a mass notification system for rapid communication during crises and a platform that integrates threat assessment with incident management. Real-time tracking and communication capabilities help coordinate responses effectively, while automated IT disruption responses maintain operational continuity.
By leveraging data analytics and advanced communication strategies, James is advancing his company’s mission of “empowering resilience” and enhancing the safety of individuals around the world.
Based in Sarasota, his experiences during Florida's hurricane seasons add a personal dimension to his professional perspective. As a husband and father of two young girls, James understands the importance of helping families remain informed, responsible and resourceful.
His shift to a more technology-focused role is a new challenge he enjoys. "I absolutely love what I do. I continue to follow the field, support it in different ways and continue to learn about it."
- Brittany Brown draws on her Aviation Maintenance and Systems Engineering degrees to ensure public safety as a fire prevention chief in Colorado.
Burning Curiosity Inspires a Career in Fire SafetyBrittany Brown draws on her Aviation Maintenance and Systems Engineering degrees to ensure public safety as a fire prevention chief in Colorado.How can there still be so much to learn about a force as timeless and elemental as fire? It turns out there is quite a lot still to discover.
Scientists like Brittany Brown ('17, '20) study fire dynamics and behavior, forensic investigation, suppression and management, the impact of climate change and fire ecology, such as ecosystem recovery and human factors, including education, prevention, urban planning and public safety.
This range of considerations is daunting, and Brown has been involved in almost every facet of fire science. She continues to build a career on understanding and mitigating risks, which led to her current role as chief of fire prevention in South Adams County, Colorado. The county is the fifth largest in the state, with about 500,000 residents.
She launched her career as a mechanic in the United States Air Force.
“I loved fixing things, and I loved flying. While I was in the Air Force, I fixed C-130s, and being a crew chief meant learning all systems — communications, navigation, propulsion, radar. You get to know the airplane really well,” she recalls.
Advancement Through Education
This deep mechanical knowledge led her to pursue multiple degrees at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, including a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance focused on management and aviation safety, followed by a Master's in Systems Engineering. She brought these perspectives together to investigate aircraft accidents, which then led to her interest in fire science.
“I was looking to specialize in survivability and crashworthiness, which has a lot to do with fire. However, I quickly realized that not enough airplanes catch fire to get a good grasp of how fire works.”
Her curiosity and dedication to understanding fire behavior propelled her into a career in fire safety, spanning firefighting, administrative positions and investigative work. She has a particular passion for forensic fire investigation, which led her to earn a doctorate in forensics from Oklahoma State University this year. The degree is technically designated “AEFTI” — arson, explosives, firearms and tool marks.
“We're always trying to figure out the root cause: How did this happen?” she emphasizes, reflecting the scientific rigor she brings to her work. “You need to figure out where your fire started. My first several years in the fire service, I was a fire investigator. That's why my Ph.D. is in forensics. We do a lot of post-mishap investigation analysis.”
A Career as Chief of Fire Prevention
Today, Brown oversees a fire prevention bureau, where her role encompasses development review, code compliance, public education and fire investigations. She ensures that new buildings meet stringent fire safety standards and educates the public on fire risks and prevention.
“Most people never think a fire will happen to them,” she notes. “They don't understand that something as simple as plugging too many things into an extension cord can cause a fire or know that smoke alarms double your chance of surviving a home fire. Awareness is crucial.”
Her efforts also extend to large-scale advocacy. Recently, she was in Washington, D.C., advocating on Capitol Hill for better fire safety measures and policies. “I love addressing public policy on a national level,” she says. “Here’s what we can do, here’s what we can fix. It's all about education. No one knows what they don't know until it becomes relevant to them.”
Looking to the future, Brown hopes to one day influence national standards and protect both firefighters and the public through innovative research and policy advocacy.
“I love research. This is a problem. Here’s how we fix it. And then I love pushing that agenda and getting buy-in. My work is all about protecting firefighters, protecting citizens and being on that cutting edge.”
The impact of climate change is a growing area of exploration. Brown notes, “Climate change may be increasing wildfire risks due to higher temperatures and atmospheric shifts, but much more research is needed to understand its full impact and then apply what we learn.”
In a career marked by an ongoing pursuit of knowledge and a deep commitment to safety, Brown has become a respected figure in the fire science community. Her work ensures that communities are not only better prepared to handle fire-related incidents but also that such incidents are less likely to occur in the first place.
Does she immediately assess the fire safety of any building she walks into? She admits she does. And it’s not a bad habit for the rest of us to adopt.
- National Weather Service meteorologist Paige Swenson Konieczny is sharing her love for weather and her success strategies with students at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus.
Meteorology Grad Making a Difference as a MentorNational Weather Service meteorologist Paige Swenson Konieczny is sharing her love for weather and her success strategies with students at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus.You might bargain with a colleague to sit in on a meeting for you or take a turn refilling the coffee. Paige Swenson Konieczny (’20) is more likely to jokingly offer to swap duties so a colleague will make a 4 a.m. balloon launch in her place.
It's a crucial part of her job with the National Weather Service. As impressive as it is to see those balloons rise, a meteorologist is well aware of just how cold it can get in the high desert before sunrise.
Hers is not a standard nine-to-five job. Day shifts are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., evening shifts from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and the midnight shift from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
“We are a 24/7, 365-day-a-year agency. Weather doesn’t take a break, so we have to be here, prepared,” says Konieczny.
Conditions Favorable to the Making of a Meteorologist
Thunderstorms didn’t frighten Konieczny as a child; they intrigued her. Growing up just outside Kansas City, thunder and lightning sparked her curiosity. In high school, she decided to become a meteorologist.
Her search for the right university led her to the B.S. in Applied Meteorology program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Arizona Campus. She graduated in 2020.
The Prescott location was appealing because it put her close to extended family and brought her back to an area where she vacationed growing up. The compact campus, small class sizes and the program’s impressive placement rate were also key factors in her final choice. She says, “I knew it’s where I wanted to go. I loved everything about it.”
Despite initial concerns about the cost, Embry-Riddle ultimately became her most affordable option, thanks to scholarships and financial aid.
Konieczny’s education included valuable networking and internships despite some detours to remote work due to the pandemic. She worked with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, where she assisted with monsoon season balloon launches and developed connections that continue to prove beneficial.
Additionally, Konieczny received a prestigious scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program provides undergraduates with financial support and exposure to NOAA’s mission, including oceanic, atmospheric and environmental sciences during a 10-week internship.
Tracking: From Student to Mentor
Konieczny’s time at Embry-Riddle was enriched by her involvement in the university’s Aerospace Advisory Board. As a student representative, she gained insight into the needs and expectations of the industry and bridged the gap between students and professionals.
Reflecting on this experience, she notes, “It was a big confidence boost. After I gave a presentation, I had a line of about eight different industry people, all from different walks of the aviation world, waiting to talk to me.”
Today, as a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, Arizona, her daily responsibilities include creating forecast packages, delivering partner briefings, conducting fire weather forecasts and launching weather balloons.
She emphasizes the importance of strong communication skills in her role, stating, “Being a really good communicator is extremely important to ensure complex scientific data is conveyed clearly and effectively to partners and the public.”
Konieczny continues to give back to the field by reaching out to students. As a member of the Aerospace Advisory Board, she mentors students and advocates for the meteorology program.
She feels she gets back as much as she gives. “I’ve been doing my best to give back in ways that I can and just be a mentor to students who want to pursue a career in the National Weather Service.”
Meteorology professor Curtis James acknowledges the special contribution she makes as a graduate of the program. “Paige is a stellar alumna of our Applied Meteorology program. She has served enthusiastically on our Aviation Advisory Board, giving valuable advice for improving our curriculum. She has also dedicated a considerable amount of time helping us to attract new students and financial assistance to keep our program state of the art.”
Education sharpened Konieczny’s core competencies, which are essential for a meteorologist — analytical abilities and clear communication. By developing her math and computer proficiency and fine-tuning her attention to detail, she graduated well-prepared to excel in a career that demands critical thinking and a willingness to harness science to protect the greater good.
- Computer Science student Elias “EJ” Bailey is one of 12 Eagles awarded the 2024 Department of Defense SMART Scholarship.
SMART Scholar Has a Bright Future AheadComputer Science student Elias “EJ” Bailey is one of 12 Eagles awarded the 2024 Department of Defense SMART Scholarship.The Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program provides full tuition coverage, mentorship, summer internships, a stipend and guaranteed post-graduate employment with the Department of Defense.
Elias “EJ” Bailey (’27) will be heading into his second year on Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus, where he studies Computer Science with a concentration on Cybersecurity. He is one of five Embry-Riddle undergraduate students selected.
Department of Defense SMART Scholarship
EJ applied for the DoD SMART Scholarship while in his first semester at Embry-Riddle, then eagerly waited for months to hear an update.
“I was sitting in my physics class, and I looked at my phone and saw an e-mail from them that I had gotten it,” he said. “I was pretty shocked.”
He will be completing summer internships and ultimately working full-time for his sponsor, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which was his first choice on his application.
“During the summers, I’ll go do an internship with them at their facility between sophomore and junior and between junior and senior year,” EJ explained. “And then when I graduate, I’ll go work for them for as long as they had sponsored me, which will be three years.”
Choosing Embry-Riddle for Computer Science
EJ originally toured the Prescott Campus in his home state of Arizona with an interest in Cybersecurity, but after speaking with friends in the data science and computer science industries, he decided to switch tracks to computer science with a focus in cybersecurity.
When he discovered the Computer Science program on the Daytona Beach Campus, only an hour from his grandfather’s house, he had found the perfect fit.
One of the main reasons he chose Embry-Riddle over a public state university was the ability to take degree-related classes from the start, rather than taking a couple years of general education classes first. With one year on campus now under his belt, he’s already gained new interests from his classes, like coding.
“After this year and having a couple classes of [coding], I got more interested in it,” he said. “I do want to get better at various coding languages so that in whatever job I'm in, I can know better what’s going on when it relates to that.”
Big Summer Plans
This summer, EJ will be completing a ten-week internship with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Keyport, Washington, which he applied for at a Career Expo on campus. He will also be visiting MDA’s location in Huntsville, Alabama, to meet with other SMART Scholars sponsored by the agency, and then heading to Washington, D.C., for an orientation with all SMART Scholars.
Immediately following his internship in Washington state, he will be off to Zambia for a three-week study abroad program.
Looking to the Future
After he returns from Zambia, EJ will be fulfilling his dream by studying as an exchange student in Abu Dhabi for the entire 2024-25 school year, inspired by his parents, who both studied abroad in college.
“Starting from Orientation Week, I was trying to get information on what I could do for study abroad,” he said.
He’s travelled the United States with his family on road trips, but a trip to England with his high school soccer team piqued his interest in international travel. He’s not nervous about the new experience of a full school year overseas.
“I think it’ll be interesting learning how to figure out being independent in another country,” EJ said. “I’ll probably learn a lot.”
Thanks to the DoD SMART Scholarship, his future is outlined for him for the next six years. He knows where he’ll be working after graduation and how he’ll be spending his upcoming summers.
And after that?
“I may just love [working at MDA] and want to stay there, but for a while, I've been hoping to end up with a private government contractor company,” EJ said. “Along with that, one of the career paths that I think would be pretty cool is penetration testing, which is where you get hired on by a company to attack their company as if you were a bad guy and see what they can do to improve.”
Whatever else his future may hold, it’s sure to be bright.
What could your future hold? Find out with Embry-Riddle.
- Chanel Davis was recently chosen as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow – a prestigious fellowship promoting Black excellence in the aerospace industry.
Fellowship Serves as a Stepping Stone to This Eagle’s GoalsChanel Davis was recently chosen as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow – a prestigious fellowship promoting Black excellence in the aerospace industry.The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship was established to mitigate the effects of systemic discrimination in the recruitment, selection, training, promotion and recognition of Black students in the aerospace industry. Selected Fellows receive scholarship grants, complete an internship at a leading aerospace institution and attend the organization’s annual summit.
Aerospace Engineering student Chanel Davis (’26) was one of 29 students selected for the 2024 cohort, four of those being Embry-Riddle students. Chanel will be interning with BryceTech.
Here, she shared her insights on the Fellowship, her experience at Embry-Riddle and her goals for the future.
How did it feel to be selected as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow?
Being selected as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow fills me with immense excitement and gratitude. I am truly thrilled to be part of this distinguished group alongside individuals who share similar aspirations and values.
This opportunity not only brings me joy but also a sense of belonging among peers who are dedicated to making a positive impact. I believe that being a Patti Grace Fellow will serve as a significant stepping stone toward achieving my goals.
When I learned that I had secured the Fellowship, a mix of emotions flooded my mind. Initially, disbelief washed over me because the application process had been quite stressful, and I had put my heart and soul into it.
Despite giving my all, I still harbored doubts, especially considering past rejections. It was difficult to process the news at first because it felt almost surreal. I questioned whether it was truly happening or if there had been some mistake.
What does securing this fellowship mean to you personally and academically?
Securing the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship holds significant personal and academic value for me. Personally, it validates my dedication and potential within the aerospace field despite systemic biases. It empowers me and reinforces my sense of belonging in pursuing my aerospace ambitions.
Academically, it provides resources, mentorship and networking opportunities to enhance my skills and future career prospects. This fellowship represents a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the aerospace community.
Why did you choose Embry-Riddle?
I was drawn to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University because of its hands-on approach to education and the emphasis on student leadership.
When I toured the campus with my mom, we both fell in love with the atmosphere and the opportunities available. The hands-on learning environment, coupled with the passionate student community, solidified my decision to become an Eagle.
I vividly remember eagerly awaiting the acceptance box, which arrived on November 30th. It was a moment of excitement and affirmation, and I knew that Embry-Riddle was where I belonged.
What drew you to study Aerospace Engineering?
My journey into the field of aeronautical engineering was influenced by a combination of childhood interests and inspiring experiences. From a young age, I was always fascinated by math, science and space exploration.
One particular moment that significantly impacted my decision to pursue aerospace engineering was when I watched the movie Hidden Figures and learned about Katherine Johnson's remarkable contributions to the field. Her story resonated with me deeply, showing me the immense possibilities within the aerospace industry and inspiring me to follow a similar path.
Moreover, during high school, my passion for math, chemistry and physics became evident to my teachers. They recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue engineering as a way to combine all of my favorite subjects while still allowing me to explore my interest in space. Their encouragement solidified my decision to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering, setting me on the path to where I am today.
Are you involved in any campus clubs or organizations?
I am involved in several campus clubs and organizations at Embry-Riddle. I am a member of the Rocket Development Lab (RDL) in Project Ananke, serve as Member at Large in Delta Phi Epsilon, hold the position of Vice President of the National Society of Black Engineers and participate in the Black Student Union and the Board of Campus Activities (BCA).
I am also involved in the Undergraduate Research Institute (URI). My URI project was about the sense of belonging and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) in introductory engineering classes.
These organizations have had a profound impact on my university experience. They have provided me with a supportive community and a sense of belonging, making my university feel like a home away from home. Engaging with fellow students who share similar interests and goals has been invaluable, fostering friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom.
Moreover, being involved in these organizations has offered me a much-needed outlet from the rigors of engineering coursework. Participating in activities, events and projects outside of my academic studies has allowed me to unwind, recharge and explore different facets of my identity and interests.
Overall, these campus clubs and organizations have enhanced my university experience by providing me with a support system, a sense of community and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What are your goals for the future?
My ultimate goal is to become a flight test engineer or a research and development engineer within the aerospace industry. These roles align perfectly with my passion for aerospace technology and innovation, allowing me to contribute directly to the advancement of aviation and space exploration.
However, my aspirations extend beyond technical expertise. I am deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the aerospace community. I envision myself actively advocating for underrepresented groups, fostering inclusive environments and implementing initiatives that promote diversity and equity within the industry.
Combining my technical expertise with a dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion, I aim to make a meaningful impact on the aerospace field. Whether it's through designing groundbreaking technology, conducting innovative research or leading diversity initiatives, my goal is to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable aerospace industry where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
- With the flexibility of online education, busy professional David Self has been able to earn his degree while building his career as an air traffic controller.
Embry-Riddle Degree Helps Air Traffic Controller Keep Success on the RadarWith the flexibility of online education, busy professional David Self has been able to earn his degree while building his career as an air traffic controller.For David Self (’24), earning his B.S. in Aeronautics with Embry-Riddle Worldwide has not only empowered growth, but it’s also enabled him to address the ongoing shortage of qualified controllers and the strain that puts on the entire ATC system.
David Self takes a break from working and studying to spend time with his son, Samuel.
David, a native of Bakersfield, California, had the unique experience of growing up in two distinctly different locations: San Clemente, California and Ka'u, Hawaii.
He credits his parents, Ronald and Jannie Self, with providing a “nurturing environment alongside my brother, Alex,” adding that “my upbringing in these vibrant communities shaped my diverse interests and adaptability.”
Today, David is a controller at Northern California Terminal Radar Approach Control, coordinating aircraft movement through the airspace of major airports like San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, specializing in San Francisco arrivals.
David recently took time to discuss his aviation journey, his Embry-Riddle experience, and the Capstone Project paper he wrote about the challenges facing today’s ATC infrastructure.
How and when did you first get interested in aviation?
My interest in aviation wasn't immediate but grew from a childhood curiosity about being a fighter pilot and launching model rockets with friends in San Clemente. However, my focused interest in aviation really took shape when I selected my Rating as an Air Traffic Controlman in the U.S. Navy, which steered me toward a deeper engagement with the field.
Tell us about your military service
After spending a couple of years at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, I enlisted in the Navy at Pearl Harbor. I completed basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois, and went on to Air Traffic Control "A" school in Pensacola, Florida.
My first duty station included four formative years at Whidbey Island, Washington, where I developed and honed my skills in the Terminal Radar Approach Control and the Control Tower.
I later served at Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean and, eventually, as a defense contractor in Kabul, Afghanistan, assisting the Air Force and Navy with air traffic control operations during Operation Enduring Freedom.
When and why did you choose Embry-Riddle for your Aeronautics degree?
Choosing Embry-Riddle was a strategic decision aligned with my aviation career. After initially starting my degree in history before joining the Navy, I wanted to complete my education but decided to change my major to focus on a strong foundation in aeronautics, leveraging my professional experiences to deepen my understanding of the field.
What have been some highlights of your Embry-Riddle experience?
A major highlight was my final Capstone course, ASCI 491 Operational Applications in Aeronautics. It allowed me to research and write extensively about critical issues like air traffic control infrastructure and controller shortages, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Tell us about your Capstone Project paper
I addressed the critical issue of the air traffic controller shortage, focusing on the toll it takes on controller well-being due to high job demands and limited recovery opportunities. I highlighted the essential need for management at all levels to prioritize mental acuity over maximizing Time on Position, as the high concentration and rapid decision-making required in air traffic control make mental alertness crucial for safety.
My recommendations included adopting more flexible scheduling to mitigate fatigue, implementing regular wellness evaluations and utilizing technology to reduce operational strain. I emphasized reevaluating performance metrics to focus more on health and mental sharpness, which would align better with safety and operational efficiency.
The paper aimed to provide actionable solutions that could significantly improve working conditions for air traffic controllers, thereby enhancing safety within the aviation industry. By citing studies like the FAA and NASA Controller Fatigue Assessment Report, I supported the urgent need for these reforms to address operational errors and ensure the sustainability of the profession.
What is your ultimate career goal, and how will Embry-Riddle help you achieve it?
My ultimate goal is to become a well-rounded aviation professional. Embry-Riddle has already played a pivotal role in this journey by expanding my knowledge and skill set, making me better prepared for advanced roles in the industry. The versatility of the degree I earned opens up numerous career paths and opportunities for future growth.
What would you say to a working professional considering Embry-Riddle for a bachelor's or master’s degree?
I would encourage them to persevere through challenges and continue their education at Embry-Riddle. The journey might include setbacks, but the payoff is significant in terms of gaining a valuable degree and enhancing career prospects. Every step forward in education is a step toward greater opportunities.
- Online classes and flexible schedules made Worldwide the perfect choice for Hannah Sluder, a non-traditional student with her sights set on a life in aviation.
Worldwide Campus Helps Eagle Find Aviation Opportunity and SuccessOnline classes and flexible schedules made Worldwide the perfect choice for Hannah Sluder, a non-traditional student with her sights set on a life in aviation.Although Hannah Sluder’s interest in aviation started when she was a little girl, it was Embry-Riddle Worldwide that helped her passion take flight.
Hannah (’25) is pursuing her B.S. in Aeronautics through the Worldwide College of Aviation and spending Summer 2024 as an intern in the FAA’s Aviation Safety STEM Student Program, an opportunity that will bring her another step closer to her dream career.
As she got ready for a busy summer of learning through hands-on experience, Hannah took a few minutes to tell us about her life, her goals and her Embry-Riddle journey.
Tell us about your background
I was born and raised in the North Georgia mountains in a little town called Ellijay. I lived there with my parents, James and Angie Thomas, and older brother, Levi Thomas, for 21 years until I married my high school sweetheart, Kyle Sluder, and moved to Ramstein, Germany.
After Germany, my husband received orders to San Antonio, Texas, and we were stationed there until last year. After six years of active duty, Kyle transitioned to the Air National Guard, and we finally moved back home to Georgia. We currently reside in South Georgia near our family.
How did you first get interested in aviation?
My interest in aviation started at a very young age when my mawmaw, who worked at Lockheed Martin from the 1960s up until the day she passed away in 2014, would take us to Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Georgia, for family days. Over the years, my interest in aviation became my passion.
How did you first hear about Embry-Riddle?
I first heard of Embry-Riddle at the beginning of 2020 when I was looking to go back to college after taking three years off. My husband suggested we take a trip to the Education Office located on Ramstein Air Base. It’s there where I first found Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus, and I left there knowing what path I was destined to take.
What made you choose Embry-Riddle Worldwide for your Aeronautics degree?
Embry-Riddle Worldwide contained every single thing I looked for in a university, from all of their aviation-related degrees to the ease of classes offered fully online.
What have been some highlights of your Embry-Riddle experience so far?
Embry-Riddle has been exceptional, and I could not have chosen a better school to earn my degree. I’m forever grateful for the professors who have challenged me to become the student I am today and for the many opportunities I have been awarded just by enrolling at Embry-Riddle.
How does Embry-Riddle make it easier to fit academic pursuits into your daily life?
The ease of online classes has made Embry-Riddle the best university I have attended. I have been able to pursue my degree while living abroad in Germany and then all the way to Texas and back to Georgia.
Tell us all about your internship
I was awarded an internship opportunity with the Federal Aviation Administration under the Aviation Safety STEM Student Program. The session begins on June 3, and I will work in the Aviation Safety, Aircraft Certification Service, East Certification Branch, and Airframe Section.
My duties will include supporting FAA engineers for aircraft design reviews and technical assessments based on the applicants' compliance. Additional responsibilities may include local area-site visits to FAA approval holders and applicants with FAA engineering oversight.
What is your ultimate career goal, and how will Embry-Riddle help you achieve it?
My ultimate career goal is to eventually be an aviation accident investigator; however, I would settle for any aviation-related career because it is not considered a job but something I look forward to every day. I am determined to accomplish this career goal by earning my degree from Embry-Riddle, “The Harvard of the Sky.”
What would you say about Embry-Riddle to someone who wants to pursue a degree but is concerned about the time and cost?
They say time is money, and by attending Embry-Riddle Worldwide, you will save time with the courses being all online, which ultimately means you save money as well.
Embry-Riddle Worldwide, in my opinion, is shaped around non-traditional students, such as people with full-time jobs, military personnel and their spouses. Embry-Riddle Worldwide is worth every penny you could spend. I would never choose a different university, and I will forever encourage everyone with aviation passions to attend.
Is there anything else you want to say?
I am proud to be a first-generation college graduate and second-generation aviation-related worker. I am forever thankful for my loving parents, James and Angie, who have continued to provide opportunities and have never wavered in their constant support.
I am also grateful to my husband, Kyle, who has continued to stand by me no matter what and consistently encouraged me to “go after it.” I would never be the woman I am today without my entire family, and I’m proud to say that I went after it, and I’m doing it!
- Forensic Psychology Student Sheds Light on Native American Cold Case Crisis
Embry-Riddle student Narayt Salcido recently attended the National Conference on Undergraduate Research to share her findings on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis.
Embry-Riddle student Narayt Salcido recently attended the National Conference on Undergraduate Research to share her findings on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis.
At Embry-Riddle, opportunities for research and discovery are plentiful, allowing students to explore topics that have a real-world impact.
Narayt Salcido (’24), who is pursuing a B.S. in Forensic Psychology on Embry-Riddle's Prescott, Arizona, campus, recently attended the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) to present her research on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis.
Research at Embry-Riddle
The MMIP cold case crisis, as defined by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs, encompasses decades marked by high rates of assault, abduction and murder of tribal members, with many of these cases remaining unsolved.
“The Native American population in the United States has been historically mistreated, underrepresented and overlooked,” Salcido said. “One way in which that population has been overlooked has been in our very own criminal justice system.”
Salcido lists multiple factors contributing to the crisis, such as jurisdictional issues, database discrepancies, a high victimization rate, previous government shortcomings and past historical trauma. Her research aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of these factors and then develop culturally sensitive recommendations on ways to actively combat the crisis.
More specifically, Salcido’s research studied database discrepancies that impact cases of MMIP. She identified and compared both official and unofficial databases to determine the number of cases and how they differ between various governmental agencies.
“The available listed cases on each database were noted and compared to other cases on other databases. First, listed cases were compared between each government database. Then, listed cases were compared between each unofficial database. Finally, cases were compared between government databases and unofficial databases,” Salcido shared.
Taking unofficial databases into consideration is crucial due to the nature in which these crimes are, or are not, reported. Historically, cases of missing and murdered indigenous people are less likely to be reported to the police – leading to many cases existing only among “unofficial” platforms, such as websites, Facebook accounts and portals.
Research Findings & Next Steps
By completing some of the first in-depth and focused research on this subject, Salcido hopes to shine a light on how these counterproductive database discrepancies impact the MMIP crisis.
“It was found through this research that there were over 5,000 discrepancies, meaning that over 5,000 cases were only reported to one government agency; there was no overlap. This provides evidence of the extent of this crisis and that action needs to be taken.”
These discrepancies among data regarding missing and murdered people align with previous reports of MMIP case inaccuracies. Like the findings from Salcido’s research, one 2016 study reported case numbers varying by the thousands, with large disparities between the Department of Justice’s federal missing persons database and cases logged by the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).
Salcido’s work doesn’t end with determining and analyzing data discrepancies.
“The next step of this research is to conduct a culturally sensitive and psychologically sound needs assessment with local Arizona tribes. We hope to establish a relationship of trust with tribes that will allow us to gain their insight and perspective to determine the next steps toward addressing the crisis.”
At the NCUR in early April, Salcido joined other student researchers to share her findings and, in turn, raise awareness for the MMIP crisis amongst attendees. She was able to attend thanks to earning an Ignite Grant through Embry-Riddle's Undergraduate Research Institute.
“The conference was a wonderful experience,” she said. “I was able to talk to other students about my work and their work. I formed connections from across the country and was able to speak with many [representatives from] graduate programs.”
Salcido’s Background
Salcido has always been fascinated by both the human mind and the criminal justice system. Now, she’s nearly completed her degree in Forensic Psychology and says she couldn’t imagine herself doing anything else.
“To find a way to pursue both my passions while going toward a career of helping people is more than I could have ever asked for,” she said.
Salcido’s main piece of advice to future students is to know it’s okay if plans change over time. Many students discover new and unexpected passions throughout their education and shift to pursue them.
“Learn what works best for you. No two people are the same; don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on yourself and how you can be successful.”
Do you want to get involved in research at Embry-Riddle? Apply today to take the first step.
- A Puerto Rico native, Jesika Geliga-Torres followed her passion for exploration and became a Patti Grace Smith Fellow at Embry-Riddle.
Embry-Riddle Student's Journey to Securing Patti Grace Smith FellowshipA Puerto Rico native, Jesika Geliga-Torres followed her passion for exploration and became a Patti Grace Smith Fellow at Embry-Riddle.For Jesika Geliga-Torres (’24), her journey in aerospace engineering stemmed from a combination of childhood fascination and a love for problem-solving.
“Growing up in Puerto Rico, I was always inspired by the possibility of exploring unknown worlds,” she said. “I was captivated by space exploration and aviation, so the idea of contributing to advancements in these fields has been a driving force behind my pursuit of aerospace engineering. ”
Jesika's passion for aerospace was ignited during high school by participating in STEM programs and competitions despite the limited opportunities for studying aerospace engineering in Puerto Rico. Jesika decided to pursue her passion by moving away from home to earn a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Finding Community
Jesika learned about Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus through research and a recommendation from her high school advisor.
“Before applying, I came to visit the campus, and experiencing the vibrant aerospace community confirmed my decision to become an Eagle,” she said. “The opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to aerospace innovation and excellence was incredibly inspiring. I knew that Embry-Riddle was where I wanted to pursue my education.”
Driven by the university's esteemed reputation, immersive learning environment and strong industry connections, Jesika was instantly drawn to the comprehensive aerospace programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
“I want to emphasize how proud I am to come from Puerto Rico. My cultural heritage is an integral part of who I am, and it has shaped my perspective and values in profound ways,” she said.
“Moving to Florida four years ago was a monumental step for me, and it required a considerable amount of resilience and hard work. Learning to navigate a new educational system, immerse myself in a different language and adjust to a new cultural environment presented unique challenges, but I am incredibly grateful for the growth and opportunities that have come from this experience.”
She knew that becoming an Eagle would open doors to endless possibilities and that it was the right path for her.
Patti Grace Smith Fellowship
Jesika is among four Aerospace Engineering students from Embry-Riddle who have been selected to receive a 2024 Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, which guarantees paid internships at leading institutions, professional mentorship and grants of $2,500 or more.
“Being selected as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow was an incredible honor and a validating experience. It felt like a recognition of not just my academic achievements but also my dedication to overcoming systemic biases in the aerospace industry,” she explained. “It also felt like an inspiration and further validation that my hard work is paying off. It's truly an honor to be part of a program that aims to promote diversity and inclusion in aerospace careers.”
The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship program’s mission is to provide a meaningful, effective pathway into successful aerospace careers and future aerospace industry leadership to people whose race and ethnicity have made them subject to systemic bias.
Navigating the Industry
For Jesika, securing the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship holds profound personal significance. This fellowship represents far more than just a prestigious award — it stands as validation of her unwavering perseverance and determination to succeed despite obstacles.
“As a Latina woman in aerospace engineering, I've often faced challenges and biases that come with being underrepresented in this field,” she revealed. “I feel like I have had to work harder to get to where I am and to obtain the confidence and strength that I have in my abilities today, which makes me that much more grateful and proud of myself.”
As Jesika embarks on an exciting journey in the aerospace industry, she has learned that her fellowship will include an internship at Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, among many other opportunities.
“It's incredibly thrilling to know that I'll be gaining hands-on career experiences at such a prestigious aerospace company. I hope to immerse myself in various projects related to deep space exploration and astrodynamics, leveraging the skills and knowledge I've gained through my research using augmented reality for trajectory design,” she said. “I'm eager to learn as much as I can and contribute meaningfully to the innovative work being done at this company.”
By overcoming challenges, Jesika has not only achieved personal and professional success but is also leading the way for greater diversity and inclusion within the industry.
Opportunities Awaits
Beyond the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship and the internship with Lockheed Martin, Jesika plans to return to Embry-Riddle in the fall to earn her M.S. in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on dynamics and controls. Her goal is to pursue a career in aerospace engineering that allows her to make meaningful contributions to the field while advocating for diversity and inclusion.
“My dream job is to work on innovative projects that push the boundaries of space exploration and contribute to advancements in aerospace technology. I am particularly interested in deep space exploration.”
With her sights set on becoming a leader in aerospace, Jesika aims not only to leave her mark on the industry but also to inspire future generations of diverse aerospace professionals, shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for space exploration.
To read more on previous student accomplishments, visit Embry‑Riddle’s Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships and apply today!
- Student Shares Insights on Earning a Patti Grace Smith Fellowship
Originally from Monroe, Louisiana, Benjamin Carter followed his interests in aviation and aerospace to Embry-Riddle, where he earned a Patti Grace Smith Fellowship.
Originally from Monroe, Louisiana, Benjamin Carter followed his interests in aviation and aerospace to Embry-Riddle, where he earned a Patti Grace Smith Fellowship.
At age 16, Benjamin Carter (’25) became interested in aerospace engineering and becoming a pilot. After a summer internship filled with learning more about aviation and beginning to work toward his pilot’s license, Carter was fully committed and made plans to pursue both passions.
With the help of his mother, he began to look for universities where he could continue learning and gaining experience in aviation and aerospace. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University stood out as a top contender.
“Once I visited the Daytona Beach Campus, I immediately knew that’s where I wanted to further my education. The campus is top-notch. There were so many areas that impressed me. The state-of-the-art facilities and labs were the true determining factor for me,” he remembered.
The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship
At Embry-Riddle, the student experience is often characterized by opportunity and connection.
In 2024, four Aerospace Engineering students from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University were selected to receive Patti Grace Smith Fellowships, which guarantees paid internships at leading organizations, professional mentorship and grants of $2,500 or more. Benjamin Carter was one of those four students.
“I am very excited and grateful to be selected as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow. I was aware of how competitive the process would be, so I am truly honored to know that I am granted such an awesome opportunity,” Carter said. “I know that there are some bright students in various fields of STEM, so I am feeling wonderful to know that I am selected for such an achievement.”
By definition, the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship aims to “provide a meaningful, effective pathway into successful aerospace careers and future aerospace industry leadership to people whose race and ethnicity has made them the subject of systemic bias.” For Carter, this selection means he is on “the right track.”
“This honor encourages me to believe that... I will have a successful career in the aerospace industry regardless of my color and race,” Carter said. “Personally, this honor is a boost to my confidence and spirit. I always try to support and encourage others. Having so many people of various races and backgrounds support me and recognize this achievement encourages me to keep working hard.”
As with all Patti Grace Smith fellows, Carter has earned an internship with a leading industry organization – his being Northrop Grumman. Eager to begin, Carter is looking forward to an opportunity to apply the knowledge he has gained while on campus.
“Saying that I am excited to work with leaders in aerospace and in such a highly recognized corporation who are pioneers in the aerospace industry is a great understatement,” he said.
Remembering the extensive application process and series of interviews with various organizations he undertook while applying for the fellowship, Carter shared how he was able to secure his place – by exemplifying his hard work, experience and dedication.
“I made sure that I was prepared to present the knowledge that I was gaining from courses at Embry-Riddle,” he recalled. “I researched each corporation and prepared to present myself as a knowledgeable young man who is open to learning and working with others. I appreciated how the process allowed me to showcase who I am as a person and not just academically.”
The Embry-Riddle Experience
While earning his degree, Carter has dedicated his time outside of class to pursuing his pilot’s license and he now holds a Private Pilot ASEL License with his instrument rating.
“Being an Aerospace Engineering student as well as a pilot, I have been able to correlate knowledge from both perspectives, which has aided me in having a greater understanding of aviation. I absolutely love engineering and studying the factors within it. However, the same can be said for my love of flying,” he said.
While crediting his education with boosting his flight experience and vice versa, Carter has two options for a career path, and he hopes to fall somewhere in the middle of both fields.
“My love for both engineering and flight are equal. My dream would be to become an aerospace engineer or an airline pilot. If God would permit, I would love to have the opportunity to experience both careers,” he shared.
“As for now, I will continue with my studies toward my degree and continue obtaining the next licenses and ratings needed to obtain my Airline Transport License. One never knows what the future has in store for them, so the best thing to do is take it one step at a time.”
Ready to chase your dreams at Embry-Riddle? Apply now.
- Motivated by a passion for her field and excitement for innovation, Olivia Munisi found her place at Embry-Riddle through on-campus involvement.
Empowering the Future: Eagle Finds Inspiration in On-Campus InvolvementOlivia Munisi found her place at Embry-Riddle through on-campus involvement. Motivated by a passion for her field and excitement for innovation, she reflects on the experiences that paved the way to a role at The Boeing Company after graduation.Olivia Munisi (’24) chose to pursue her degree in Aerospace Engineering due to a deep-rooted passion for space that sparked early in her life.
“Growing up in DC and visiting the Air and Space Museum was an experience in which seeing the incredible breakthroughs in aerospace technology ignited a spark within me,” she remembered. “As I got older, I wanted to challenge myself and choose a career that aligned with my interests and aspirations.”
As Munisi’s passion for aerospace grew, she decided to enroll at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she became involved in exciting research and found a sense of belonging within the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), which provided plentiful academic, personal and professional opportunities.
Research at Embry-Riddle
During her junior year, Munisi was invited to complete undergraduate research on analysis and software for the rocket stage of engine design.
“Although it is a challenge, it really opened doors for me. For this research, we are designing and analyzing the operation for a scramjet rocket stage (hybrid engine) that will be specifically suited for SSTO (Single Stage to Orbiting) vehicles.”
Essentially, Munisi is assisting in the creation of an engine for rockets that can travel from Earth to space in just one stage.
Her research allowed her to recently travel to California, where researchers from Embry-Riddle attended the annual National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR) to share their progress and findings.
Looking ahead, Munisi plans to remain involved through the project's completion and ultimately contribute to applying for a patent.
National Society of Black Engineers
The mission statement of NSBE is "to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community."
Students who join NSBE have opportunities to connect with peers on their campus, interact with students from other schools, engage in career development and attend various networking events.
The highlight of NSBE involvement is the Annual Convention, which brings together students from over 600 chapters across the United States and abroad.
“Throughout my experience with NSBE, I attended various events, such as conferences, which have opened doors to multiple offers and interviews,” Munisi recalled, remembering offers she received from companies such as Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company, General Dynamics and NASA.
NSBE events are filled with innovation and excitement outside of career development, with everything from competitions to educational programs and more.
“I was also a part of the Boeing Glider Competition at the NSBE Conference, where we created a free flight glider to achieve a [specified] glide distance. Last year we won first place; this year we won third place,” Munisi said.
Furthermore, Munisi recalled one of her favorite NSBE experiences – building rockets.
“I participated in NSBE’s CORE (Creative Original Research Engineering) program. With the help of ERFSEDS (Embry-Riddle Future Space Explorers and Developers Society), I was able to build a model rocket and launch it. Later, I built and launched another rocket, successfully achieving a Level 1 High Power Rocket certification.”
Munisi’s hard work with NSBE and throughout her academic career culminated when she was offered a position as a Design and Test Analysis Engineer at The Boeing Company, which she will assume after graduation.
Inspiration & Motivation
Behind Munisi’s passion for finding success in her field are her own pillars of faith, innovation and representation.
“Faith plays a significant role in my life, providing me with guidance, strength
,and purpose to stay committed to my goals,” she shared.“For innovation, I am excited and motivated to have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements that shape the future of space exploration.”
Munisi hopes to make her mark within the aerospace industry and aims to one day find a role at NASA that will allow her to do so. But her vision extends beyond her individual aspirations — she emphasizes the importance of representation and diversity in her field.
“Representation matters,” she said. “I am committed to advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in the aerospace industry. As a woman and a woman of color, I recognize the importance of breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of diverse engineers. I am motivated by the opportunity to be a role model and to inspire others to contribute to creating a more inclusive industry.”
Munisi also cites her friends and family as major sources of inspiration for her achievement and success, thanks to the support they provide throughout her journey. Reflecting on her own experiences throughout her studies and within her involvement in NSBE, Munisi offered a word of advice for future Eagles.
“It's okay to not know everything; keep pushing and try your best. Don’t be shy, and get involved in organizations because you never know what there is in store for you and what opportunities may come along within the organizations.”
- The Dual Enrollment program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University allows students to earn high school and college credit concurrently starting as early as ninth grade.
Dual Enrollment at Embry-Riddle Fuels Aspiring Aviator’s Pursuit of Dream CareerThe Dual Enrollment program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University allows students to earn high school and college credit concurrently starting as early as ninth grade.For Alexander White, the unparalleled “sensation of freedom and fulfillment” he gets from flying an airplane is all the motivation he needs to pursue a career on the flight deck.
And to accelerate that journey as much as possible, the 17-year-old native of Port St. Lucie, Florida, turned to Embry-Riddle’s Dual Enrollment program.
Maximum Flexibility, Fully Online
The online classes at the Worldwide Campus provide students the opportunity to participate in nine-week asynchronous courses, with seven terms available throughout the year to maximize flexibility.
Embry‑Riddle’s program offers an enriching experience with more than 80 courses available. Alexander said that, for him, dual enrollment was “ideal because it offered a solution to manage my high school workload, earn college credits and make progress toward a degree.”
Alexander, who was home-schooled and likes to play guitar and hang out at the beach when he isn’t flying or studying, graduated high school in May and also celebrated earning his Associate of Science in Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle.
Dual Enrollment Gets Students Ahead of the Game
That degree paves the way for him to start the fall 2024 term on the Daytona Beach Campus as a sophomore. Alexander says dual enrollment has already “familiarized me with college-level coursework.”
Once on campus, he plans to pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot by continuing his flight training and aviation studies in Embry-Riddle’s renowned B.S. in Aeronautical Science program.
“Aviation is where my passion lies,” Alexander said. “The prospect of a career in this field is incredibly exciting.”
A Passion for STEM Leads to the Sky
Alexander has been thinking about the prospect for a while. He recalls being fascinated by STEM subjects when he was younger, and his introduction to the wonders of aviation began when he joined the Civil Air Patrol.
“Flying intrigued me because of its novelty and excitement,” he said. “That motivated me to pursue it as a career path.”
Growing up just a few hours south of Daytona Beach, Alexander was aware of Embry-Riddle and jumped at the chance to leverage the advantages dual enrollment offers, especially for aspiring pilots.
What Are Some Other Benefits of Dual Enrollment?
With his associate degree in hand and his bachelor’s in sight, Alexander can now fully focus on the serious business of becoming a well-rounded aviator. Looking back, he’s grateful he chose the course he did.
“My experience with Dual Enrollment has been excellent,” he said, referring to the support provided by Embry-Riddle’s expert team of advisors and faculty members with longstanding industry experience and connections.
Alexander said the program “has provided me with unique opportunities and allowed me to balance high school and college responsibilities effectively.” Beyond vital experience in time management and priority juggling, he found another critical takeaway that is helping him move forward.
“One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of hard work,” he said. “Dual enrollment has reinforced the idea that dedication and effort can yield significant rewards and pushed me to strive for excellence.”
As he gets ready for the next leg of his journey toward a seat on the flight deck, Alexander feels excited. He also feels prepared.
- What brought a pioneering and wildly successful aerospace professional back to the Ph.D. in Aviation program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University?
Ph.D. in Aviation Helps Accomplished Aviator Continue Aerospace InnovationsWhat brought a pioneering and wildly successful aerospace professional back to the Ph.D. in Aviation program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University?Dr. John Maris (’17) has spent most of his life on the leading edge of aviation.
He took his first flying lesson at age 12, and by the time he was 17 years old and legally able to earn his license, he was already exploring better ways to warn pilots of impending stalls.
Combining his natural flying skills with a love for engineering and problem-solving helped John chart the course for a lifetime of aviation achievement that has seen him succeed as a military aircraft commander, test pilot, inventor, safety expert, teacher and owner of an aerospace consortium that continues breaking new ground today.
John’s growing list of accomplishments landed him in the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame in 2018, and in fall 2023, he earned top honors for papers he presented before the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, the Society of Fight Test Engineers and the International Test Pilot School.
In May, John was named to the 2024 Fellows Class by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, which is the group’s top honor. John will join 14 other Fellows in being recognized at the Society’s 68th Annual Symposium & Banquet in September.
That’s in addition to literally dozens of other accolades that include being awarded Canada’s oldest aeronautical prize, the prestigious Trans-Canada (McKee) Trophy, for his contributions to Canadian aerospace and being presented with an Aviation Week and Space Technology Laureate at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, the companion facility of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.
“I have been very privileged,” John said of his spectacular aerospace career thus far. “I can never turn down working on something to get the right answer.”
The Right Ph.D. Program at the Right Time
His search for answers to ongoing safety and human factors questions was among the things that brought him to Embry-Riddle’s unique Ph.D. in Aviation program.
Launched in 2010, the nation’s first doctoral program in aviation allows students to participate in a rigorous, research-driven course that pushes them to reach their greatest potential. Designed with working professionals in mind, the flexible, mainly online delivery enables students to continue excelling in their careers while pursuing doctoral education.
For John, the Ph.D. program also enhanced the ongoing development of his Airfoil Performance Monitor (APM) concept, which offers a more comprehensive stall warning system for pilots, especially crucial when ice or other airflow disruptions are present.
“The overall program aligned with what I wanted, which was focusing on aviation safety and human factors,” he said. “I wanted to become better-rounded from an academic perspective and get the respectability that this Ph.D. obviously provides. It also gave me a very targeted approach to getting data for the APM, forcing me to look at every accident and incident in the last 50 years in North America related to icing, analyze them and come to some conclusions about stall warnings, which in my day job I never would have done.”
John said he found plenty of other plusses in the Ph.D. program.
“The course was terrific, and it wasn’t just about the academics,” he said. “It was also about the networking. My colleagues in the cohort were an outstanding cross-section of the aerospace community. For example, I met my esteemed friend and colleague, Bob Maxson, the Director of NOAA’s Aviation Weather Center, on day one of the program.”
An Early Eagle Leaves a Lasting Impact
John initially discovered Embry-Riddle in the early 1980s, not long after he earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Imperial College London in England, where he was raised.
Visiting his parents, who had retired to the Bahamas, he saw a small ad for Embry-Riddle in an aviation magazine and decided to check it out.
“Today, the Daytona Beach Campus looks like Starfleet Academy,” John said. “But at the time I was there, the buildings that I regularly studied in weren't even air-conditioned. The evolution of the university in my lifetime has been truly astonishing.”
In 1982, John earned a Master’s in Air Science (as the degree was called then) and followed that up in 1983 with a Master’s in Aviation Management, now the Master of Business Administration in Aviation Management.
John’s initial relationship with Embry-Riddle also grew along with the campus, and shortly before he started the Ph.D. program in 2012, he received the President’s Award for his contributions to the school, which included, among other things, serving on advisory boards for the President’s office and the College of Engineering.
Those early days at Embry-Riddle helped put John on a course to the Canadian Armed Forces. There, he served as an antisubmarine pilot flying a Lockheed P-3 Aurora, the Canadian version of the P-3 Orion used by the U.S. Navy, an aircraft he chose even though he had the option of becoming a fighter pilot.
“Halfway through my training, I realized that I absolutely did not have the temperament to be a fighter pilot,” he said. “I’m not competitive, and I’m not aggressive. I'm very much a team player and strategist, and the Aurora had a crew of about 15, so the team environment absolutely suited my leadership style.”
Not that the flying was dull by any means.
“It's a very high-performance aircraft flown right at the edge of its envelope,” John said. “You're in this airliner, basically 200 feet above the waves with a 100-foot wingspan, banking 60 degrees with one or two engines shut down (to save fuel), doing 200 knots and chasing something that's doing 2 knots.”
Not long after he and his crew became Canada’s O’Brien Trophy antisubmarine champions, John was competitively selected to attend the 1988 course at the prestigious U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, one of the top destinations for any pilot.
John’s last assignment in his 12-year military career was with the Canadian Space Agency, where he was appointed as manager for the early development of the workstations that now control the Canadarm2 robotic arm on the International Space Station.
Investigation is the Mother of Invention
At the same time as he was racking up this impressive list of aerospace accomplishments, John was just as busy on the ground, founding his company, Marinvent Corporation, in 1983 as a repository for the flood of patents he’s developed over the years to make aviation safer and more efficient.
The APM, for example, is a system John believes can save many lives by providing pilots with an additional and independent information source that would alert them to an impending stall, even in adverse conditions such as icing and even following the failure of other air data and stall protection systems.
An APM could have prevented numerous crashes, such as Air France Flight 447 in 2009, AeroPeru Flight 603 in 1996 or Air Florida Flight 90 in 1982.
In addition to the continuing work on the APM, John also worked extensively with the renowned aeronautical chart company Jeppesen Sanderson to begin developing the software and hardware that would ultimately lead to a “paperless cockpit,” something today’s pilots can take for granted.
In the 1980s and early 90s, however, paper charts and thick books of checklists and regulations were part of every aviator’s fight bag, and John wanted to change that using the emerging technology of the time.
“The world's standard for electronic charting was developed by my company working closely with a talented team at Jeppesen,” he said. “So, if you see a Jeppesen chart in Foreflight, on a Collins or Honeywell display, in a flight simulator, or on your iPhone, it uses a library we created.”
Marinvent first demonstrated the feasibility of digital charts in the early 1990s, but the platforms to run them effectively and accessibly were still several years down the road. Eventually, the technology caught up, and today, it has led to Foreflight, an integrated flight app that offers charts, maps and much more.
Although many pilots these days couldn’t imagine flying without electronic charts or applications such as Foreflight, John is humble about his significant contributions to helping bring these innovations to the flight deck.
“If we hadn't done it, the technology would have inevitably emerged,” he said. “Although my group didn’t work on it, I think Foreflight is a brilliantly executed product that continues to evolve on a weekly basis, so I’m a huge fan of it. I’m very proud that the Jeppesen charts it displays incorporate the technology we developed in the early 90s, but Foreflight picks up where we left off.”
Today, Marinvent is part of a consortium of thriving companies doing aerospace work around the globe. Marinvent is an intellectual property company that holds the many patents that John has earned over the years.
Embry-Riddle alumnus John Maris wearing an AdvAero flight suit as he prepares for a series of flight trials with NASA. (Photo: John Maris)
Cert Center Canada (3C) is a research and development and certification company that does precisely that and is currently involved in a $250 million project with renowned engine maker Pratt & Whitney to develop a Hybrid Electric Propulsion demonstrator using 3C’s Dash-8 aircraft as a test bed. John is the Chief Test Pilot for the project, and his team will provide the airborne flight crew and lead the flight test program.
“3C is the only independent commercial organization dedicated solely to airworthiness certification in Canada,” John said.
The third company, Advanced Aerospace Solutions (AdvAero), is an American-controlled vehicle that paves the way for John and his team to continue their long history of work with U.S. agencies such as the FAA and NASA.
AdvAero was named NASA’s 2014-15 agency-wide subcontractor of the year for its contribution to the TASAR flight test program, for which John was Principal Investigator and Test Pilot.
AdvAero has authored and contributed to several NASA publications and has received team awards “for outstanding research and development.” John is also a Fellow of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and an Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
A Ph.D. With ROI
With all the honors and recognition from a life as an aerospace pioneer, John still counts his Ph.D. in Aviation from Embry-Riddle among his cherished milestones.
“I would unhesitatingly recommend the program,” he said. “It is a great deal of work, but if your motivations and goals are clear, that will keep the carrot in front of you when you’re studying at 2 a.m.”
Although he could easily rest on his laurels, John hasn’t even considered slowing down. In addition to the work with NASA and Pratt & Whitey, he’s also focused on the continued rollout of the APM along with an augmented primary flight display that presents pilots with critical flight information quickly and clearly.
Because he loves what he does every day, he says it’s easy to keep forging ahead.
“Even though I often end up working 20-hour days and I sometimes feel that I put in nine-day weeks, I'm not a workaholic,” he said. “I have two fabulous kids and my lovely partner Nancy, and I enjoy being with them. But working at this confluence of engineering and human factors is something I just find absolutely irresistible.”
- First-generation pilot Arthur Clarke is taking his passion to the flight deck with a degree in Aeronautical Science thanks to Embry-Riddle.
Reaching New Heights with an Aeronautical Science DegreeFirst-generation pilot Arthur Clarke is taking his passion to the flight deck with a degree in Aeronautical Science thanks to Embry-Riddle.Born in Houston, Texas, Arthur Clarke’s (’24) interest in aviation started when he moved overseas to Clonmel, Ireland, where he grew up and traveled often. As he reflects on his journey, he can't help but smile while thinking of his favorite childhood memories that revolved around memorable flights.
“On these flights, I loved feeling the thrust of the engines powering us down the runway, the slight weightless feeling as we lifted off, looking out the window into the distance and watching as the aircraft dipped in and out of clouds,” he said. “Being in this environment and atmosphere led to a longing curiosity, and inevitably, a passion.”
Arthur Clarke (’24) flying a 787 Dreamliner simulator during an AOA facility tour of the Boeing Training Campus Miami. (Photo: Arthur Clarke)Clarke is pursuing a B.S. in Aeronautical Science with a minor in Human Factors at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University due to his passion for aviation, safety, decision making and more.
Pursuit of Flight
Clarke’s early fascination with flight led him to earn his private pilot license before stepping foot on the Daytona Beach Campus. By coming to Embry-Riddle, he was able to enhance his qualifications, boost his credentials, expand his network and connect with other students who share the same passion for aviation.
“I knew I wanted to continue my education and to pursue flight at the highest level. Earning a degree in Aeronautical Science was the clear choice,” he said. “As a first-generation aviator, Embry-Riddle’s reputation in aviation was known even at my small flight school outside Houston, Texas, which led to my application.”
When Clarke arrived on campus, he faced some challenges within the first few months that made him question whether he had made the right decision.
“Overcoming those initial challenges and pushing myself out of my comfort zone led to significant personal and academic growth,” he said. “Looking back, I can confidently say that my university experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m so glad I stuck with it!”
He shared, “Embry-Riddle has the most resources, best aircraft, a beautiful campus and amazing weather — making it the perfect combination for a great college experience.”
Elevating Experience
Since then, Clarke has immersed himself in various on-campus clubs and organizations while exploring extracurriculars, providing him with an instant community and opening doors to the endless opportunities at Embry-Riddle and beyond.
“I serve as the Vice President of the Aviation Safety Advisory Council (ASAC), and I’m a member of Alpha Omicron Alpha (AOA)... I’m also active in intramural soccer and volleyball,” he said. “Interacting and connecting with others is my favorite part of being involved on campus. This is Embry-Riddle's strength: a diverse group unified by a love for the skies.”
Additionally, Clarke is an active member of the Central Florida Business Aviation Association (CFBAA), which is an off-campus organization that empowers the local and regional business aviation community by providing a platform to network, educate and engage within the community.
He even dedicates time to the Embry-Riddle Aviation Safety Department and works as an analyst and investigator focusing on procedural and regulatory compliance, corporate remediation, SMS/RMS implementation and more.
Outside of the classroom, Clarke is a nature enthusiast and an avid reader, and he enjoys spending his free time at the beach. His love for exploration extends beyond the skies, as he finds equal delight in diving into the depths through scuba diving and uncovering its wonders.
“I love the outdoors. I scuba dive, skydive, hike and play soccer,” he said. “The technical demands of flying cause me to have an appreciation for the outdoors, which I use as a balance to my professional life.”
Internship Experience
Clarke’s first internship was with Tidal Aviation, a Part 135 charter where he focused on customer experience, technical analysis, complete aircraft detailing and ground equipment operation.
“Tidal Aviation’s hangar was next door to my local flight school. Every day, I would drive past and see their clean and shiny aircraft, and I knew I wanted to be a part of their success. I walked in the front door and convinced their maintenance director to give me a shot,” he said. “My key takeaway is that whenever you are trying to determine the quality of a business, look at the floors – if they’re clean, the company focuses on the small details, which leads to much safer aviation.”
Clarke’s last internship was with Mesa Airlines as a Flight Operations Intern. Throughout his experience, he focused on flight monitoring, procedure compliance, data analysis, greeting aircraft and ensuring crew satisfaction while working directly with the vice president of InFlight.
“In this internship, I learned the value of people... An airline does not work if the entire team isn’t on the same page. From dispatchers to ground crew to cleaners to administration to flight crews,” he said. “This applies to every interaction in our life; if the team is not on the same page, success will not occur, especially on the flight deck.”
Arthur found immense success through his internship opportunities, which have only expanded his knowledge and expertise in the aviation industry.
Opportunity Awaits
As Clarke nears the end of his final semester at Embry-Riddle, he reflects on his accomplishments and the people who have supported him throughout his academic and career journey.
“My greatest academic accomplishments have been maintaining a 4.0 GPA, being accepted into AOA and being acknowledged through Embry-Riddle's closed-door networking opportunities and invitations,” he said. “As my passion is aviation, I want to succeed in as many ways as possible, and seeing quantifiable indicators that I am succeeding makes me proud of not only myself but also the university that has backed me throughout my college career.”
Clarke gives credit to his family’s and friend’s unwavering encouragement and high expectations, as they have been instrumental in propelling him through his journey.
“I have a lot of people who inspire me. From my parents, who taught me to chase my dreams early on, to those who challenge me daily,” he said. “Even walking through the campus at Embry-Riddle, you can’t help but be inspired by the generations of aviation professionals and dreamers who have walked in the same steps as we do now.”
Advice for Future Eagles
As Clarke propels into his future in aviation, he hopes to fly corporately, serve as a leader inside and out of the cockpit and excel in leadership positions in safety or business development. But before doing so, he’s leaving behind a piece of advice for the Eagles of Embry-Riddle.
“You have to put in effort. The more time you dedicate to aviation, the more rewarding it becomes,” he said. “I live by this quote: ‘Sometimes you have to run before you can walk,’ which applies to aviation through dedication and perseverance.”
Success does not come overnight to anyone who has succeeded. Instead, it’s about the daily push to challenge your bounds and become better than you were previously.
- As a truly global university, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University empowers international students like Timur Turganov to thrive personally and professionally.
Landing at Embry-Riddle Puts International Student on Course for Career SuccessAs a truly global university, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University empowers international students to thrive personally and professionally.Timur Turganov’s passion for “anything with an engine in it” has powered a dream that’s brought him on a long road from Kazakhstan to Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus.
Now on the verge of graduating with his B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Science, Timur is getting ready for the next step in his journey as a maintenance technician with FEAM AERO in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he starts work in June.
“I am very excited about it,” Timur says with a huge smile. “They do a lot of work on wide-body aircraft, and that’s the experience I am looking for. But they also have a great company culture; they appreciate their people, and that’s important to me as well.”
A Globetrotting Journey That Started Early
While he is just 22, Timur’s life so far has well prepared him for new beginnings and the opportunities and adventures that come with them. Born and raised in Kazakhstan, he lived there until moving to Dubai to complete his high school education.
A year after that, he was on the road again, this time bound for Oregon and Lane Community College, where he earned his associate in science degree and his Airframe & Powerplant License from the FAA.
Although he was a 17-year-old on his own in a brand-new country, Timur was not at all daunted.
“It was a great opportunity to get an education in the United States, and I was thankful for that,” he said. “Of course, I grew up watching MTV and American movies, so I really wanted to see the country, and I know aviation was born here as well. I didn't think that it was such a scary experience for me.”
Timur credits his parents with helping him become so self-reliant. When the family traveled together, his mom and dad counted on Timur’s ability to speak five languages and often used him as a translator and family spokesman.
“I feel like he prepared me for an independent life,” Timur said.
And it was his family who suggested that Timur extend his love of working on cars to include aircraft as well.
“He told me that with airplanes, I would have a lot more opportunities around the globe, and the pay would be higher,” Timur said.
Why Choose Embry-Riddle for an Aviation Maintenance Science Degree?
When the time came for him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the aviation maintenance field, Embry-Riddle sat at the top of his wish list for several reasons.
“Embry-Riddle has a huge name in the industry, and they worked hard for it,” Timur said. “It’s basically the best school for aviation, and everyone I talked to said Embry-Riddle was the place to go if you want a life in aviation.”
As an international student, Timur had many more obstacles to navigate when transferring from a two-year to a four-year school, and he was impressed with the assistance offered by his academic advisor.
“He helped me to lay everything out and that made it easier,” Timur said.
Another critical factor he cited was Embry-Riddle’s consistent communication with him.
“The emails, the phone calls, they were not nagging me all the time, but they let me know they were there if I had questions and that I could feel free to reach out,” Timur said. “They were always quick to respond.”
Embry-Riddle Offers Opportunities On and Off Campus
When Timur landed on the Daytona Beach Campus in January 2022, he knew he had made the right decision. He chose the Safety Science concentration in the AMS program and immediately found the classes engaging and relevant.
Among his favorites was Aviation Technical Operations, taught by Associate Professor Mitch Geraci.
“It pretty much tells you how the airlines operate, how they are always continuously improving and how things work in real life,” Timur said. “It shows you a completely different side of aviation that I really didn't know much about.”
He’s also enjoyed his safety classes, which he said “opened up a completely different door in the aviation industry.”
Outside the classroom, Timur has also gotten valuable hands-on experience thanks to Embry-Riddle’s focus on providing practical knowledge that complements classwork, and today, he’s serving as a crew manager in the repair station that maintains the school’s aircraft fleet.
“We are working on the actual airworthy engines, the engines that will be installed back in the planes our students are using for their training,” he said.
His other on-campus experiences include being an Interstride International Student Ambassador, serving as a Campus Tour Guide for the AMS program, working as a Line Maintenance Laboratory Assistant and being an original member of the Muay-Thai kickboxing club and part of several campus car clubs.
Timur says his favorite extracurricular occupation was serving as an orientation ambassador and helping new students get settled after they arrived at Embry-Riddle.
“It’s really cool, really fun,” Timur said about being part of the orientation team. “We help incoming students and their families during orientation week, setting up social events and answering questions. We work non-stop from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., and it was one of the best experiences of my life because you basically make 70 new friends. I liked it so much the first year that I did it a second time, and I would do it again, but I am graduating.”
Embry-Riddle Helps Land an Internship and a Job Offer
Timur Turganov in the Mori Hosseini Student Union on Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus. (Embry-Riddle Photo / Bill Fredette-Huffman)Last summer, Timur earned a maintenance scholarship from the National Business Aviation Association and spent two weeks in Dallas, Texas, completing Maintenance Initial training on the Bombardier Challenger 300/350 aircraft.
He hit another high point recently when he nailed down the job at FEAM AERO, an opportunity that came about thanks to the connections of Professor Geraci and the ongoing work of Embry-Riddle’s Career Services team.
“Professor Geraci gave me the contacts that pretty much led me on the path to success,” Timur said.
After visiting FEAM AERO Hangar at Miami International Airport with the help of Arnold James, Rose Carlson, Amy Dowling, Jennifer Thomas, the C.A.R.E.E.R. Ready Club and Worldwide Campus Dean of Students Henry Ponciano, Timur got and accepted his offer to become an A&P mechanic at FEAM.
As he looks ahead, Timur plans to use his B.S. degree to build a career beyond the maintenance hangar.
“I am actually looking to get into management one day, maybe even on the safety side,” he said. “Having this degree to go with my experience will make me a much stronger candidate than someone who doesn’t have a B.S. This degree really sets you up.”
International Students Can Find a Home at Embry-Riddle
When it comes to prospective students who dream about coming to the U.S. to study at Embry-Riddle, Timur had this to say:
“Be confident in yourself and get yourself as prepared as possible. Preparation kills anxiety.”
As for the Embry-Riddle experience itself?
“I am so glad I decided to come here,” Timur said. “I now have friends who will be working all around the industry as pilots, aerospace engineers, air traffic managers, meteorologists, all different roles. I have already been able to build up a network of connections, and that’s really important.”
- Although the odds were against him, one Eagle combined determination with the support of his parents to find success as an Aeronautical Science major.
Aspiring Leader Finds a Home for His Aviation Dreams at Embry-RiddleAlthough the odds were against him, one Eagle combined determination with the support of his parents to find success as an Aeronautical Science major.For Dariel Garcia (’26), the journey to a job on the flight deck has been filled with obstacles that may have stopped many others. As he prepared to finish his sophomore year at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Dariel reflected on his challenges and the future opportunities he’s excited about.
Tell us about your background
My parents came to Massachusetts from the Dominican Republic in the early 2000s, hoping for a better future, like many others do. I was born and raised in the small city of Methuen, Massachusetts, but I was also raised in the Dominican Republic for the first seven years of my life, where my grandmother often took care of me because of my parent's financial struggles in the States.
Even after those first few years, I would return to the Dominican Republic during breaks and vacations, staying up to three full months out of the year for summer vacations to be with family and friends.
What ignited your interest in aviation, and when did that happen?
My interest in aviation was ignited by my grandmother. She always spoke about wanting to travel the world. I inherited this curiosity from her and made it my life’s goal to see the world.
On one of my first flights back to the United States, I remember the sense of adventure that rushed through me as the plane took off. I felt as if airplanes could put every corner of the world within reach. That is when I knew I wanted to become a pilot so I could see the world while doing something I love.
My grandmother passed away in 2020, so now my journey in aviation isn't only for fulfilling my own dream of seeing the world but also for my grandmother, who never could.
How did you hear about Embry-Riddle?
When I got older, I became more eager to learn where and how I could become a pilot. I had no connections, and so I resorted to the Internet. Whether it was a Google search, a YouTube video or reading a Reddit thread, everywhere I looked, Embry-Riddle was mentioned. It was clear that Embry-Riddle was at the heart of aviation success in the U.S.
Why did you choose Embry-Riddle for your B.S. in Aeronautical Science?
I choose Embry-Riddle for its reputation and legacy in aviation. When I think about my future career as a professional aviator, I want to retire one day and know that I was part of a prestigious university that helps students excel in their chosen paths and thrive at the top of their industries.
And I also did it for my parents, who have worked so hard for me to be here; I want to make them proud by attending the best aviation school in the world.
Tell us about your flight training
I started my flight training in June 2021, during my senior year of high school. I worked 32 hours a week at the height of the pandemic to raise money to afford my training, all while taking AP classes and participating in clubs.
When I arrived at Embry-Riddle in 2022 and started my instrument training, I immediately saw the vast difference in the quality of education between my Part 61 flight school and Embry-Riddle’s Part 141 course structure.
I recently completed my commercial pilot check ride and plan to stay over this summer to attend the CFI/II Fast Track Program and start flight instructing at Embry-Riddle in the fall.
It’s been clear throughout that I am training with future leaders in aviation and being prepared for success through a structured and rigorous flight program.
What have been some other highlights of your Embry-Riddle experience so far?
One of the highlights so far has been joining the Alpha Omicron Alpha Aeronautical Honor Society. We represent the top 3% at the College of Aviation, focus on professional development and pride ourselves on our community service and leadership.
Also, joining the Honors Program and the Accelerated Master’s Program on campus. Both require an intensive amount of extra work and research but are extremely rewarding and help me grow as a student.
I am so happy I have been able to join these organizations on campus and be a part of a community of successful individuals who help each other on the path to success.
What is your ultimate career goal, and how will Embry-Riddle help you achieve it?
In my high school activities and now here in college, I have always wanted to be a leader and help others succeed. That is why my ultimate career goal in aviation is to one day become a chief pilot for a major airline.
Thanks to the accelerated master's program, I can work towards my master's in Aviation Management and Sustainability while still an undergraduate.
I hope to one day lead in aviation with my flight experience and aviation management education at Embry-Riddle, which is setting me up perfectly for this future thanks to its airline-structured training and leadership education.
What else would you like to say?
In deciding where I would go to continue my journey in aviation, I had many other options, such as Purdue, the University of North Dakota and other universities. But I knew Embry-Riddle was my choice the second I got my acceptance letter.
The recognition and legacy behind the name Embry-Riddle, complemented by its high standards in education and flight training, are preparing me to excel in aviation and set me up with the skills to one day become a leader in this industry.
- The longstanding legacy of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as the leading provider of educational opportunities for active-duty military and veterans is helping one Eagle alum pivot from one dream career to another.
Transitioning Space Force Veteran Uses the Embry-Riddle Edge to Start His Next MissionThe longstanding legacy of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as the leading provider of educational opportunities for active-duty military and veterans is helping one Eagle alum pivot from one dream career to another.As the stellar military career of Matthew Henkel (’24) comes to a close after 21 years, the retiring Flight Chief in the U.S. Space Force will use his B.S. in Aeronautics degree from Embry-Riddle to transition to his next role as a professional pilot.
Matthew leveraged the flexible and affordable online options offered by the Worldwide Campus to earn his degree while he served, which prepared him for a smooth shift to the civilian aviation profession.
We caught up with Matthew recently to talk about his service, his Embry-Riddle experience and his plans to share his graduation celebration with his nephew Nathan Henkel (’24), who is completing his B.S. in Aeronautics at the Daytona Beach Campus.
Tell us a bit about your background
Growing up in Westland, Michigan, near Detroit, ignited a passion for machines within me from an early age. At 11, alongside my twin brother Nathan and best friend Frank Jankowski, I embarked on a thrilling journey of building gas-powered mini-bikes, one of which I bought for $7 with a blown engine, no brakes or controls.
These early experiences laid the foundation for my lifelong fascination with engineering and mechanics. As my brother and I progressed through high school, our shared love for mechanics grew stronger. We delved deeper into our passion by enrolling in an auto mechanics technology school, and these formative years not only shaped my academic and professional pursuits but also instilled in me a profound appreciation for the intricacies of mechanical engineering.
For example, my brother and I ultimately worked for Ford Motor Company’s Dearborn proving grounds, where Nathan performed research and development along with prototype vehicle build. At the same time, I drove the cars he built on their test track. The memories of those early days tinkering with mini-bikes are a constant reminder of the power of curiosity and determination in achieving our dreams.
How did you get interested in aviation?
My aviation journey began with exhilarating trips to air shows alongside my parents. These outings were not just recreational; they were immersive experiences that ignited a passion further fueled by the experiences of my grandfather, a World War II veteran who loved the P-51 Mustang.
Inspired by his passion and expertise, I found myself drawn to the world of aviation, eager to explore it firsthand. Likewise, the moment when my parents surprised me with a scenic flight in a Cessna 172 over the picturesque landscapes of Michigan added to my growing love for flying. The feeling of soaring through the clouds, with nothing but the vast expanse of sky below, left an indelible mark on my soul.
Reflecting on these formative experiences, I am grateful for my family's role in nurturing my love for aviation. Their unwavering support and shared enthusiasm fueled my dreams and inspired me to pursue a career in the skies.
Today, when I take to the air as a pilot, I carry the memories of those early adventures with the magic of flight that captured my heart so many years ago.
Tell us about your military career
I embarked on my journey with the United States Air Force in 2003. My ultimate goal was to enlist as an F-16 mechanic and then be commissioned to fly for the Air Force.
However, the needs of the Air Force came first, and I became a C-130 Hercules maintainer. I was sent to Ramstein Air Base Germany in 2004, where I began my career as a dedicated C-130 mechanic, ensuring the readiness and reliability of these iconic aircraft that play a vital role in military operations around the globe.
In 2006, I went to Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, where I joined the ranks of elite test cell technicians. Tasked with overseeing the engines of formidable aircraft like the A-10 Warthog, I thrived in the dynamic environment of the flight line, where precision and expertise were paramount because the safety of our pilots and the success of their missions depended on my diligence.
Driven to expand my horizons, I seized the opportunity to cross-train in the Space Systems Career Field and transitioned into Space Battle Management.
My first space assignment was in 2010 at Schriever Air Force Base's 11th Space Warning Squadron. I specialized in Space-Based Infrared Missile Warning to provide strategic and theater missile warning while supporting missile defense, battlespace awareness and technical intelligence.
In 2015, I went to Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado and worked with the 4th Space Operations Squadron to perform Electronic Warfare and provide reliable space-borne communications to U.S. and Allied forces.
The squadron is responsible for command and control of the Milstar/Advanced Extremely High Frequency, Defense Satellite Communications System Phase III and Wideband Global Satellite Communications satellite constellations through dedicated Extremely High-Frequency antennas and the Air Force Satellite Control Network.
The multi-satellite constellation links national command authorities to high-priority U.S. forces via communications terminals on aircraft, ships, submarines, trucks and ground sites that enable encrypted communications.
They also provide secure high-rate data communications links to the President, Secretary of Defense, theater commanders, and strategic and tactical forces worldwide.
In 2019, I returned to Schriever to serve in the Orbital Warfare component and to help safeguard our nation's interests in space. For instance, I was assigned to work with the 3rd Space Experimentation Squadron at Schriever, where I managed operations training and evaluation, mission analysis, and integration for 172 members.
In 2020, I left the Air Force and joined the Space Force, where I was assigned to the 3rd Space Operations Squadron. There, I oversaw facility construction and workforce studies and advocated for new hires, setting a solid foundation for the 94-member unit to accelerate the transition of research and development concepts into operational space capabilities.
In addition, my guidance was crucial in shaping the combat training squadron's curriculum and preparing operators for advanced weapon systems. Finally, as the Unit Deployment Manager, I ensured readiness for 248 operators, supporting their deployments.
Throughout my journey in the Air Force and Space Force, I have been guided by a steadfast commitment to excellence and a deep sense of duty to my country. I have embraced every opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the mission of defending freedom and protecting our way of life.
As I retire this year after 21 years of service, I am honored to have been a part of the legacy of the United States military.
Why did you choose Embry-Riddle for your degree?
Embry-Riddle is the “Harvard” of aeronautical universities, and I wanted to be an alumnus of such a prestigious institution with a strong reputation and focus on in-depth education. Embry-Riddle has strong connections with industry leaders in aviation and aerospace, providing students with valuable networking opportunities, internships and potential job opportunities upon graduation.
How did Embry-Riddle make it easier for you to learn while you were serving?
One word: flexibility.
Embry-Riddle offers various modes of learning, including on-campus, online and hybrid programs (such as EagleVision), providing options for students with different schedules to attend and complete their education.
Whether deployed or serving stateside, Embry-Riddle offered me the freedom to enroll in courses that fit my schedule.
Moreover, my career counselors, Cindy Cruikshank, George Evans and Becky Voegtlin, were instrumental in facilitating my education progression.
What is your next career goal, and how will Embry-Riddle help you reach it?
My next goal is to fly professionally after my military enlistment is over on Oct. 1. With the expertise and networking opportunities provided by Embry-Riddle, along with their expert career counselors, I hope to receive personalized guidance tailored to insights into the requirements and pathways needed for a professional flying career.
Through Embry-Riddle's extensive network, I look forward to opportunities with leading airlines, aviation companies and organizations.
By leveraging these resources, I can build valuable connections, gain hands-on experience and ultimately pave the way for a successful transition to professional flying after my military service. Embry-Riddle's commitment to student success makes the university an ideal partner for achieving these goals.
What would you say to a fellow service member considering Embry-Riddle?
To a fellow service member considering Embry-Riddle, I would encourage them to explore the university's unique opportunities and advantages to those with military backgrounds. Embry-Riddle understands the unique needs of service members and provides tailored support to help them succeed academically and professionally.
From flexible learning options to specialized programs, Embry-Riddle offers a pathway to transition seamlessly from military service to a rewarding career. Whether you're interested in flight training, engineering, management or any other aviation or aerospace-related field, Embry-Riddle can provide the knowledge, skills and resources to excel.
Tell us more about your nephew and your upcoming graduation in San Diego
My nephew Nathan “Nate” Henkel ('24), son of my twin brother Nathan, is graduating with his B.S. in Aeronautics with two minors, one in Aeronautical Studies and the other in Airline Operations.
I understand he will be the first Daytona Beach graduate to walk on the USS Midway in San Diego during the Worldwide Commencement in August. It's a moment of immense pride and shared accomplishment as both uncle and nephew graduate from Embry-Riddle.
With the passion for aviation igniting a family bond, we've journeyed side by side through the challenges and triumphs of our academic pursuits. As we don our caps and gowns, the significance of this milestone symbolizes not only our individual achievements but also the enduring legacy of dedication to excellence in aviation education within our family.
We will embrace this moment as a testament to our shared determination, hard work and the unwavering support we've provided each other along the way. This year, I will get my certified flight instructor endorsement and teach Nate how to fly.
Together, we exemplify the spirit of Embry-Riddle, where dreams take flight and futures are forged in the endless expanse of the sky.
Find out how we can help you level up your dreams. Apply at Embry-Riddle today.
- Serena Fechter (’26) likes how the world looks from the flight deck of an aircraft.
Success Follows Aspiring Aviator and Pageant Contestant from One Runway to AnotherSerena Fechter (’26) likes how the world looks from the flight deck of an aircraft.That privileged perspective has fueled her passion for aviation and brought Serena to the B.S. in Aeronautical Science program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus.
“It's seeing the world from a different view,” said Serena, a native of Vancouver, Washington, just north of Portland, Oregon. “We're stuck with this ground perspective where we're looking up at everything. When you fly, you look down and see everything differently. It's just amazing.”
From Piloting to Pageants
Although she is absorbed in her flight training and the demands of challenging coursework at one of the world’s top universities, Serena is committed to competing in the Miss Arizona 2024 USA competition through Miss America as the reigning Miss Desert Willow.
“In my freshman year of high school, I started competing in the Miss America organization through my local pageant back home,” Serena said. “Although I didn’t win, I made incredible friends, and I started gaining lifelong skills such as how to do interviews, how to write resumes and how to apply for scholarships. And I just had the best time going out there and building my confidence.”
That confidence, to say nothing of the scholarships she’s earned, helps Serena thrive as a flight student at Embry-Riddle even though she’s more than 1,200 miles from home.
“Obviously, it's hard; it takes a lot of dedication, a lot of sweat, a lot of tears,” she said. “But here, we're being trained by some of the best pilots to become the best pilots. That’s something I am so grateful for.”
Serena started flying in her senior year at Columbia River High School at a Part 61 operation based at Pearson Field Airport, right next to the river, training in Cessna 150s and 152s with basic “six-pack” instrument panels.
“It's Echo airspace inside of Charlie airspace, which is really fun to fly,” she said. “And flying in the Pacific Northwest is so beautiful.”
In fact, among her final flights before resuming her flight training at Embry-Riddle was with her instructor on a sightseeing tour over Mount St. Helens.
“It was just so crazy and so cool to fly right at the top of this mountain and see it that way,” Serena said. “It was beautiful.”
As she was building her hours and skills as an aviator, Serena also did a dual enrollment program and earned an associate in arts degree, which allowed her to start sophomore classes when she arrived at Embry-Riddle for the Fall 2023 term.
Serena Fechter is proud of her accomplishments as a pilot and as a pageant contestant. (Photo: Embry-Riddle/Connor McShane)A Different Kind of Runway
She participated in several pageants throughout high school and earned almost $5,000 in scholarships, with the high point coming in the Miss Washington’s Teen contest.
“I placed in the Top 10 and I won top Interview out of all 25 candidates and also in the preliminary evening gown [category],” she said. “I was so grateful for that, and I think it really showed off the hard work that I've put in. I actually thought I was going to be done competing after that.”
But then Serena connected with Electrical Engineering major Molly Ruley, who was Miss Yavapai County in 2023 and also competed in the Miss Arizona pageant.
“I wasn’t sure, but she kept saying, ‘do it, it will be fun!’” Serena recalled. “She convinced me, and the event was held here on campus, so I could literally walk there from my dorm.”
It turned out to be a worthwhile walk. Serena earned the Miss Desert Willow 2024 crown, which came with $10,000 in scholarship money and allowed her to “make some great friends” from all across Arizona.
Another benefit was continuing to raise awareness for Serena’s community service initiative to help support Helping Hands 4 Humanity, which strives to improve the lives of needy or underprivileged children and families by providing them with materials and assistance to improve their access to education.
“I'm very glad I decided to do it,” she said. “I think the world works out how it's supposed to.”
Why Earn an Aeronautical Science Degree from Embry-Riddle?
And no matter how the upcoming Miss Arizona competition works out, Serena is also very glad she chose Embry-Riddle.
“It had so much more to offer me than any other school,” she said. “We're able to network with companies that we want to work with and make those connections. Those are things that other colleges couldn't promise me.”
So far, Serena says, the school has lived up to its promise. One of her favorite events was the Career Fair in October, where she ended up among five finalists for a coveted internship at Alaska Airlines.
“I didn’t get it, but that's OK,” she said. “I still have next year and the year after that, and I was also able to connect with some female pilots from United Airlines who were available to mentor me and prepare me to go to United if that's where I choose to work. And it’s those networking connections that we get while we're at the school that are so important.”
Beyond the thrill of flying brand new Cessna 172 G1000s—quite a leap from Cessna 152s with steam gauges—Serena has also been inspired by the encouragement of her student pilot peers and the quality of instruction, particularly from Assistant Professor of Aeronautical Science Ed Ray Stevens, a former United Airlines pilot who teaches Crew Resource Management.
“He gives us these real things that he’s experienced, or his friends have experienced, and we get to learn about them and what we would do in those situations,” she said. “He just really inspires me overall and gets me excited to go to the airlines. And I think that's what the professors here really do to prepare us for our futures.”
Networking Connections That Count for Tomorrow
As she looks toward her next horizon, Serena has a single goal in mind.
“I want to be a captain for an airline,” she said. “I’m not 100% sure which one yet, but I'll be grateful for any opportunity that's given to me.”
While she isn’t certain where she wants to fly, Serena is certain she will be prepared and have plenty of opportunities to choose from.
“Embry-Riddle has set me up to apply for those airlines that I think are best suited for me and also given me the exposure to airlines that I wouldn't have considered before,” she said. “They're able to get me direct connections with recruiters and with airline programs like United Aviate and many others. That's something that not every school can give me. And that's another reason why I chose Embry Riddle.”
What will your reason be? Apply at Embry-Riddle today.
- As an aviation enthusiast and a writer for The Avion, Javier Morales has big dreams to make the airline industry a better place for all.
Passion for Aviation Accessibility Fuels AmbitionAs an aviation enthusiast and a writer for The Avion, Javier Morales has big dreams to make the airline industry a better place for all.Javier Morales (’24) has loved aviation for as long as he can remember. He spent a lot of time reading about planes and airlines as he was growing up in New Jersey, and his passion for aviation brought him to Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus, where he is studying Aviation Business Administration.
Gaining an Understanding of Airlines
“I’ve always dreamed of working in the airline industry, so I was very interested in Embry Riddle’s unmatched breadth of aviation resources and, even more so, the opportunity to connect with so many other students who share my passion and goals,” Javier shared. “Also, the prospect of studying on a campus adjacent to an active airport really sealed the deal.”
He chose the B.S. in Aviation Business Administration route due to the versatility of the program – he’s learning business practices that are applicable anywhere, along with a deeper understanding of airline operations.
“In the classroom, Embry-Riddle is preparing me for the future by offering a degree program tailored to the aviation field, allowing me to learn key skills employers are looking for,” Javier explained. “Outside of class, there are constant opportunities to learn more about potential career paths during Career Expos, company information sessions and guest speakers.”
Alaska Airlines Internship
Javier recently interned with Alaska Airlines in Seattle as part of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team. One of his major contributions was the development of an internal initiative to raise awareness of and improve the spaces available to nursing mothers and those in need of a place to pray or meditate in the workplace.
“I was given the autonomy to be creative, suggest new ways to achieve Alaska’s DEI goals and lead those projects as they progressed,” he said. “I also participated in the early stages of Alaska’s rollout of audio descriptions for its inflight entertainment library, making content more accessible for the visually impaired. I’m so proud to have played a part in turning an idea into a tangible improvement to the passenger experience.”
During his internship, Javier joined Alaska Airlines at the 2023 Disability:IN Conference in Orlando, Florida, which centers on how businesses can make the world more accessible for people with disabilities. Some of the aviation industry’s most prevalent challenges include finding ways to prevent damage to mobility aids like wheelchairs and communicate with deaf or hard-of-hearing air passengers.
“This was a great experience not only because I learned more about accessibility but also because I improved key skills that will help me throughout my professional career; collaboration, maximizing professional conferences, networking, time management and virtual project management as I worked on my internship projects while at Disability:IN,” he said.
Life at Embry-Riddle
One Embry-Riddle moment that Javier holds onto is when CommutAir flew an ERJ 145 to display on the ramp just off campus.
“I had just arrived as a transfer student to Embry-Riddle not even two months prior and was still trying to find my footing,” he said. “But watching a carrier take an aircraft out of service and fly it to Daytona just for Embry-Riddle . . . made me feel like I was in the right place; I had found my people and a school that could help me build a career in aviation.”
On campus, Javier devotes his writing talents to The Avion, the Daytona Beach Campus’s student publication, where his job involves covering the airline industry and the Daytona Beach International Airport.
“I love to write and recently represented The Avion at the Associated Collegiate Press’ Fall National College Media Convention in Atlanta,” he said.
He also works on campus as an overnight desk assistant in the Student Union and is a part of the Road Eagles running group on Strava.
Off campus, Javier is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association. He said, “It’s been a great way to learn more about public relations and connect with professionals in the local community. Last spring, I represented Embry-Riddle at the Volusia/Flagler Chapter’s annual ‘Student Takeover’ event, where I presented research on PR strategies employed by airline industry stakeholders during irregular winter operations.”
Looking to the Future
Javier’s short-term goal after graduation is to join a corporate team at a major U.S. airline, but he has bigger long-term goals.
“My ultimate career goal is to become CEO of one of the major carriers and lead an airline. But, regardless of what my job is, I have every intent to take what I learned during my Alaska Airlines internship to keep advocating for and advancing accessibility and inclusion in aviation however possible.”
Javier offered this advice to those who follow him:
“Don’t be afraid to seek out mentorship opportunities. There are students, alumni and faculty doing amazing things in every field who, at one point, stood exactly where you are now as a new member of the Embry-Riddle community. They know how daunting starting college and trying to prepare for the future can be and have a lot of guidance to offer. By building relationships at on-campus events or through Career Services, or even just by reaching out on a site like LinkedIn, you can learn a lot and potentially gain lifelong friends and advocates.”
What can Embry-Riddle help you achieve? Apply today and find out.
- With more than 9,000 hours logged as a professional pilot, the flight deck is a pretty comfortable place for Chase Trissel.
M.S. in Leadership Program Helps Experienced Pilot Find Success as a SupervisorWith more than 9,000 hours logged as a professional pilot, the flight deck is a pretty comfortable place for Chase Trissel (’17, ’25).A Short Deviation Away from Aviation
Chase, now 46, grew up around aviation thanks to his father.
“Flying was his passion,” he said. “He always had an airplane, and he always took us to air shows and pancake breakfasts, and pretty much all of our family vacations involved flying somewhere.”
Initially, though, Chase had other plans for his future. The Virginia native had spent nearly every summer working on his grandad’s wheat farm in Oklahoma, helping with the harvest. So, the day after he graduated high school, he moved to the Sooner State “with a pickup truck, a horse trailer, a horse and a little less than a thousand dollars to my name.”
Faced with a moribund economy, he went to horseshoeing school there and six months later opened his own business while he also was working for a large animal veterinarian. It was a struggle, to say the least. He managed to buy a trailer home but couldn’t afford to make the many repairs it needed.
“I remember my air conditioning didn't work,” Chase said. “The hot water heater exploded one night in my closet, and there were holes throughout the floor that would not keep the mice out. The winters were even tougher, and I remember even surviving with a $ 10-a-week food budget during this time.”
Charting a New Course in Aviation
Unfortunately, as with many small business ventures, the external factors were insurmountable and ultimately led Chase to look for alternative courses. After discussing the difficulties with his dad one night, he decided it was time to reignite his passion for aviation and pursue a pilot’s license. Chase returned to Virginia to become a professional pilot, and that diversion has paid off big for him.
“I now hold an airline pilot transport rating with all three of my instructor ratings,” he said. “I've flown for two Part 121 airlines and two separate Part 135 charter organizations.”
He began flying for West Ridge Jet Services in 2010 and was asked to become the company’s Director of Aviation in 2019. Although he welcomed the opportunity to move into management, he realized quickly he needed more preparation and guidance to become the kind of leader he wanted to be.
The Best Degree Program for Developing Leaders
So far, the M.S. in Leadership courses have given him everything he had hoped for and then some.
“As I'm developing my critical thinking skills, I've learned that many of the negative emotions that I was feeling in the past were a result of my egocentric thinking,” Chase said. “And as I'm learning to develop my intellectual traits through the elements of reasoning and intellectual standards, the end result is I'm building a team that's much more productive and much happier.”
Today, Chase is thriving in his supervisory role, living happily on his Virginia farm with his wife, Leslie, and 8-year-old daughter, Hayden, and looking forward to completing his graduate degree. He also has some other ideas for his immediate future.
“Going forward, I feel like there are many young people out there who are seeking the same things I was seeking and wanting to know how to go about this path in life,” he said. “I want to be there beside them to mentor them and help them find that way. I feel like this helps me prepare for my future legacy and give back some of those things that have been given to me.”
Chase’s conviction to paying it forward doesn’t surprise Dr. Rietsema, who said it is additional evidence that Embry-Riddle’s M.S. in Leadership program “makes a difference in the lives of our students.”
What skills can we help you develop? Apply at Embry-Riddle today.
But when Chase was asked to step into a management role at the Part 91 company he was flying for in Virginia, things got a little turbulent. That’s when he turned to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to help smooth out the ride.
“I learned really quickly that leading people did not come naturally,” said Chase, who had earned a B.S. in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle in 2017. “In fact, I experienced a 70% turnover of my employees within one year. And at that time, I needed to make a decision. Am I going to step up and learn these leadership skills, or am I going to be a line pilot again?”
Why Choose Embry-Riddle’s M.S. in Leadership Program?
Chase opted to face the challenge and enrolled in the M.S. in Leadership program at Embry-Riddle Worldwide’s College of Business, which offers a unique blend of leadership theory, concepts, core knowledge, and tools and techniques that prepare students to lead confidently.
Chase says the impact has been almost immediate.
“I feel like I'm beginning a new chapter of my life and learning new leadership skills to be a better leader and a better person in general,” he said.
Taught by faculty members who have terminal degrees and are experts in the field, the online M.S. in Leadership course is designed to accommodate busy professionals and allow them to complete coursework as it fits into their schedules.
It’s also designed to showcase the critical importance of good leadership in any endeavor.
“Although leadership is not a technical skill, it has the potential of binding an organization together and ensuring its sustainability and productivity,” said Dr. Kees Rietsema, an associate professor at the Worldwide College of Business. “It is a key competency for those in organizational leadership positions and for any person, whether a parent, colleague or employee.”
- Vincent Becerra is a U.S. Air Force veteran and Industrial/Organizational Psychology student putting his studies to work for his fellow veterans on campus.
Finding Personal Growth While Advocating for Student VeteransVincent Becerra is a U.S. Air Force veteran and Industrial/Organizational Psychology student putting his studies to work for his fellow veterans on campus.Vincent Becerra (’24) didn’t always plan to study psychology.
After graduating high school in California, Vincent went straight to the Air Force, following the footsteps of his three older siblings who had already joined the Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy. He chose the Air Force because it was more technology-focused than other branches and served for four years as a radio frequency technician.
He started at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus in 2019 as an Aerospace Engineering major, but after a couple of years, the stress of engineering made him question his decision. With the help of his academic advisor, he found Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology, the study of people’s behavior within organizations to improve overall productivity and personal well-being.
“She mentioned I/O psychology, and I was already doing I/O psychology stuff. . . making [campus] better for the vets,” he explained. “I’ve actually found my footing with what I wanted to do.”
Devotion to Helping Student Veterans
After serving his country, Vincent now serves his veteran community on campus as the Student Veteran Liaison for the Student Veterans Organization, veteran representative for the Student Campus Enhancement Fund, veteran orientation leader and a veteran Campus Academic Mentor.
“I first started off with being an orientation leader for the veterans. It really helps them transition from military to here, having that representation,” he said.
Vincent’s work in the Veterans Office on campus ranges from helping other student veterans find housing and offering support resources to being a shoulder to cry on and advocating for change on campus. He’s passionate about helping veterans transition from military life to college life, which brings unique challenges that many typical college students don’t understand.
One challenge he and other veterans have faced on campus is the UNIV 101 class required for all first-year students. The course aims to help students transition from the high school mindset into college life, but the curriculum isn’t as helpful to veterans, so Vincent has been working to build a curriculum that can match their needs.
“Less than 1% of the population joins the military, and of that small population, only a few of us then go to college. . . and fewer of us ever finish college because of whatever’s going on at home, so building that community is so important for the vets here,” Vincent said. He is even trying to build a community of all student veterans in Arizona.
Many veterans choose Embry-Riddle Worldwide for their studies, but Vincent chose the Prescott Campus because he wanted to be around other people in a smaller setting rather than a large university. “At times, it almost feels like I was back in the military, and that’s what helped me really transition as well as I could from military life to civilian life now,” he said.
Vincent noted that he and the other veterans on campus just want to see each other thrive. Each semester, when new veterans come to campus for orientation, Vincent is the one to guide them. He tells them, “Even though I'm probably 10 years younger than you or a couple years older than you, I see you as my children and I want to see you succeed.”
Veteran Life on the Prescott Campus
Veterans coming to college after serving are typically a few years older than the traditional college student attending straight out of high school. Vincent cited one of the difficulties of starting college at 22 as not being the age difference, but remembering how to do math like algebra and calculus.
However, he explained that veterans’ experiences and struggles differ from those of traditional college students. Veteran struggles can include missing births, weddings or funerals while deployed for months at a time or losing friends to war – things that many 18-year-olds couldn’t fathom.
“That stuff really sticks with us. When we come here thinking everyone had the same experience because that’s what we were used to, and it’s not like that, it almost sometimes feels invalidating,” Vincent shared. “But then you go into the Vet Office, and you start talking to people like, ‘Oh yeah, the same thing happened to me.’”
While it’s not always easy to mesh with younger students when they don’t understand veteran experiences, Vincent added that he’s learned from them despite their differences.
“They really helped me with growing as a person, to where I can be more accepting of myself and others. I didn’t grow up actively being gay, . . . but being here, I’ve been able to really accept myself and explore myself as a person,” he said.
“U.S. News & World Report” ranks the Prescott Campus as #1 for Veterans in the Western Region, and Vincent believes that holds true. He and others ensure that veterans’ needs on campus are heard and fight for them as hard as they can.
“Something that the vets don’t consider when transitioning is you’ll run into people that won’t relate to you and that might not appreciate what you did in the way that you want them to, and that’s okay,” Vincent said. “And I think that’s the hardest part. We get so used to being told all the time, ‘Thank you for your service,’ . . . and sometimes it just becomes numb when you’re out of it and someone’s not telling you, it’s like, ‘What? How come no one is saying anything to me?’”
To address that feeling, he wants veterans and anyone attending college later in life to be proud of what they’ve done. “Just knowing what you did to get here is something you should be proud of. And even if students that are younger might not appreciate it, someone will.”
Advice for Veterans Considering College
“I always tell my vets when they get here that the first couple months or the first year post-separation is probably the funnest, but it’s also the hardest because we’re so used to structure,” Vincent stated.
When searching for a college, he recommends visiting campuses and their veteran offices to see the camaraderie amongst the veterans firsthand, which is vital in aiding the transition into civilian life.
Most importantly, Vincent wants veterans to know that it’s okay to ask for help.
“There will be times where it’s hard, either financially, mentally, if you’re married or if you have kids; it’s hard to be a parent and a student. And it’s okay to ask for help,” he said. “There will be a time where you have some free time, or all those emotions from the military that you didn’t get to really process will come back, and it’ll affect you, and that’s okay.”
Embry-Riddle is dedicated to providing veteran support, as demonstrated in our consistently high rankings for veteran education across campuses.
The Prescott Veterans Office helps veterans on campus connect with others who’ve experienced the same things that they have. All students are welcome to drop by the Student Veterans Resource Center in Building 18 to hang out with the vets and listen in on their “war stories.”
- The Society of Women Engineers dedicated their time to lead the Introduce a Girl to Engineering Workshop for elementary school girls and inspire the next generation of engineers.
SWE Workshop Lets Eagles Showcase STEM Opportunities for Young GirlsThe Society of Women Engineers on the Daytona Beach Campus dedicated their time to lead the Introduce a Girl to Engineering Workshop for elementary school girls and inspire the next generation of engineers.Boosting the number of women working in STEM starts with igniting the passion of young girls for pursuing careers in STEM.
That was among the goals for the recent Introduce a Girl to Engineering Workshop (IGEW) organized and hosted by the Society of Women Engineers Collegiate Section at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus.
The free event on February 17 is part of a larger nationwide effort by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) to get young girls excited about and involved in STEM. The Embry-Riddle workshop drew 141 Volusia County girls in third, fourth and fifth grades for activities designed to challenge, intrigue and educate.
“Some key things that we wanted to teach the girls is that there is a whole world of opportunity for them within STEM and that there are many disciplines within the engineering field,” said Maegan Lucas, a Software Engineering major who was among the prime organizers of the workshop.
SWE Volunteers Step Up for STEM
Maegan and 43 other SWE chapter executive officers and volunteers spent months planning the event, and each had to complete background checks, obtain youth protection certificates and attend in-person training.
Countless hours were spent behind the scenes creating learning modules, tracking down materials and testing the experiments the young girls would do, said Claudia Ehringer Lucas, assistant professor of Engineering and the faculty advisor for STEM Outreach and the student SWE chapter.
“I am grateful for their dedication to providing this amazing opportunity to our local community,” she said. “The volunteers were kind, optimistic, reassuring and, most of all, enthusiastic.”
That optimism and enthusiasm resonated with the young girls who attended and left a lasting impression.
“I had so much fun and learned lots of things,” said Mila, a student at Pathways Elementary. “I met many different people and made new friends. I can't wait for the next event.”
“I enjoyed all three years I participated, and I am sad that I will not be able to participate next year,” said Hailey, currently in fifth grade at Tomoka Elementary. “But I look forward to all the other STEM opportunities that SWE provides throughout the year."
Events Engineered to Make Learning Fun
The SWE workshop featured five activities that the girls moved through in different groups. The engineering-based exercises focused on various disciplines and included an oil spill module for environmental engineering, balloon cars and paddle boats for Mechanical Engineering, spaghetti towers for Civil Engineering, and slingshot rockets and zipline balloons for Aerospace Engineering.
Each task required that the groups work together to understand the obstacles and create appropriate solutions.
“I was in one of the oil spill rooms, so my favorite moment was watching as the girls got excited about the activity and truly started to grasp the effect oil spills have on the environment,” Maegan said.
Seeing those “a-ha” moments happen for the young girls was among the top takeaways for Maegan, who is in her third year as part of the IGEW committee responsible for planning the event, which was captured this year in photos posted on the SWE at ERAU Facebook page.
“I got involved because I did not have much exposure to STEM fields as an option in school, so I wanted to be a part of showing the girls of Volusia County that they can do anything they set their minds to, especially joining STEM fields,” she said.
The Many Benefits of Giving Back
Although the intention of the SWE members was to give back, being part of the workshop also had significant benefits for them as well.
“It provides them with the opportunity to practice important skills that will be used in their careers,” Ehringer Lucas said. “To make this event successful, they must collaborate as a team by communicating, organizing and problem-solving, very much what the elementary school students must do in order to complete the modules our volunteers created.”
The ongoing success of the “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Workshop” highlights just some of the ways that Embry-Riddle students are empowered to share their skills and directly impact generations that will follow them to college and beyond.
It is among the many opportunities students have to build hands-on experience and help shape the future while they are still earning their degrees.
“I am truly glad I got to experience this event for three of my years at Embry-Riddle,” Maegan said. “I am excited to see the event continue to inspire girls within the community.”
Meet Some of the Eagles Shaping the Future of Women in STEM!
Jemma Amato
Jemma Amato is a junior studying Aerospace Engineering from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is her second year in SWE and first year on the IGEW committee. Jemma’s love for engineering started when a program similar to IGEW came to her middle school.
At Embry-Riddle, she is also part of the Sigma Kappa sorority and a member of the Design Build Fly team. She is passionate about engineering and is excited to share that passion with a new generation of girls.
Ashley CathonAshley Cathon is a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering with a double minor in Project Management and Computer Science. She is from Titusville, Florida, where she can watch rocket launches up close. This is her second year in SWE, and she was part of the campus events committee before joining the IGEW committee to help inspire young girls from all around to find a passion and love for engineering.
Ashley is also a part of the Microgravity Club and the RASC-AL Competition Club.
Grace LavoldGrace Lavold is a sophomore studying Aerospace Engineering. She is from La Crosse, Wisconsin, and loves to crochet and read in her free time. This is her second year in SWE and her first year on the IGEW committee. She’s excited to be a part of the committee and help inspire and spark interest in engineering for young girls in the area.
Maegan LucasMaegan Lucas is a senior Software Engineering student. This is her fourth year in SWE and her third year on the IGEW committee. She loves to read and is always free to talk about books.
Maegan grew up in the northern Panhandle of Florida, where you can see practically all of the stars in the Milky Way, which started her love and curiosity for space and led her to Embry-Riddle.
Reagan MuehlbauerReagan Muehlbauer is a sophomore Aerospace Engineering student from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is her second year in SWE and first year on the IGEW committee. She loves to bake cookies and spend time at the beach.
Reagan is also a member of the Experimental Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and wants to help young girls find a passion for engineering and inspire them to achieve their dreams.
Katie Swenson
SWE President Katie Swenson is a senior studying Aerospace Engineering, and she is from Marietta, Georgia. She loves cuddling with her dog, painting and playing roller derby.
This is her third year in SWE and her first in an executive role. She’s learned so much from her role as president and was honored to have the opportunity to lead in the planning of IGEW. She hopes that each young woman found a passion for engineering and was able to recognize their strengths.
Ashlyn ThorpeAshlyn Thorpe is a senior studying Engineering Physics and is from Sacramento, California. This is her first year in SWE and IGEW. Ashlyn’s love for engineering began when she was very young when exposure to local STEM museums sparked an interest in space that has stayed strong ever since.
She is involved in the Amateur Astronomy Club and loves bringing the Daytona Beach community onto campus for Astronomy Open Houses. She joined IGEW to inspire young girls to enter the aerospace industry and nurture their love for space and science.
Cami WinkelCami Winkel is a freshman in Aerospace Engineering from Chicago, Illinois. This is her first year in SWE and her first year on the IGEW committee. Cami’s passion for engineering began in her high school’s Girls in STEM program.
At Embry-Riddle, she is also a member of Women in Aviation, the Honors Student Association and the RASC-AL Competition Club. In her free time, she loves to go to the beach and spend time with friends. She is excited to be involved with the community and help bring girls together for engineering. - Thanks to his Aviation Business Administration degree, Timothy Gelfer is prepared to pursue his aviation career wherever it takes him.
ABA Degree Sets Student Up to Stand Out in the Business of AviationThanks to his Aviation Business Administration degree, Timothy Gelfer is prepared to pursue his aviation career wherever it takes him.Timothy Gelfer’s aviation dreams started, fittingly enough, on board a Dreamliner.
He was 12 years old and on his way to London, but the excitement of an overseas trip that was a gift from his parents was overshadowed by the brand-new Boeing 787 and its leading-edge technology.
“It was a very awesome experience,” Timothy said. “I did some of my own research on the plane, and I became very interested in aviation and started researching more planes, and it took off from there.”
Why Choose an Aviation Business Administration Degree at Embry-Riddle?
Fast forward nearly 10 years, and Timothy’s passion for aviation now encompasses all aspects of the entire global industry and has fueled his pursuit of the B.S. in Aviation Business Administration that he will earn in May 2024 from the College of Business, Security and Intelligence.
His bachelor’s degree complements the hands-on experiences and high-level internship he’s enjoyed at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus.
“With my degree, I can go into aircraft manufacturing, like with Boeing, or I could go into airport management, or I could go into the airlines,” Timothy said. “My ultimate goal is to be a leader in aviation.”
His journey to aviation leadership started with that flight to London and continued when he returned home to his native Las Vegas. He started planespotting at Harry Reid International Airport and getting increasingly interested in how aircraft and aviation worked.
By the time he started high school at the prestigious Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas, Sandy Ridge Campus, he had also gotten involved in the Civil Air Patrol. Although he was sure about an aviation career, he wasn’t sure what form it would take.
“At first, of course, I wanted to be a pilot,” he said. “But it just didn't seem like my passion was necessarily for flying the plane. I wanted to know more about the industry itself.”
Given that Timothy’s dad and grandad were engineers; that seemed like a viable path at one point.
“Then I realized I wanted to do a little bit more,” he said. “I remember landing at Heathrow Airport in London, and they had so many different flights coming in, and so many different cultures were there in just this one terminal, and I thought that was so amazing. Our world is so small and so connected because of aviation.”
It was that realization that set Timothy directly on his current course.
What Kind of Hands-On Experience Can You Get at Embry-Riddle?
Timothy believes Embry-Riddle also stands apart because it offers opportunities to build a practical experience that is hard for undergraduates to find anywhere else. For example, Timothy’s senior capstone project this school year involves consulting for an actual client.
He and other business students from Embry-Riddle’s Prescott and Daytona Beach campuses are consultants for Ocean Autonomy Cluster, a Norwegian company developing sustainable ferries and other seagoing vessels to help address traffic congestion, climate emissions and safety challenges.
This assignment follows on the heels of his involvement last year in a consulting project for Seabrokers, another company from Norway focused on autonomous transportation solutions in Scandinavia and the U.S.
Within the transportation sector, both projects are geared toward leveraging emerging technology to move people from place to place more safely, sustainably and efficiently.
“It's working with a lot of new technology and finding new ways of thinking,” Timothy said of his work with the consulting team. “We are looking at things that will also be big for the future of aviation, and it’s really cool because we are learning about them firsthand.”
Giving students valuable practical experience is among the key goals of the Eagle Consulting Project, Dr. Yimga said.
Under the seasoned guidance of Associate Professor Richard Gibson, the Prescott Campus project has soared in 2023, expanding to 13 student teams executing 17 innovative virtual consulting projects with companies around the world.
“This growth reflects a deep commitment to international collaboration and hands-on learning, providing students with critical real-world experience and business intelligence skills for their future careers,” Dr. Yimga said.
What Clubs and Organizations Can You Join at Embry-Riddle?
Timothy has also taken advantage of the connections built through the student branches of professional organizations at the Prescott Campus. He is president of the American Association of Airport Executives chapter and is thrilled about the experiences and networking opportunities it offers.
“We invite prominent guest speakers to help expose students to things beyond what they learn in the classroom,” he said. “They get to learn from these professionals, and they get to network with them.”
Through the chapter, Timothy has taken behind-the-scenes trips to major airports nationwide, including visits to Phoenix Sky Harbor, SeaTac, LAX and also Van Nuys, one of the world’s top executive airports.
The AAAE group also spent time at Alaska Airlines headquarters in Seattle and is planning trips soon to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Chicago, where they will tour O’Hare and Midway airports and the headquarters for United Airlines.
“These kinds of trips are something I think that only Embry-Riddle can really do because of our reputation and our chapter being a part of AAAE,” he said.
Timothy also has high praise for the Aviation Business Networking Club on campus.
“We help plan trips to the National Business Aviation Association conferences in Las Vegas and Orlando to help students get more networking opportunities and learn about business aviation,” he said. “Both of those clubs have definitely helped me.”
One of his mentors, a former World War II pilot, told Timothy about Embry-Riddle, and right away, the ABA program jumped out at him. So did the fact that the Prescott Campus was just a few hours from Las Vegas.
“My mentor told me Embry-Riddle was the ‘Harvard of Aviation’ and the best place to go,” he said. “I also heard good things about it in school and from the Civil Air Patrol. Then I saw the ABA program and knew it was exactly what I wanted to do in aviation.”
Right away, Timothy felt he had landed in the right spot. The program is geared toward those who want to build a strong business foundation with the networking skills required for a management career, and it also helped to know that 96% of Embry-Riddle students are either working or pursuing their advanced degrees within a year of graduating.
“There are so many opportunities at this school. Basically, everyone in aviation knows about Embry-Riddle, and I knew I would be successful in aviation if I came here,” Timothy said. “It was an obvious choice.”
One of the initial things that stood out to him was the quality of the instruction. Embry-Riddle professors are renowned experts in their respective fields and are deeply connected to the industry.
“They've either spent many years studying aviation specifically, or they've had 20 or 30 years in the industry and are sharing that experience with students,” Timothy said. “You can connect with them, and they give you real-life insights about how the industry actually is.”
“The Aviation Business Administration program prides itself on nurturing future leaders of the aviation industry, and Timothy exemplifies the very best of what we aim to achieve,” said School of Business Chair Dr. Jules Yimga. “His academic achievements and leadership in our community have set a new benchmark for excellence.”
Does Embry-Riddle Help You Get Internships?
Another major highlight of Timothy’s Embry-Riddle journey was his internship last summer with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) in Washington, D.C., where he worked on the organization’s professional development programs and got to join the NBAA Congressional lobbying team working on the FAA reauthorization bill.
“That was amazing and something I never expected I would get to do,” he said. “I got to meet with lawmakers and talk to them about business aviation. I also learned a lot about how D.C. really works, and that was such a cool opportunity.”
Timothy said plenty is in store for anyone joining Embry-Riddle's ABA program.
“If you are passionate about aviation and want to help it grow, this is the degree to pursue,” he said. “Embry-Riddle has so many resources, and I have really enjoyed going to school every day. In terms of both a business degree and aviation degree, I think you get a good return on your investment with it.”
Timothy believes another key to success is getting involved.
“There's so much that Embry Riddle is able to provide just beyond going to classes,” he said. “Whether through clubs or working on campus or networking with people, take advantage of these opportunities because they will make a difference when you start your career.”
- Megan Yaa Amoako was awarded a substantial scholarship from Boeing to support her life-long goal of becoming a pilot.
Eagle Lands Scholarship Through Participation in Women in Aviation GroupsMegan Yaa Amoako was awarded a substantial scholarship from Boeing to support her life-long goal of becoming a pilot.Since her freshman year at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Megan Yaa Amoako (’24) has been a member of the Prescott Campus chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI), in addition to currently serving as a public relations representative for the Women’s Ambassador Association.
“These associations have opened doors for me,” said Amoako, citing networking and skill-building opportunities. Most recently, however, the Aeronautical Science senior was awarded a $20,000 scholarship from The Boeing Company, thanks to her participation in WAI.
“I was surprised and excited,” Amoako said. “It was such an amazing feeling.”
Awarded as part of a Boeing initiative to diversify the talent pipeline for those pursuing careers in commercial aviation, the scholarship was awarded based on Amoako’s academic accomplishments, as well as her work as vice president for WAI.
“These organizations have helped me connect with other women on campus as well as build my communication and organization skills,” said Amoako. “I am just grateful to be a part of them.”
Fulfilling the Need for Pilots
According to Boeing’s 2023 Pilot & Technician Outlook, 649,000 new commercial airline pilots are needed to maintain the global commercial fleet over the next 20 years.
“I knew I wanted to become a pilot when I was 11 after being in a full-motion simulator,” Amoako said. “I am currently working on my commercial license. My plans for the rest of my time at Embry-Riddle are to finish my commercial and multi-engine flight training.”
Amoako is also pursuing minor courses of study in Aviation Business Administration and Cyber Intelligence and Security. She is on a path to graduate this fall.
“One of my mentors from Sisters of the Skies told me, ‘Failure is only failure if you don’t learn something from it,’” Amoako said. “It’s easy to be critical of yourself. Just keep trying. Praise yourself for your progress and achievements, no matter how miniscule they may seem.”
- Student Makenzi Patterson is pursuing her passion in the Forensic Biology field as she gains extensive hands-on experience at Embry-Riddle.
Under the MicroscopeStudent Makenzi Patterson is pursuing her passion in the Forensic Biology field as she gains extensive hands-on experience at Embry-Riddle.Makenzi Patterson (’25) grew up in Avondale, Arizona, a western suburb of Phoenix, with a growing curiosity and passion for the science realm.
“I always enjoyed watching “NCIS,” Bones” and “Forensic Files,” so I took a forensic science class my junior year of high school and loved it,” she shared. “I love how fascinated I feel when learning about the techniques and really knowing how to do something that most people don’t know how to do... I love how impactful forensic science is to the community.”
Her fascination and growing interest in the forensic field led her to start her journey at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and pursue a B.S. in Forensic Biology.
The Embry-Riddle Advantage
Patterson discovered Embry-Riddle when a representative visited her high school to showcase the Forensic Biology program. The presentation left a lasting impression on her, as she realized that pursuing her passion and interests in the forensic field could be achieved through Embry-Riddle.
“I chose Embry-Riddle because I loved the location, and the small class sizes allow me to excel academically,” she said. “As soon as I came on my visit to the school, I knew it was going to be the perfect fit!”
Patterson not only benefits from its convenient location and the class sizes, but she also takes advantage of state-of-the-art labs and enjoys direct connections to expert industry-leading faculty.
“There is a very good student-to-professor relationship, where the professors are willing to help students succeed and tailor their lectures to their students’ needs... I also like that each of my professors has industry experience,” she expressed. “I have had great experiences, like touring the Phoenix Crime Lab, listening to amazing stories told by my professors that help apply what we are learning in lectures to real-life situations and more.”
Finding the Right Program
The Forensic Biology program is designed for students, like Patterson, who are interested in biology, chemistry and law — giving students the skills and background needed by professionals in forensic science laboratories, law enforcement and other related fields.
“My favorite part of the program is the lab experience. The access to high-tech instruments and real lab procedures used in forensic laboratories is preparing me for when I attend an internship and join the workforce,” she said. “It’s extremely rewarding to learn proper lab techniques on such high-tech instruments because I will be able to show up to an internship or job already knowing how they work and what not to do!”
In addition to receiving lab experience, Patterson said one of her greatest academic accomplishments was being offered a teacher’s assistant (TA) position for Dr. Hillary Eaton, the Program Chair of Forensic Biology.
“I feel honored that Dr. Eaton not only sees my potential academically, but also notices my hard work and trusts me with all the responsibilities of being a TA,” she continued. “Honestly, my whole college experience is such a big achievement, and I’m proud of how well I am doing. I shock myself at the end of every semester when I realize I got through it and continue to make the Dean’s List.”
On-Campus Involvement
Since stepping foot on the Prescott Campus, Patterson has gotten involved and dedicates much of her time toward several clubs and organizations, including the Pre-Health Sciences Club, Women's Ambassador Association and the International Forensic Honors Society, Chapter Beta Eta. She shared, “I like being involved in clubs that encourage good academic integrity but are also an outlet to have fun and do activities outside of school.”
The Women’s Ambassador Association aims to encourage the empowerment of women both on campus and in nearby schools. Patterson explained that they focus heavily on promoting women in STEM fields and engage in outreach programs in middle and elementary schools.
“We introduce scientific activities to kids, and we put on lots of fun events on campus... One of our biggest and most impactful events is Shadow Day, in which we take incoming students with our same major around campus and to our classes for the day,” she said. “It really helps the incoming students get a good feel for what an everyday Embry-Riddle experience is like.”
Additionally, Patterson serves as the president of The International Forensic Society, Chapter Beta Eta, in which she works to fulfill the mission that’s dedicated to supporting academic achievement, promoting community understanding and advancing the field of forensic science.
“The International Forensic Honor Society, Chapter Beta Eta, is newer to the Prescott Campus but is beginning to flourish! During meetings, we engage in fun forensic activities, like solving a crime involving all aspects of the forensic field, including forensic biology, forensic psychology and forensic accounting,” she explained. “We also organize fundraisers on campus by raising money for different charities... During National Native American Heritage Month, we held a fundraiser to help Native Hope, in which they raise money to find and identify murdered and missing indigenous women.”
Patterson’s dedication to on-campus involvement continues to grow her passion for the forensic field while opening doors to new industry opportunities.
She shared, “This February, I will be joining the other officers of the International Forensic Honors Society at the American Academy of Forensic Science Conference in Denver, Colorado. Forensic scientists from all over the country will be attending, giving speeches and recruiting interns... It’s such a great opportunity that I’m looking forward to.”
Inspiration and Motivation
When asked about what advice she gives to new and current students trying to find their way at Embry-Riddle, Patterson has some insight to offer.
“Do not compare yourself or your journey to anyone else’s... Comparison can really hold people back from reaching their full potential, so acknowledge what you need to succeed academically and do just that!”
As for her motivation to continue her journey in the industry, Patterson spoke about wanting to make a lasting impact in the forensic community and beyond.
- Aviation Maintenance Science major Shelby Quillinan is excited that her degree program has opened the door to so many aviation industry opportunities.
Fixing to FlyAviation Maintenance Science major Shelby Quillinan is excited that her degree program has opened the door to so many aviation industry opportunities.For Shelby Quillinan (’24), happiness is having a wrench in her hands.
That’s why she’s spent the past four years preparing for a career as an aviation technician by earning a renowned B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a program that’s given Shelby the chance to use her wrenches all around the U.S. as she’s earned awards, scholarships, internships and job offers.
“It’s been really fun, and I’ve had a lot of great opportunities,” said Shelby, who will graduate from the program as a fully certified aviation technician. “I’ve met some really cool people and gotten amazing experience."
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Shelby and her family moved to Orlando when she was 2 and she grew up in Central Florida surrounded by the car culture that her dad loved so much. In fact, she was named after the iconic company founded by automotive designer Carroll Shelby.
Her dad was also into aviation and her grandad was an aviation technician in the U.S. Air Force, so Shelby’s interest in car repair eventually ratcheted up into a fascination with things that flew.
“Aviation has always been in the family,” she said. “I started getting into airplanes in high school because they were faster than cars.”
Why Choose Embry-Riddle for an Aviation Maintenance Science Degree?
As part her summer internship at Proctor & Gamble, Shelby Quillinan is shown here working near the tail section of one of the company’s four business jets. (Photo: Shelby Quillinan) Shelby said she was aware of Embry-Riddle growing up in Central Florida and through regular trips to the adjacent Daytona International Speedway, so she started the Aerospace Engineering program at the Daytona Beach Campus in spring 2020 after graduating from high school a semester early.However, Aerospace Engineering “wasn’t for me,” Shelby said. “I was hanging out with some friends and one of their roommates happened to be an AMS major. He told me all about the program and I changed my major the next day."
After switching majors, Shelby fell in love with her AMS classes, the people and Embry-Riddle’s leading-edge maintenance labs and facilities, all of which provided the key training and hands-on experience that today’s employers are demanding.
“We have composite and sheet metal structure labs and so many things that are really unique to our side of the campus,” she said. “And you come out of the program prepared to get your A&P certificate."
Shelby also spent a semester in the Avionics Line Maintenance (ALM) program, an AMS course that covers installation, troubleshooting and test equipment for advanced avionic systems.
“That was a huge highlight,” she said. “I really enjoyed the avionics work.”
What Opportunities Are Available to AMS Students at Embry-Riddle?
In 2022, Shelby was part of the first all-women team Embry-Riddle had ever sent to the global Aerospace Maintenance Competition, in which professional, military and student maintenance technicians test their skills against each other in more than two dozen categories.
In 2023, Shelby joined Hannah Daren, Tea Galon, Iram Rai, Cassie Savukinas and faculty advisor Cristin Klaus at the contest, where the team won the first-place award in the School Category. During both competitions, the all-women team was sponsored by Pratt & Whitney.
“My previous experience competing helped, and it was awesome to win—because we didn’t think we would,” Shelby said. “The competition was a great place to make connections and challenge yourself and your maintenance skills."
Also in 2023, Shelby earned a Delta TechOps scholarship through Women in Aviation International, which resulted in a four-day trip to Long Beach, California, and plenty of networking opportunities.
“I toured Delta TechOps’ newest hangar at LAX and met some really important people from the company,” she said. “I also got to spend time with a wonderful group of ladies from Delta and I still keep in touch with them today."
To top it off, Shelby then spent summer 2023 as intern at Proctor & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio, working with the maintenance team that cared for the global company’s four-aircraft fleet. Those several months packed plenty of memories.
“On just my second day working, I got the chance to change the ignitor plug on the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) of one of their Bombardier Challenger 350s,” she said. "It was the first time I got to do maintenance on an aircraft that was in service and airworthy. They even let me keep the ignitor plug I removed."
The internship also enabled Shelby to reach new levels of skill as a maintenance technician.
“One of my favorite things about the internship was towing aircraft,” she said. “I got a ton of experience moving them around the ramp with a tug. I was extremely lucky they trusted me with their aircraft.”
The Tools for Aviation Career Success
As she hits the home stretch to graduation, Shelby is finishing classes for her Maintenance Management Area of Concentration and looking forward to accepting her first job, which will likely be with one of the major airlines.
And although she is fully prepared and can certainly see herself in a leadership role one day, she’s not in any huge hurry to leave the hangar behind.
“I think I'll eventually work up the ladder,” Shelby said. “But I want to enjoy turning wrenches as long as possible and just keep getting my hands dirty.”
- M.S. in Project Management student Charlie Woods says his achievements in the Air Force and as a student reflect those who mentored him.
Grad Student’s Journey to Success Shows How Mentors Can Make the DifferenceM.S. in Project Management student Charlie Woods says his achievements in the Air Force and as a student reflect those who mentored him.Charlie Woods (’13, ’24) knows all about the value of having a guide on the road to success.
Thanks to being both a mentee and a mentor, the 38-year-old U.S. Air Force Captain is now well on his way to completing his M.S. in Project Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide College of Business, a graduate degree that will complement the B.S. in Aeronautics he earned from Worldwide in 2013.
Charlie’s record of academic accomplishments — which also include A.S. degrees in Avionics Systems Technology and Instructor of Technology & Military Science — is mirrored by his success in serving the country. He is currently an MQ-9 Reaper Evaluator Pilot and the Wing Executive Officer for the First Special Operations Wing, the flagship wing of the Air Force Special Operations Command based at Hurlburt Field near Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
“My experience is broad, but the success I've found throughout my personal and professional life are a direct reflection of mentors who've poured into me over the years,” Charlie said. “My legacy will be watching those that come behind me find success.”
What Makes a Great Mentor?
January marked National Mentoring Month, during which the roles of coaches and counselors are recognized and celebrated. For Charlie, his own experience demonstrates the importance of good direction.
After growing up in Millen, Georgia, Charlie joined the Air Force at age 21 and became an Electronic Warfare Systems Apprentice at Moody Air Force Base near Valdosta, Georgia. It was there he had his first mentor experience thanks to a supervisor, Maj. Aaron Gordon, who at the time was a Staff Sergeant. Aaron, who had graduated from Embry-Riddle with a B.S. in Aeronautics in 2010, knew the value of a great education and made a point to let Charlie know it, too.
“He led me to the base education office, where he not only helped me sign up for my first college course with Embry-Riddle, but he also enrolled in the course with me,” Charlie said.
That was the initial step into higher education, and it paid off big by enabling Charlie to sharpen his skills as a leader and prior-enlisted officer “working the flight line maintaining electronic warfare systems on HH-60 and C-130 aircraft, to teaching theory in the classroom.”
What Makes a Great Mentee?
Charlie’s positive experience with Aaron, which helped mold his own behavior when he became a mentor to others later on, also provided another vital lesson: You must be able to accept the guidance of others and you must remain open to new ideas.
“If you have a person who matters give you tough feedback, I believe they're doing it to help you be better. They care. If they didn't, they wouldn't invest their time to give you the feedback in the first place. If you want to become the best version of yourself, take the coaching,” Charlie advised.
Why Choose a Master’s in Project Management at Embry-Riddle?
Mentors and coaches helped inspire the pursuit of an advanced degree in Project Management, an effort that involves a major commitment of time for Charlie, who is still enjoying a stellar military career in addition to raising three kids (ages 8, 9 and 10) with his wife of 12 years.
But he believes today’s investment will result in opportunities down the road, and his choice of degree programs was based on some of the high points of his military service.
“I enjoy working in a dynamic environment, with diverse teams all working towards a common goal,” Charlie said. “It's something I'm fortunate to get to do every day, and I believe once my military service comes to an end, the master’s degree will help me successfully transition into the civilian sector where I hope to find a similar workplace environment.”
How an Embry-Riddle Education Works in the Real World
Beyond helping assure a brighter future, Charlie has found the lessons from his current classes also apply to the here and now and help him in ways he never imagined.
“There's three areas where I've seen extreme personal growth,” he said. “I'm much more ‘digitally organized’ as I've always been one to take notes with pen and paper, but I now organize my notes digitally, and utilize Microsoft Office 365 to ensure I've got unlimited access to my coursework whether it's on my laptop, iPad or phone. I'm also much more proficient in Microsoft Excel. These classes have highlighted capabilities in the software I had no idea about. Whether we're calculating probability or performing Monte Carlo simulations, there's so much that these courses have opened my eyes to.”
Another huge takeaway for Charlie has been a new approach to gathering evidence, assessing options and reaching conclusions.
“I don't believe I'll ever make a decision the same way again,” he said. “There's so much that goes into decision-making, whether we realize it or not. There are reasons that we make the decisions we do, there's information we need to make decisions, there's noise and bias and so many things. I'm much stronger at unpacking necessary information to make better decisions thanks to the coursework, specifically the ‘Strategic Decision-Making for Leaders’ course.”
From the support he’s received along the way to classroom lessons that are having an impact today and opening doors for tomorrow, Charlie believes that Embry-Riddle has been the perfect landing spot for him.
“Embry-Riddle reshaped a future I didn't know I had in front of me,” Charlie said. “I'm the first college graduate in my family and will soon hold the first graduate degree. It's not always been easy, and there's certainly a lesson in time management, but at the end of the day, the benefits of education far outweigh the costs, and I'm proud to be able to set the example for my children to follow.” - Soon to graduate, Meredith Tutrone reflects on her experiences while at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Earning a Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Degree at ERAUSoon to graduate, Meredith Tutrone reflects on her experiences while at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.Phoenix native Meredith Tutrone (’24) always wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become an accountant. As the time to apply for college grew nearer, she wondered whether accounting work would be too monotonous and “started looking for something similar but [with] a bit of a twist.”
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus is home to the B.S. in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination, which piqued Tutrone’s interest.
“When I found Forensic Accounting at Embry-Riddle, I was immediately intrigued and decided that was exactly what I wanted to study,” she said.
The Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination program is designed for students, like Tutrone, who are interested in accounting, law, fraud deterrence and crime investigation.
“The forensic accounting industry has evolved immensely over the last 20 years... With the amount of fraud that has been perpetrated after the COVID-19 pandemic and with the innovation of new technology, there are countless opportunities in this industry,” Tutrone said.
Speaking further of her specific interests, she shared, “I am most motivated to do right by the amount of elderly [people] that get tricked into a financial scam every day. In 2022 alone, there were over $3.1 billion in losses from people over 60.”
On-Campus Involvement at Embry-Riddle
At Embry-Riddle, Tutrone has gotten involved in a variety of ways — all of which expand her network and provide learning opportunities for valuable skills.
Her first job was as a Campus Academic Mentor (CAM), during which she taught University 101 to incoming students. She has since become the Lead CAM for the College of Business, Security & Intelligence, which houses her degree program.
In another role within Academic Advising, she helps advisors with tasks such as scheduling, guiding students with academic plans and de-escalating conflict situations.
Beyond academics, Tutrone works in intramurals and game operations for the athletics department, a job she describes as “fun” and “low stress.”
Along with her job experience gained on campus, Tutrone is the vice president of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, president of the Eagles Pickleball Association and an outfielder on the women’s softball team.
“Playing on the softball team has led me to create some of my best friends both on and off the field. The girls on the team are the most intelligent, athletic and caring people I have ever met. Playing a college sport while attending Embry-Riddle has been challenging but very rewarding,” she said. “I am so thankful for the opportunities softball has created for me and the learning experiences that came with it.”
In her past two years on campus, Tutrone became an orientation leader, a role that has given her some of her fondest memories.
“I applied to be an orientation leader because I wanted to make sure the incoming freshmen were provided with a positive and welcoming experience from the second they stepped on campus,” she shared. “I know this campus and its classes, clubs, organizations and sports very well, and I knew that I would be able to encourage lots of student involvement and show that going to Embry-Riddle is more than just getting a degree!”
Off-Campus Experience in Internships
In addition to gaining valuable experience on campus, Tutrone has completed multiple internships that have helped guide her career path and preparation.
“In 2022, I worked for Novitas Solutions, preparing audit workbooks and workpapers. In summer 2023, I worked for Western Alliance Bank on their Sarbanes-Oxley team and tested various internal controls for their effectiveness and their efficiency,” she shared. “This past winter break, I worked for Cantor Forensic Accounting, creating schedules and learning more about family law and divorce accounting.”
Looking to the Future
Tutrone gives credit to the positive role models in her life for fueling her motivation.
“My mother has always been an inspiration for me. She is a Certified Public Accountant who worked at her previous firm for many years and ended her career there as a partner. My mother’s critical thinking skills, intelligence and determination have shown not only through her success but also in both my sister and me,” she said.
“My father, who has owned multiple businesses, is also one of my motivations. He provides me with life lessons that are invaluable,” she continued. “He has taught me that with every endeavor, one must have the smarts, the heart and the ability to get to where you want to be.”
Tutrone has ambitious goals for her future – and is well on her way to achieving them.
“My goals include finishing my bachelor's degree, obtaining my Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner licenses, going to get my master's degree and eventually starting my own firm,” she said.
The Embry-Riddle Experience
Thinking about her own experience while earning her degree from Embry-Riddle, Tutrone had some advice to offer fellow and future students.
“Take it day by day. Embry-Riddle is a challenging school no matter what your major is, but that does not mean that we need to get caught up in that,” she shared.
“I would also tell students to make sure they get involved. Getting involved on campus does not mean you have to become the president of a club or attend every event possible, but instead stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing something new! College is the time to find different or unique things you enjoy, and sticking to your regular schedule will only set you back.”
She continued, highlighting that her experience was not only a chance for academic and career development but personal growth too.
“College wasn't just textbooks and exams; it was late nights spent in dorm rooms and the library, creating new memories on countless bus rides and learning and growing more into who I am than I ever have before,” she reflected.
- Juan Pena’s journey to becoming a working airline pilot was first fueled by Embry-Riddle’s unique partnership with the Gaetz Aerospace Institute.
Early Start Elevates Eagle Pilot to His Dream Career in Commercial AviationJuan Pena’s journey to becoming a working airline pilot was first fueled by Embry-Riddle’s unique partnership with the Gaetz Aerospace Institute.Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been part of Juan Pena’s life since he was 13 years old.
Today, at 24, Juan is a first officer on the ERJ145 for CommuteAir and well on his way to achieving his goal of flying for United Airlines. His success so far reflects his dedication and drive and also showcases the benefits of earning a B.S. in Aeronautical Science — along with advanced flight ratings — at Embry-Riddle.
“It opened the door for me,” Juan said. “Embry-Riddle put me on the fast track and really prepared me for the realities of a flying career.”
Getting a Head Start in Aviation
For Juan (’20), that preparation started almost as soon as he became a teenager. Born in New York, Juan and his mom moved to Naples, Florida, in the early 2000s, where they secured a Habitat for Humanity home.
As he got ready to attend Lely High, Juan was intrigued by the possibilities of exploring aviation through the Gaetz Aerospace Institute at the school. Through a partnership with Embry-Riddle, this concurrent enrollment model introduces high school students to STEM-related courses that allow them to earn up to 11 credits for college, among many other benefits.
“I think I started taking college classes before I even qualified for them,” Juan said. “I got used to the structure of things at Embry-Riddle, which would help me later on. It’s also where I really discovered aviation and decided that I wanted to fly.”
How to Handle the High Cost of Flight Training
But learning to be a pilot is expensive, and Juan and his single mom weren’t exactly flush with cash. That’s where the help of mentors like Alan Davis, director of the Aviation Academy at Lely, came in.
“He helped me apply for and receive a James C. Ray Scholarship,” Juan said. “That’s what got everything started.”
The $11,000 scholarship helped pay for his initial flight training and allowed Juan to solo at age 16 and earn his private pilot license at 17, the minimum ages allowed for both milestones.
As Juan continued to succeed as a pilot and a student (with a 4.4 weighted high school GPA), he got additional guidance from Embry-Riddle Assistant Professor Dr. Colleen Walsh-Conklin, executive director of the Gaetz Aerospace Institute.
“She was a great mentor,” Juan said. “She always took time out of her day to help whenever I needed anything, and she helped me maintain my link to Embry-Riddle.”
Dr. Walsh-Conklin recalls that Juan “started visiting campus with his grandmother when he was in 10th grade. Each time he visited, he always made sure to see me personally and was always focused on how to be sure he was doing everything he could to attend the university.”
While Juan had his heart set on becoming an Eagle, cost again loomed as a limiting factor. But with the help of his mentors and his dual enrollment credits, Juan was able to secure enough scholarships and financial aid to start the degree program and continue his flight training at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus in 2017.
Reflecting on his college experience, Juan said his top college memories include being part of a Study Abroad summer program that took him to Greece and Spain. He added that the college-level classes he took at Gaetz gave him a sneak peek into what life and learning at Embry-Riddle would be like.
How Embry-Riddle Prepares Students for Real-World Opportunities
As a working airline pilot today, Juan has also now realized how well Embry-Riddle’s flight training prepared him for the real thing.
“It’s more than just learning to fly,” he said. “Safety is always a top priority at Embry-Riddle, and their flight operations are also run the same way that airlines do it, with the same attention to detail and following regulations. It has made it an easier transition for me than for someone who didn’t have that kind of experience.”
Juan graduated with his Aeronautical Science degree and a full set of flight ratings in August 2020 and although he was part of United’s Aviate pilot training program at Embry-Riddle, the global pandemic that started that year meant airline flying jobs were somewhat limited.
So, he took a job piloting a Pilatus for a Part 135 carrier in the Northeast U.S., commuting from his home in Naples to shuttle small groups of passengers from major hubs to smaller airports under all types of conditions and in all kinds of weather.
“It was a lot,” Juan said of the experience. “But it was where I got to see first-hand how everything I learned in school fit together, how people can really work as a team to make an airline function day after day.”
When the opportunity at CommuteAir surfaced, Juan jumped at the chance and joined the regional airline — which operates as a United Express carrier — in December 2022. Based out of Dulles Airport in Virginia, he is now back on track in the Aviate Program, building his hours and experience and loving pretty much every minute of it.
“Flying here is like being part of a family,” Juan said. “They take time to get to know you and make you feel welcome and at home. And it’s definitely not your typical 9-to-5. There is something different every day and you get to fly all over the world. I really like the lifestyle.”
Flying all over the world in even bigger jets with United Airlines is Juan’s ultimate goal and, in the meantime, he’s enjoying the journey thanks to the training and preparation he got at the Gaetz Institute and later at Embry-Riddle.
“I feel like I am in the right spot and that there are a lot of opportunities coming up,” Juan said. “I am grateful for my mentors and for the education and experience that helped me get where I am today.”
In addition to the pride felt by his mom, family and friends, Juan’s accomplishments have won a number of other fans along the way, including his mentors.
“We are extremely proud of him,” Dr. Walsh-Conklin said. “The program definitely impacted the trajectory of his career and ultimate success. He is everything an Eagle should be.”
- At age 27, Zoey Williams is the first Black female pilot at Air Canada and holds two aviation degrees and an MBAA from Embry‑Riddle.
Accomplished Aviator Charts Course of Achievement Inside and Outside of the Flight DeckAt age 27, Zoey Williams is the first Black female pilot at Air Canada and holds two aviation degrees and an MBAA from Embry‑Riddle.Zoey Williams ('18, '20, '21) is proof that there are no limits in the sky. Or anywhere else, for that matter.
The 27-year-old Ontario, Canada, native already holds four college degrees — including three from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University — and, as a Boeing 777 First Officer at Air Canada, has the kind of full-time flying job that many aspiring pilots can only dream about.
As the airline’s first Black female pilot, Zoey has been featured in videos by Air Canada and the Elevate Aviation 2023 Women of Inspire ;and was also selected among the Top 20 Under 40 by Wings Magazine.
For Zoey, these accomplishments are just part of a remarkable life that’s seen her excel in roles that include flying the rugged expanse of northern Ontario, Canada, performing as a singer with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, teaching college-level aviation courses, working in digital marketing and flight operations and, most recently, writing a children’s book focused on flying and encouraging young people to pursue their passions.
“I'm a very firm believer that anything's possible with focus,” said Zoey. “I'm happy with all the things that I'm passionate about, but I have a lot of interests and I still always say you never know where life can take you.”
Life has already taken Zoey to some unusual places. As the daughter of a pilot, she grew up all over the world, including Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Doha, Qatar; Trinidad and Tobago; and London, England.
“It was quite an interesting upbringing,” she said. “I grew up on planes.”
A Turbulent Start to Her Aviation Career
With that background, it may seem a foregone conclusion that Zoey would end up on the flight deck of an airliner. But it wasn’t nearly as simple as that.
Growing up, she remembers not liking the sporadic schedules of airline pilots, “so I had actually set my sights on the engineering side of the aviation industry more than the piloting side.”
That seemed to be the right focus for Zoey, especially after she took an introductory flight in a Cessna as a teenager. Her dad Orrett Williams — a Boeing 777 Captain at Air Canada — had suggested the idea, but it did not go well.
Zoey said, “I had traveled commercially and at the airline level as a passenger for my whole life. But in that small plane, I was terrified. My knees were shaking, it was bumpy, and my hands were sweating. I went home and I said, ‘I’ll never do that again.’”
Despite the initial reaction, something about the experience struck a chord with her. She decided learning to fly would actually be an opportunity to grow and better prepare herself for the future.
“I did some soul searching and I wanted to conquer my fear,” Zoey said. “I was going to keep going back over and over until I was able to do that. I did my recreational pilot permit in high school and through the process of flight training I went from ‘terrified,’ to ‘this is alright,’ to ‘really loving it.’ That's what pivoted everything from aerospace engineering into flying.”
She also worked for a while in flight operations at a small airport during high school, a job that was also suggested by her dad.
“He really wanted me to start off my career on the ramp somewhere and have an appreciation for the different roles that go into making an airline work,” Zoey said. “When it's blowing snow and minus 15 in Toronto, there are a whole group of people out there making it happen and I have been out there with them. So, I know my dad was 100% correct.”
She eventually moved on to attend a flight college in North Ontario.
Why Choose Online Education at Embry‑Riddle Worldwide?
By the time she turned 19, Zoey was a certified flight instructor and went on to teach college-level aviation lecture courses as she built her flight time through airborne flight instruction. It was about then that a fellow pilot told her about online learning opportunities at Embry‑Riddle’s Worldwide Campus.
“I looked at many other universities to find the right fit, but it always kept coming back to Embry‑Riddle,” Zoey said. “They had professors who understood the industry, who understood the schedule of an airline pilot and the growth of an aviation career and the amount of attention that you need to put in what you're doing.”
With her prior credits and teaching experience, Zoey was able to earn her A.S. in Aeronautics from Embry‑Riddle in 2018. She then went to work on her B.S. in Aeronautics, which she was awarded in February 2020.
In the meantime, she landed a job flying the Beechcraft 1900 at Wasaya Airways, which plied the far-flung regions of northern Ontario, Canada and gave Zoey valuable back-country operating experience.
“I'm so grateful for that,” she said. “We were flying into gravel strips and communities up in polar bear territory that are only accessible year-round by airplane. It was tough flying, but I really enjoyed it and it was a great place to learn and grow.”
Wasaya also supported her pursuit of her B.S. at Embry‑Riddle.
“Not only the chief pilot but also a lot of managers that I worked with were very enthusiastic about my education at Embry‑Riddle, and they gave me a ton of flexibility,” Zoey said. “The airline itself was actually invested in my education and wanted to see me succeed.”
And, of course, succeeding was just what she did.
She soon landed a job as a First Officer on the Embraer 175 for the now-defunct Sky Regional Airlines, where she traded in flights to the Canadian wilderness for tamer destinations such as Toronto, LaGuardia and Atlanta.
That position ultimately led her to a job at Air Transat, where she was supposed to begin her training right about the time the pandemic hit. While she had been planning to earn a graduate degree anyway, the forced airline shutdown accelerated that plan and Zoey began the Master of Business Administration in Aviation program at Worldwide, earning her degree in 2021.
“I also started a short-term rental business and did a lot of odd jobs to get my footing in the business world,” Zoey said. Also during the pandemic, she kept her piloting skills by flying a Boeing 737 for Flair Airlines.
When restrictions eased and travel picked up, Zoey got a call to return to Air Transat to fly the Airbus, and then she also got a call to join Air Canada. She then entered training for the flag carrier and landed a coveted spot on the Boeing 777, where she now sometimes gets to fly alongside her dad.
“One of the goals that I had was operating flights with my father, and that’s something that we were able to do in 2023,” Zoey said.
Breaking Ground and Igniting Inspiration
Although she has already realized many of her dreams, Zoey is far from finished. She is an active singer and songwriter, showcasing her musical skills on her YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn platforms.
Zoey is now branching out as an author with her first book, "Go Where You Belong," which is being published in English and French and is illustrated by her sister.
“It’s a creative take on flying, like sprouting wings and actually flying,” Zoey said, adding that the book idea came about because “I was approached a lot in airports by little girls who were saying they didn’t know girls could be pilots. I’ve heard that too many times, and I want those little girls to know they can do it, too.”
Zoey says she plans to keep flying, singing and writing for the foreseeable future. She also plans to be ready for whatever new opportunities come over the next horizon, especially as an aspiring entrepreneur.
“I love what I do, and I am very happy with my career,” she said. “But there are so many doors open that I never want to box myself into one possibility for the future.”
Zoey is proud to serve as a role model for others who look like her, and she is grateful for the chance to inspire young people toward aviation careers. For those who may want to follow in her accomplished footsteps, Zoey offers this advice:
“If you have a burning desire to do something, don’t bury it. Keep your focus, build your networks, share your goals and show your passion in everything you do. That’s how you can end up doing things you love day in and day out.”
What passions could you pursue here? Apply at Embry‑Riddle today.
- Homeland Security and Intelligence major Hannah Wood gains hands-on security experience during her internship with the Daytona Beach Police Department.
Reaching the Next Level at the Forefront of Local Security and IntelligenceHomeland Security and Intelligence major Hannah Wood gains hands-on security experience during her internship with the Daytona Beach Police Department.Law school was always the next step for Homeland Security and Intelligence Studies major Hannah Wood (’24) until the moment she set foot on the Daytona Beach Campus her first year. “After learning what intelligence agencies and private sectors I could work for during my first Homeland Security course,” she noted, “I changed my mind.”
Recently, the Daytona Beach native reflected on her experience at Embry‑Riddle and how it has shaped her future career in the security and intelligence industry. After discovering the variety of degree programs offered outside of aviation and STEM, the tight-knit community and vast opportunities from leadership positions to internships and job connections, Wood decided on Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University.
“As a student at Embry‑Riddle,” she shared, “having professors that are such strong mentors and role models has been pivotal in my success.”
From Classes to Reality
In addition to dedicating time towards her coursework, Wood was accepted as an intern for the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) from March to August, putting knowledge learned inside the classroom to use. “I worked with many divisions, including the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and the Advanced Technology and Cybercrime (ATAC),” Wood mentioned.
While rotating divisions, Wood was fortunate enough to analyze a wide range of documents, such as court orders, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) child identification reports, forensic reports and investigation reports, and drew vital insights from the reports that aided in solving investigations.
Wood shared how her classroom knowledge of forensic terminology “solidified her understanding of how the police department adeptly manages crime, combats threats and responds to emergencies,” providing her with a seamless transition from classroom to internship.
In addition to utilizing learned skills firsthand, Wood received the chance to sit in on weekly CompStat meetings where she learned cutting-edge crime-fighting techniques, shadowed 9-1-1 dispatch and radio operators, went on ride-alongs and participated in multifaceted operations using unmanned systems.
Giving Back to the Community
On top of her studies and internship, Wood places a high emphasis on the local community and is involved in two organizations that help to benefit the Daytona Beach area. Alongside a colleague, Wood helped to establish the service-driven club Circle K International (CKI) on campus in 2022, in which she now serves as Vice President.
Embry‑Riddle's CKI club works closely with Kiwanis of Ormond Beach Club, where Wood currently serves as the President, organizing and conducting service projects throughout the year. “Our club plans a book fair every year at a local elementary school that gives kids, teachers and classrooms free books to promote literacy in children,” Wood mentioned while emphasizing the importance of being an active member of the local community.
Wood is also the President of Sigma Kappa Sorority on campus and recently joined the Order of the Sword and Shield, both of which have provided her with countless leadership skills.
Finding Positive Motivation
“After my internship with the Daytona Beach Police Department, I knew I wanted to have a meaningful career combating high-scale crimes,” Wood mentioned. “Knowing that you’re putting the bad guys away and keeping people safe is my motivation to work in the intelligence and law enforcement agency.”
With industry motivation stemming from her internship, Wood shared the tremendous impact her parents have had on her life, stating that they “taught me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, even if it seems unattainable.” Their constant and unyielding support has played an integral role in shaping her motivation and dedicated pursuit of her career.
Eagle Advice for the Future
The value of participating in the community is unmatched; from gaining valuable skills to meeting new friends and supporting causes that are important to you, there's a way for every student to engage outside the classroom.
“There are so many opportunities to get involved at Embry‑Riddle; it’s an amazing experience,” Wood offered when asked what advice she would give to a new Eagle starting their college journey. “You get out what you put into your experience... make the most of your experience... you might even find new passions that you didn’t know you had.”
Are you ready to pursue your passion? Apply today!
- Aeronautics major Arjun Vijay unlocks new perspectives as he takes on leadership roles and pursues his studies abroad in the United States.
Aeronautics Major Embraces Study Abroad OpportunitiesAeronautics major Arjun Vijay unlocks new perspectives as he takes on leadership roles and pursues his studies abroad in the United States.Arjun Vijay (’24) grew up in Singapore, an island city in Southeast Asia, with dreams of one day having a career in the aviation field. Influenced by his father, who is an aviation enthusiast, Arjun decided to pursue his early dreams of flight and is earning his B.S. in Aeronautics at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Asia Campus in Singapore.
“Growing up, I always wanted to see the world. I dreamed of working in foreign countries and making friends from all around the globe,” he reflected. “I would say that this has influenced me in choosing a career in aviation as it gives me a platform to be able to work abroad with other like-minded individuals.”
Dreams Take Flight
Through attending aviation conferences in Singapore, Arjun discovered Embry‑Riddle's Asia Campus. Their consistent presence at these events caught his keen attention, leading him to discover a vibrant community, global opportunities and more.
“Upon researching further, I found it to be an ideal fit for my aviation interests,” he shared. “It wasn’t an instant decision, but the more I learned about the program and the campus culture, the more convinced I became.”
Arjun’s search for a college ended when he discovered Embry‑Riddle's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and dedication to shaping the future of aviation.
“The Aeronautics program offered at Embry‑Riddle Asia is very robust and it allowed me to gain a deep understanding in the areas of airplanes, air traffic control and maintenance operations,” he said. “The university's reputation as a leader in aerospace education sets graduates apart, providing a unique and specialized skill set that is highly valued in the industry.”
“Being part of this campus has been rewarding due to the shared passion for aviation among classmates and professors... It’s really nice to be surrounded by like-minded students who are equally dedicated to the field!”
Beyond the Classroom
Once Arjun stepped foot on Embry‑Riddle's Asia Campus, he knew he made the right decision. With opportunities to grow his knowledge outside of the classroom, Arjun got involved on-campus by serving as the President of the seventh Student Government Association (SGA) on the Asia Campus.
“As part of SGA, we oversee the student body and we try to foster a tightly knit community of students. We aim to do this by organizing events for the student body and by finding conferences and events that students can attend or volunteer at,” he stated. “As a President, I had a phenomenal time leading my team... My team had seven students, including myself, and we had four different nationalities, representing Singapore, India, Philippines and Seychelles.”
Arjun, along with his SGA team members, represented Embry‑Riddle Asia in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition that was hosted in Malaysia in 2023.
“This was the first time I went abroad to attend an Airshow and there was no better way of doing it than to be representing Embry‑Riddle Asia,” he said. “We showcased the programs offered at the university to people that attended the tradeshow.”
Arjun’s involvement on campus has transformed his experience, creating opportunities for personal and professional growth, leadership development and more.
Studying Beyond Boundaries
As a student on the Asia Campus, Arjun had the opportunity to take his academic studies across the globe for a one-of-a-kind learning experience. The Eagle Mobility Program offered by the Study Abroad and Global Engagement Office enabled Arjun to study abroad for a semester at Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus.
“Living in a suite with students from Singapore, Korea, Belgium, Australia and Germany created a vibrant and tight-knit community,” he said. “Our shared experiences, from weekend trips to navigating campus life, forged lasting friendships that cross cultural boundaries.”
Arjun shared that his experience abroad has been one of the best things about his time at Embry‑Riddle.
“One of the highlights was being a part of the Embry‑Riddle Surf Club. This not only deepened my love for surfing but also introduced me to like-minded individuals who shared the same passion,” he said. “The club’s beach days and events provided the perfect backdrop for forming connections and creating lasting memories!”
Studying abroad not only allowed Arjun to pursue his academic passions but has also provided him with the opportunities to develop valuable skills, expand his global network, form lifelong friendships that span continents, immerse himself in the local culture and further his personal and professional growth.
“My time at the Daytona Beach Campus was a mosaic of cultural exchange, outdoor adventures and newfound friendships that I’ll cherish forever!”
Mapping Success
When asked about what inspires him to continue his path in the aeronautics industry, Arjun cites, “Being away from home and being out of my comfort zone, that inspires me the most... Nothing hits me more than that feeling of excitement you have when you are at the departure lounge in the airport with a one-way ticket away from home.”
As for his future endeavors, Arjun hopes to continue exploring the world of private jet management and aircraft charter sales.
“Embry‑Riddle allowed me to see the world while doing what I love,” he said. “I genuinely don’t think I could possibly ask for more from a university.”
As his dreams take flight, Arjun offers some valuable advice to the current and future students at Embry‑Riddle.
“Say yes to new experiences; say yes to discomfort. If you ever get the chance to go abroad, please take it. Travel really broadens the mind.”
- Logan Price pursues her passion in the STEM field through on-campus involvement and internship opportunities as she balances two majors.
Beyond the StarsLogan Price pursues her passion in the STEM field through on-campus involvement and internship opportunities as she balances two majors.A native of Virginia, Logan Price (’26) is completing her second year at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and is double majoring in Astronomy and Astrophysics and Computational Mathematics. Since arriving at Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus, she's had opportunities to explore her areas of interest, get involved on campus in student clubs and organizations and accept a summer internship with a reputable company.
Stellar Dreams
In the summer of 2016, Price went to a NASA-sponsored Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, leading her to discover her interest in the astronomy field. She was able to participate in activities, including launching simulated missions, astronaut training in a scuba tank and discovering real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and more.
“After going to Space Camp, my only goal was to pursue something that had to do with space. Soon after, I began learning about Neil deGrasse Tyson and was in awe of his mind and the work he produced. I knew that’s who I wanted to be!”
Immersed in the World of STEM
Price became consumed with all things space and dedicated time to researching top colleges that would match her interests. Embry‑Riddle soared to the top due to its academic diversity and commitment to the array of STEM programs.
“When applying to colleges, I knew I wanted to study astrophysics. That was kind of a no-brainer for me because astrophysics is everything I find fascinating bundled up into one field,” she said. “The double major was added on after I realized how much I loved math and taking on this major would show employers that I have a strong data science background.”
Her unique experience, coupled with her passion for space, not only expanded her interests but also ignited a deeper passion for the industry.
Beyond the Classroom
Apart from her studies, Price dedicates much of her time toward on-campus involvement. She shared, “I feel welcomed by every group... everyone involved here has a passion and drive that is unmatched!”
Price currently serves as the Secretary of Embry‑Riddle's Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and is a Women’s Ambassador, in which she works to recruit and support prospective and current female-identifying students through travel and attending events.
“I joined SWE as one of my first clubs when coming to Embry‑Riddle last year and I immediately got involved. Now, being on the executive board has allowed me to gain a lot of leadership experience... As secretary, I also serve as the Chair of the Outreach Committee that focuses on connecting with the local K-12 community,” she said.
She continued, “I became a women’s ambassador last spring and so far, I absolutely love it. I represent the female student body of Embry‑Riddle... I feel, as an ambassador, I’m really making an impact!”
In addition to her involvement, Price is an active member of Embry‑Riddle's Orientation Team and joined Tri Sigma, becoming the Manager of New Member Orientation.
“I cannot express how impactful it was to serve during O-week. The reward of changing new students’ lives and making sure everyone feels as comfortable and excited as I was during orientation was incomparable to any other experience I’ve ever had!”
Price’s dedication to on-campus involvement gave her an instant support system through her Eagle community, rewarding her with a lifetime experience.
Shaping the Future
Fueled by her industry motivation and on-campus participation, Price recently accepted an internship as a Systems Engineer for Northrop Grumman, during which she will be in Nebraska working within the Space Sector on ground-based ballistics and atmospheric sciences.
“Just thinking about my future and how successful I can be if I just work hard now motivates me to keep working in the industry,” she expressed.
As Price continues to soar towards academic and career success, she keeps her eyes set on her goals after Embry‑Riddle.
“I hope to be doing research on what I find interesting at the time! I just want to have the freedom to study what I want to at any given time,” she shared. “I hope to have a secure job and a flourishing life; a ‘work hard now, relax later’ type situation!”
Motivation for Success
Her family's unwavering support, along with friends who inspire her every day play a vital role in shaping her journey in pursuing her academic and professional dreams.
“My biggest supporters are my parents,” she shared. “They both raised me to do what I wanted to do with my life and taught me to be the best person I am today. I would not have any opportunities or dedication without their guidance.”
She continued, “Everyone around me inspires me. My friends are all so intelligent and I pull inspiration from them daily. My brothers are spirited and teach me how to have fun. My professors are dedicated and show me that I have people who care about me and want to see me succeed!”
When asked what advice she would give to the future Eagles of Embry‑Riddle, Price said, “Talk to everyone you meet! The connections you make at Embry‑Riddle will get you every opportunity under the sun.”
Are you ready to pursue your passion? Apply today!
- Aeronautical Science major William Bourdeau is closer than ever to a career as a pilot, thanks in part to Dual Enrollment classes at Embry‑Riddle.
How Dual Enrollment Helped Fuel This Eagle Aviator’s Drive to the Flight DeckAeronautical Science major William Bourdeau is closer than ever to a career as a pilot, thanks in part to Dual Enrollment classes at Embry‑Riddle.Hard work, determination, dedication and Dual Enrollment at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University have helped William Bourdeau (’24) get his aviation career off to a flying start.
“I am an Aeronautical Science major and I want to an airline pilot one day,” said William, who is now part of the renowned flight program at Embry‑Riddle’s Prescott Campus. “Doing Dual Enrollment helped me get most of my general education requirements and electives out of the way so I can focus more on aviation courses and flying.”
William got interested in aviation while he was growing up on the north side of Atlanta, Georgia, and he started flight training at a local FBO while he was still in high school, earning his private pilot license flying Cessna 172s.
He was already well aware of Embry‑Riddle’s reputation as a leading aviation and aerospace educator because his mom, Dr. Debra Bourdeau, is an associate professor at the Worldwide Campus College of Arts & Sciences, and also associate dean for Student Success and Academics.
Why Choose Dual Enrollment at Embry‑Riddle?
By the time he was a high school junior, William was already “focused on going to Embry‑Riddle.” He knew that the school’s highly regarded and fully online Dual Enrollment program, which allows students in grades nine through 12 to earn college credits while still in high school, could help accelerate his progress toward the flight program and, ultimately, his dream career.
“It turned out to be really manageable, which helped because I was also working two jobs in addition to high school and flight training,” William said of his Dual Enrollment experience. “The professors were always willing to work with me and help me adjust to the different environments.”
Although his life—like everyone else’s—was disrupted by the pandemic, William persevered and forged ahead toward his goal, determined to secure his seat on an airline flight deck. As he moved into his second year of the Dual Enrollment program as a high school senior and his classes became more aviation-centric, he realized another benefit that comes with the program.
“It really helped solidify the fact that flying was what I wanted to do,” he said. “Taking actual college courses just made me want to become a pilot even more.”
An Experienced Team Helps Chart the Course
With so many responsibilities to juggle, William was also grateful for the consistent support he received from Embry‑Riddle’s expert Dual Enrollment team.
“They were all great, and I specifically want to call out Samantha Miata (assistant director of the Dual Enrollment office),” he said. “She really helped me understand how the program worked in terms of workload and professor availability and stuff like that. I really appreciated having that kind of support.”
That same support also made a difference for William once he graduated high school and prepared to join the Prescott flight program in 2021.
“They helped me transfer credits and figure out what classes I needed and didn’t need to take,” he said. “Everyone was super cool, and they made the transition so much easier for me.”
How Could Dual Enrollment Work for You?
William is now in the final stretch of his academic journey and is a year ahead of many of his peers, which is another of the key benefits that flow from the initial investment of time and effort into Dual Enrollment.
Getting so many classes completed while still in high school will now allow him to take his flight training experience and respected Embry‑Riddle degree into the workforce just that much more quickly.
“I don’t regret my decision at all,” William said.
William also said that while taking college classes in high school can be rigorous, it can also help students figure out what passions they really want to pursue.
“Whether you want to get into engineering or aviation or cybersecurity or anything else, Dual Enrollment is a great way to solidify that, which is what it did for me,” he said. “And if you’re not sure, it can help you explore all the options that are out there. I would recommend Dual Enrollment at Embry‑Riddle to anyone.”
Get a jump on your future. Apply for Embry‑Riddle’s Dual Enrollment program today.
- Cory Hoit’s journey to Embry‑Riddle’s Aerospace Engineering program got a boost from his participation in the American Rocketry Challenge.
Aerospace Engineering Major Gets Boost Toward Success From ARC ScholarshipCory Hoit’s journey to Embry‑Riddle’s Aerospace Engineering program got a boost from his participation in the American Rocketry Challenge.Cory Hoit’s love of aerospace engineering started early, and it was the American Rocketry Challenge experience during his senior year of high school that ultimately helped land him at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University.
“Some of my friends had heard of the American Rocketry Challenge and so I decided to look into it,” said Cory (’27), now a freshman Aerospace Engineering major at the Daytona Beach Campus. “I had previously built and launched smaller scale model rockets for fun, but to have specific design requirements and objectives seemed challenging and interesting.”
What is the American Rocketry Challenge?
Cory’s participation earned him a scholarship from the ARC, which gives nearly 5,000 high school students in the U.S. the chance to learn the basics of rocket flight by designing, building and launching model rockets.
The process, which leads to a nationwide competition, helps participants solidify their STEM skills, provides hands-on engineering experience and ultimately helps some of the students with their college tuition.
A native of Brighton, Colorado, Cory’s early interests aside from engineering included volunteering for the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to help kids learn about the environment and the importance of conservation.
He attended Erie High School, which offered an aerospace engineering program where students could take engineering classes throughout high school, capped off by a final class that involved them choosing an engineering competition to enter.
That’s where the ARC came in.
How Students Can Design, Build and Fly Rockets
“It was a unique experience for me,” Cory said. “It was the first time working in a group that involved hands-on design and was all led by students.”
Beyond exposing students to all aspects of rocket design and building, the ARC program is also geared toward creating a well-rounded experience that goes beyond engineering.
For Cory, this included learning about fundraising to help pay for the project and also exploring lean management principles such as Kanban, which was developed by an engineer at Toyota to improve manufacturing efficiency and gets its name from cards that tracked production.
There were other key lessons as well, Cory said.
“It taught me a lot about setting up a project timeline, overcoming unforeseen obstacles, such as losing half of a rocket, along with designing and creating actual parts,” he said. “It also taught the importance of being on a successful team that had good communication.”
Why Choose Embry‑Riddle for Aerospace Engineering?
That type of real-world experience helped pave Cory’s path to Embry‑Riddle, the world’s leading aviation and aerospace educator, which itself is renowned for giving students the key hands-on experience today’s top employers are seeking.
“I chose Embry‑Riddle for my degree because I have heard really good things about their aerospace engineering program, along with smaller class sizes and great professors,” he said. “They also offered Engineering Physics, which I was interested in.”
The ARC scholarship has helped Cory cope with some of the costs that come from investing in a great education.
“Finding additional money for my college experience allowed me to focus more on studying and academic work without worrying about trying to find a job,” he said.
As he gets ready for the second half of his first year at Embry‑Riddle, Cory already has his sights set on the future, and he’s primed for whatever comes next.
“My ultimate career goal is to get my bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and to pursue a position in the field,” he said. “Embry‑Riddle can help me with this goal because they offer an accelerated program in aerospace engineering in which I can get my master's degree.”
What goals could you reach here? Apply at Embry‑Riddle today and find out.
- M.S. in Human Factors student Evelyn Ronceros started her academic journey at Embry‑Riddle while she was still on active duty in the Air Force.
Air Force Veteran Turns to Embry‑Riddle to Explore New Aviation Career HorizonsM.S. in Human Factors student Evelyn Ronceros started her academic journey at Embry‑Riddle while she was still on active duty in the Air Force.From the U.S. Air Force to the Federal Aviation Administration, Evelyn Ronceros (’22, ’24) has been involved in aviation nearly her entire adult life.
Still, in many ways, she feels like she is just getting started.
The Air Force veteran is now a Management and Program Analyst at the FAA, and she is more than a year into her pursuit of a Master of Science in Human Factors degree at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus. She’s also working toward her private pilot license.
At home in Chicago, Evelyn is using her aviation passion as a way to inspire young girls toward industry careers, dedicating her free time as a mentor and vice president of the Chicago Leading Edge Chapter of Women in Aviation International, a group she discovered through her studies at Embry‑Riddle.
“WAI membership has connected me with fellow aviation professionals and provided valuable opportunities to contribute to the industry,” she said. “Organizing ‘Girls in Aviation Day’ emphasizes our dedication to inspiring the next generation. Supporting and recruiting women brings essential diversity and fresh perspectives to aviation.”
Evelyn’s own aviation journey started with the Air Force, where she ended up leading multiple teams and human resources programs supporting the active duty, reserves and the Joint Special Operations Command communities. She also served overseas in South Korea, Turkey, Germany and Poland.
But it was her deployment to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom that really ignited her love of things that fly.
“Witnessing the Air Force motto in action, ‘flight, fight and win,’ resonated profoundly with me,” Evelyn said. “When I was evacuated swiftly and safely by expert Blackhawk and Chinook [helicopter] pilots, I experienced flight's liberating power in a remote, challenging environment.”
A Military Friendly Education Option
Appreciation of that power helped motivate the rest of her Air Force career, which ended after 22 years when she retired from active duty as Senior Human Resources Manager.
While she was serving, Evelyn had already chosen Embry‑Riddle as the school that would help fuel her future and she finished the long road to her B.S. in Aviation Business Administration in 2022, just about a year after separating from the Air Force.
Earning a bachelor’s degree while still on active duty was not easy, but Embry‑Riddle’s legacy as a distance-learning pioneer along with its understanding of the demands of military service helped Evelyn make consistent step-by-step progress, thanks to classes and schedules that are specifically designed for busy working professionals and those who are serving their country.
“Embry‑Riddle's flexibility and accessibility were instrumental in my decision,” she said. “On-campus and online course offerings enabled me to continue my education during deployment. Positive feedback from peers and alums, combined with the staff and student body's understanding of military service and accommodating approach, made Embry‑Riddle the perfect choice.”
The Leading Edge of Aviation Research
Now, Evelyn is fully vested in her graduate degree and the study of how humans and rapidly emerging technology are meshing in the air and on the ground.
“Understanding human behavior and limitations in aviation is crucial for safety and design, making human factors a vital field of study,” she said. “My analytical skills as a Management and Program Analyst align perfectly with this pursuit. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to flight safety operations research through human factors expertise.”
That goal is key in today’s aviation and aerospace industry, and Embry‑Riddle is on the leading edge of research and education into this critical interface.
Evelyn says that so far, one of her favorite courses has been Human Performance, Limitations and Error, which “significantly strengthened my interest in and commitment to aviation safety operations.”
Building a Better Future at Embry‑Riddle
With a stellar career full of adventures and accomplishments to build on, Evelyn is excited about the new opportunities now emerging and what they will bring to her future.
“I am eager to contribute to the advancement of aviation through human factors research and collaboration,” she said.
When it comes to the school that has opened so many doors for her, Evelyn is just as effusive with her praise.
“I wholeheartedly recommend Embry‑Riddle,” she said. “The university has provided me with countless opportunities for professional and personal development. It's always possible to chase your dreams.”
- Alexander Kam is pursuing a future in the engineering field with hopes to work for The Boeing Company.
Building a Bright FutureAlexander Kam is pursuing a future in the engineering field with hopes to work for The Boeing Company.A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, Alexander Kam (‘24) came to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University to play on the men’s golf team at the collegiate level and earn a prestigious degree in Mechanical Engineering on the Propulsion track.
Alexander chose to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering due to his early childhood passion: “I always loved to build things, whether it be making LEGO planes, fixing Nerf guns or making box forts,” he shared.
Academics at Embry‑Riddle
At Embry‑Riddle, Alexander has not only expanded his knowledge and gained expertise in the engineering field but also earned opportunities to engage in industry-related projects. His most notable academic accomplishment was his involvement working on a cutting-edge drone test stand in a thermal-fluids class.
“This was the most fulfilling project that I have encountered so far... I was involved in the initial planning and designs for a stand that would allow for the testing and simulation of the drone movement, without risking damage to the drone,” he shared.
Alexander’s work on the drone test stand gave him hands-on experience that combined classroom learning with the real-world setting. By working with faculty leaders and having access to state-of-the-art labs, he gained valuable insights to help further him in his industry.
Athletics at Embry‑Riddle
Alexander’s journey on the men’s golf team at Embry‑Riddle has elevated his experience on the Prescott Campus. However, the challenge to balance rigorous academics with extracurriculars and demanding athletics commitments is a battle that is ever-changing.
“Sometimes classes are more demanding and sometimes athletics is more, but the main takeaway is that there is always time that can be used for either,” he shared. “Whether it be traveling to a tournament or a couple of hours of break in between classes, there is always a little pocket of time to work on classwork or on the game.
His greatest athletic achievements came when his team won the Rocky Mountain College Tournament at Reflection Bay Golf Club. He said, “The tournament meant a lot to me since the competition there was very tough, and it was a very close battle all the way to the end!”
Through the unwavering support of his Eagle community, Alexander has fully embraced the challenges of balancing both academics and athletics.
Campus Involvement
When looking for clubs that would help with personal growth and career development, he found the Hawai'i Club and Women in Aviation International (WAI).
“I have been involved in the Hawai’i Club... It's allowed me to grow my group of friends and experience plenty of fun activities from home,” he said.“I’m also a part of the Women in Aviation Chapter here in Prescott. This club greatly advanced my visibility into the aerospace industry, as it has allowed me to attend national conferences and make many connections with people from all around the industry!”
The WAI chapter advanced his visibility into the aerospace industry and led him to attend national conferences and create industry connections, which landed him as an intern at The Boeing Company’s Test and Evaluation teams.
Internship With The Boeing Company
The Boeing Company is the world’s largest aerospace engineering company and leading aircraft manufacturer in the world.
“I recently finished my internship with The Boeing Company this past summer doing design engineering for their lab test team in Seattle, Washington. During this internship, I did a lot of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modeling and other types of design work,” he said. “I learned so much about myself and the engineering industry during this internship, and I can already see my skills from the internship contribute to my part in my senior capstone project!”
In the near future, Alexander plans to return to The Boeing Company for a full-time position as an electrophysics engineer and hopes to help them develop and test new aircraft.
Designing Success
Alexander’s biggest piece of advice for the future students of Embry-Riddle is to “meet as many people as you can and make some friends along the way.”
“The connections that you make at college are one of the biggest perks of being here,” he added.
When asked what inspires him to further his growth beyond Embry‑Riddle, Alexander expressed that his closest friends and family are the sources of inspiration in his life.
“My friends and family mean the world to me; they inspire me to be better each day. They are always there to help push me to be better... I really appreciate it and I’m thankful for everything that they have done for me.”
Alexander also found the importance of trying out new hobbies apart from his studies and demanding athletics.
“I recently picked up outdoor volleyball and rock climbing over the summer... I also enjoy surfing when I’m back home in Hawaii,” he said. “Overall, I love doing any type of outdoor activities as long as they're in good company with great friends!”
The experiences and the lessons learned at Embry‑Riddle will extend far beyond the classroom, as they have provided Alexander with the tools needed to fuel his personal and professional growth.
- Jonathon Guthmiller just spent two weeks on top of a Hawaiian volcano as an analog astronaut and will soon head to NASA to begin his career as a flight control planner.
From Classrooms to Space StationsJonathon Guthmiller just spent two weeks on top of a Hawaiian volcano as an analog astronaut and will soon head to NASA to begin his career as a flight control planner.Initially drawn to the space industry after traveling from his hometown of Flower Mound, Texas, to Cape Canaveral, Florida, to watch the first-ever Orion spacecraft launch, Jonathon Guthmiller (’23) wanted to attend a university that could give him the foundational knowledge and experience he needed to succeed in his dream field.
Now, Guthmiller is finishing his B.S. in Spaceflight Operations (now renamed the B.S. in Space Operations) with minors in Human Factors and Project Management at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University.
Landing a Job at NASA
At Embry‑Riddle, Guthmiller is an active member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and involved in research in the Astra Lab, where he helped develop surface sampling tools for spaceflight.
Recently, during his final semester, Guthmiller interviewed for a position working for NASA's Johnson Space Center as an International Space Station flight control planner.
“NASA flew me out to Houston, showed me a tour of the whole facility and was super welcoming to me. It was amazing because I personally never would've seen myself doing this four years ago,” he shared, recalling the hiring process.
With his goal of one day becoming an astronaut in mind, Guthmiller accepted the position at NASA and is eagerly awaiting his move to Texas for the role, which is coincidentally not far from his hometown.
“I'm going to be working in an operations planning position to develop methodologies for the ISS in day-to-day life. I won't be working with astronauts directly, but I'll be working with the other chair positions at mission control,” he shared. “Over the next couple years, I'll be hopefully transitioning over to the Gateway Space Station and hopefully working for Artemis in the next five years.”
Analog Astronaut Experience
The very week he accepted the position at NASA, Guthmiller heard back from another opportunity he had applied for: an analog astronaut experience with the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, or HI-SEAS. Guthmiller and other participants were sponsored by Henk Rogers, managing director of The Tetris Company.
“I wanted to get more experience in spaceflight and start working on my initial phase of maybe applying to be an astronaut one day... Within a month, I was flying out to Hawaii. The summary of the trip was a two-week mission, spending two weeks on top of Mauna Loa.”
Analog astronauts participate in simulated lunar or space missions while on Earth. Guthmiller’s mission took him to the HI-SEAS igloo-shaped habitat on Hawaii’s (and the world’s) largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, where he and a team of five other participants studied the potential effects of lunar missions on the human body, gained familiarity with exploring real lava tubes and more.
“They have a plan to either build a habitat on the surface [of the moon] and cover it with lunar surface or build it inside of a lava tube. We have zero experience going inside of lava tubes on the moon since it's so far away,” he said. “We were using the analog environment in Hawaii as a simulated lunar lava tube because they both have lava environments and things called permanently shadowed regions.”
Although analog astronauts complete their missions on Earth, protocol throughout the experience is taken just as seriously as it is beyond our atmosphere.
“The only time we were allowed to leave the habitat was when we had a spacesuit on, which means we had to put the spacesuit on, depressurize the airlock, go out of the airlock and get approval from our mission control,” he shared. “Then it was about an hour hike up the mountain in that spacesuit. Then you go down into a lava tube that you find – we either use drones to find lava tubes or Google Earth... then we would explore the lava tubes.”
Guthmiller shared that the dome-shaped habitat had two bathrooms with composting toilets, six computer stations, an exercise bike overlooking the clouds out the window and six individual bedrooms. The astronauts ate dehydrated food, were permitted just one shower halfway through the mission and learned how to prepare and wear spacesuits.
Regarding his peers on the mission, Guthmiller was surrounded by bright minds and experienced professionals. His peers consisted of his commander, who was experienced in analog astronaut training and traveled from Belgium for the mission; a lead engineer who works for SpaceX’s Starlink; a mission specialist from Los Angeles; a Belgian student also studying spaceflight; and lastly, a space therapist, who created research on the impact of crew isolation and lunar simulation on human behavior as well as the overview affect.
“Our diet was part of our study as well, and I actually lost 12 pounds. Our two main goals were studying our diet and studying our bodies within isolation,” he shared. “A lot of our side projects were studying lava tubes and studying surface sampling methods. I brought a personal experiment that I was working on with JSC, where we were studying how to surface sample inside of a spacesuit more efficiently.”
Preparing for a Career as an Astronaut
Guthmiller’s goals for the future align with the experience he’s gaining now.
“A long-term goal of mine would definitely be to explore my career at NASA and stay at NASA for my whole life. Honestly, I don't really see anywhere that would be better than that,” he remarked. “Hopefully, I’ll work my way up through the system... and when I'm 31, I’ll send my first astronaut candidate application. I can't apply when I'm 30 since the applications are in August and I am 30 in December.”
Guthmiller cited his fraternity experience as helpful to mastering the skill of time management and advised prospective students of just how valuable it is.
“Time management is important! It's very easy to fit everything you enjoy in your day, but only if you stay focused,” he said.
For students with dreams in space operations, he had additional insight to offer.
“I would say not to doubt yourself because personally, I never saw myself doing this... but I kept trying and I kept pushing my entire life. Everyone thinks it's a joke until you do it,” he said. “I think you definitely just have to keep telling yourself you can do it because, at the end of the day, you have to work hard for what you want.”
You can do anything you set your mind to — and a degree from Embry‑Riddle can give you the competitive advantage you need when chasing your dreams. Apply today!
- After years of hard work in school, Liyat Tsehai was selected by Boeing for the prestigious Boeing Scholars program at Embry‑Riddle.
A Boeing Scholar's Journey to the SkiesAfter years of hard work in school, Liyat Tsehai was selected by Boeing for the prestigious Boeing Scholars program at Embry‑Riddle.Liyat Tsehai (’27) is in her first year at Embry‑Riddle on the Prescott Campus, studying Aeronautical Science. As a member of the Black Student Union and the Ninety-Nines, she’s diving headfirst into her campus experience.
Liyat was selected as one of nine 2023 Boeing Scholars. As part of a longtime relationship between Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and The Boeing Company, the Boeing Scholars program is an initiative to develop students for careers in aviation. Selected students benefit from a scholarship, networking opportunities, trips to Boeing facilities and advantages toward internship consideration.
Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook for 2023-2042 anticipates a need for 649,000 new pilots and 690,000 new maintenance technicians over the next 20 years. They have recognized the need to bring more diversity into the industry, which is why the Boeing Scholars program primarily selects women, people of color and veterans—all members of underrepresented populations in the aviation industry.
How do you feel about being selected as a Boeing Scholar?
I am very grateful and honored to be selected as a Boeing Scholar. I’ve worked hard to maintain high grades and it is very encouraging to see my efforts rewarded. I am very excited for the opportunities this scholarship will bring, one of the biggest ones being the possibility of an internship with Boeing.
Where are you from? What was it like growing up?
I am from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I had a happy childhood. I grew up with my dad and grandparents. They understood the importance of education and made sure I did, too. They’ve encouraged me to work hard, and that helped shape me into the person I am today.
What made you choose to study Aeronautical Science?
I chose to major in Aeronautical Science because of my passion for aviation and my aspirations to become a pilot. It goes a step further from flight training by helping me get a better understanding of everything I need to know as a pilot, ultimately making me become a better pilot.
What’s it like living on the Prescott Campus?
I am really enjoying it so far. I was a little worried about the idea of living with two other people I didn’t know, but I am happy to say that I get along with my roommates very well and one of them has turned out to be a good friend of mine.
My favorite experience so far would be the OctoberWest Fair. I really enjoyed the drone show.
Who have been your biggest supporters in life and your education?
My biggest supporters in life have been my family. They have always prioritized my education and success over everything else, giving their all to make sure I have everything I need to succeed. My teachers have also played an important role in supporting me. They have always believed in my potential and encouraged me to do my best.
How is Embry‑Riddle preparing you for the future?
Embry‑Riddle is preparing me for the future by providing me with high-quality education and different events and opportunities where I can network with people in my field of interest.
What are your goals after you graduate?
My short-term goal after I graduate is to accumulate enough flight hours in order to meet the ATP [Airline Transport Pilot] requirement and start my career as a pilot. My long-term goal is to become a captain with major airlines like United Airlines or Delta.
Where can Embry‑Riddle take you? Apply today and find out!
- Aviation Maintenance Science major Calen Crockett has been thrilled by the opportunities for hands-on experience that she’s getting at Embry‑Riddle.
Aviation Maintenance Science Major Finds "Unmatched" Opportunity at Embry‑RiddleAviation Maintenance Science major Calen Crockett has been thrilled by the opportunities for hands-on experience that she’s getting at Embry‑Riddle.Calen Crockett remembers exactly where and when her aviation passion kicked in.
Sixth grade. Omaha, Nebraska.
Her school was trying out a program that let students explore different topics during their homeroom periods and on a whim, Calen chose “Introduction to Flight” with teacher Brett Redemske.
“I walked in the room and up on the board were different aircraft flight decks and instrument panels,” said Calen (’24). “I was absolutely mesmerized. It was immediate. I knew this was something I wanted to pursue and I so many huge goals following that one little experience, which served as inspiration for everything moving forward.”
Calen’s love of all things aviation now has her poised to graduate in May with an Aviation Maintenance Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus, well prepared for a future she’s already looking forward to.
“I don’t have an ultimate career goal right now, but I am very excited to see what’s out there when I start my job search,” she said. “I have already started thinking about what I want to do and where I want to go.”
Pursuing an Aviation Career
Calen’s path into Embry-Riddle’s renowned AMS program has had plenty of twists, turns and even two cross-country moves, but she has no doubt that she landed in the right place. After that transformative homeroom experience, Calen did all she could to get involved with aviation on any level possible.
Calen Crockett gets ready to take a flight in the Van’s RV-12iS aircraft that she helped build. (Photo: Calen Crockett)She joined the Civil Air Patrol and then applied for and earned a coveted spot in the Air & Space Academy at Harry A. Burke High School in Omaha.
“All of my base curriculum, such as history and subjects such as those, were all centered around aviation,” she said. “So instead of taking your typical world history class, I took history of aviation, which was just awesome, frankly.”
Another highly influential experience came when Calen joined a group called Aviation Nation and took part in building an RV-12iS aircraft from Van’s, a leading designer of homebuilt aircraft.
Calen said the group, which is no longer active after the passing of its founder, was “ at its core, a mentorship program that taught students the skills to build their own kit aircraft.” The aircraft she worked on is still flying and currently has 1,400 hours of total time in service.
“That was when I realized that I loved the hands-on work and I loved the satisfaction you get by finishing a big project,” Calen said of her work on the aircraft. “It's incredible to see it flying. I've flown in it, and one of my friends got their private pilot license in it, so it’s pretty amazing to see what came out of a bunch of wooden crates is now a functional flying certificated aircraft.”
Why Choose Embry-Riddle for Aviation Degree?
Calen’s first introduction to Embry-Riddle came when she was 14. One of her mentors in Civil Air Patrol explained how the school was a global leader in aviation and aerospace education and offered opportunities in every aspect of the industry. That was pretty much all she needed to hear.
“It was the only school I applied to,” Calen said.
She was accepted into the Aerospace Engineering program at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus and initially had her sights set on the space track.
“Space is still one of my big interests, but I realized within the first month this was not the hands-on career that I wanted,” she said.
That, Calen recalls, was a disheartening moment.
“I moved to Arizona from Nebraska, halfway across the country, just to realize I wasn’t doing what I liked,” she said. “But I loved what I found at Embry-Riddle and wanted to stay, so I was happy that I had the option to move to the AMS program in Daytona.”
From One Renowned Embry-Riddle Program to Another
Calen said Embry-Riddle’s academic advising team made the actual transfer process easy for her. After a second cross-country trek, she launched her new educational journey.
“I think it's a testament to just how much Embry-Riddle offers and how vast your choices are for what you want to do while you're here,” she said. “I had passion for the hands-on stuff, and I realized this was something I loved doing. I love the perfectionism of it all, I love every day being different and I love that in the maintenance world, everything must be done exactly.”
The wealth of opportunities provided by the AMS program were a revelation for Calen.
“One of the things that really stuck out to me right off the bat was how much time we spend in a lecture environment versus a hands-on environment,” she said. “We spend so much time working hands on and that has made a tremendous impact, not only learning about what we're going to be doing, but then actively doing the work.”
For example, she recalls a class where she and her fellow students took apart and reassembled a turbine engine.
“Where else are you going to get to do that?” Calen asked, adding: “And where else are you going to have 20 to 40 turbine engines just laying out across a classroom for people to pick apart in an educational environment?”
Another plus of the program — one that also resonates with other AMS students — is the focus on fundamentals and foundational maintenance skills that starts from day one.
“All those basics that I learned early on really stacked up on each other,” Calen said. “It's one of those things where you say, ‘yes, I know how to do that.’”
Expert AMS Faculty Helps Students Stand Out
Among the biggest highlights for Calen and other AMS students is the quality of the instruction they get from Embry-Riddle’s AMS faculty members, all of whom are experts in their respective disciplines with direct connections to top industry employers.
“I would love to shout out [Associate Professor] Mitch Geraci because he has just been so involved, not just in our learning, but also by lifting us up so we’re more confident in ourselves,” Calen said. “He's such a great professor, not just when it comes to aviation, but also when it comes to life. He's shown me that there are a lot of really great things out there and that I'm capable of achieving them.”
For Calen, one of those great things was earning a prestigious Aviation Maintenance Technician scholarship from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). That honor comes with a one-week course with engine maker Rolls-Royce, high-level hands-on training that can cost more than $10,000.
“That gives me a kick into the industry because it's something that my future employer is not going to have to train me on or and or pay for,” Calen said. “The faculty here does so much behind the scenes to make these opportunities available for us.”
The award also included the chance to attend an NBAA national conference and begin building the industry connections that are so vital in today’s job market.
“It’s led to more and more networking opportunities for me,” she said. “I got to meet so many great people and there's so many people in my contacts list now that I can reach out to when I'm really getting into that job search.”
To anyone considering an AMS degree at Embry-Riddle, Calen offered this perspective:
“It’s totally worth it. Truly, I don't think I could have gotten the same quality of education anywhere else or the same dedication from my professors. It’s unmatched.”
Calen Crockett remembers exactly where and when her aviation passion kicked in.
Sixth grade. Omaha, Nebraska.
Her school was trying out a program that let students explore different topics during their homeroom periods and on a whim, Calen chose “Introduction to Flight” with teacher Brett Redemske.
“I walked in the room and up on the board were different aircraft flight decks and instrument panels,” said Calen (’24). “I was absolutely mesmerized. It was immediate. I knew this was something I wanted to pursue and I so many huge goals following that one little experience, which served as inspiration for everything moving forward.”
Calen’s love of all things aviation now has her poised to graduate in May with an Aviation Maintenance Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus, well prepared for a future she’s already looking forward to.
“I don’t have an ultimate career goal right now, but I am very excited to see what’s out there when I start my job search,” she said. “I have already started thinking about what I want to do and where I want to go.”
Pursuing an Aviation Career
Calen’s path into Embry-Riddle’s renowned AMS program has had plenty of twists, turns and even two cross-country moves, but she has no doubt that she landed in the right place. After that transformative homeroom experience, Calen did all she could to get involved with aviation on any level possible.
Calen Crockett gets ready to take a flight in the Van’s RV-12iS aircraft that she helped build. (Photo: Calen Crockett)She joined the Civil Air Patrol and then applied for and earned a coveted spot in the Air & Space Academy at Harry A. Burke High School in Omaha.
“All of my base curriculum, such as history and subjects such as those, were all centered around aviation,” she said. “So instead of taking your typical world history class, I took history of aviation, which was just awesome, frankly.”
Another highly influential experience came when Calen joined a group called Aviation Nation and took part in building an RV-12iS aircraft from Van’s, a leading designer of homebuilt aircraft.
Calen said the group, which is no longer active after the passing of its founder, was “at its core, a mentorship program that taught students the skills to build their own kit aircraft.” The aircraft she worked on is still flying and currently has 1,400 hours of total time in service.
“That was when I realized that I loved the hands-on work and I loved the satisfaction you get by finishing a big project,” Calen said of her work on the aircraft. “It's incredible to see it flying. I've flown in it, and one of my friends got their private pilot license in it, so it’s pretty amazing to see what came out of a bunch of wooden crates is now a functional flying certificated aircraft.”
Why Choose Embry-Riddle for Aviation Degree?
Calen’s first introduction to Embry-Riddle came when she was 14. One of her mentors in Civil Air Patrol explained how the school was a global leader in aviation and aerospace education and offered opportunities in every aspect of the industry. That was pretty much all she needed to hear.
“It was the only school I applied to,” Calen said.
She was accepted into the Aerospace Engineering program at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus and initially had her sights set on the space track.
“Space is still one of my big interests, but I realized within the first month this was not the hands-on career that I wanted,” she said.
That, Calen recalls, was a disheartening moment.
“I moved to Arizona from Nebraska, halfway across the country, just to realize I wasn’t doing what I liked,” she said. “But I loved what I found at Embry-Riddle and wanted to stay, so I was happy that I had the option to move to the AMS program in Daytona.”
- Shyan Khalil’s interest in the field of air safety continues to grow as she gets involved in on-campus groups and interns with her dream organization.
Safety Takes FlightShyan Khalil’s interest in the field of air safety continues to grow as she gets involved in on-campus groups and interns with her dream organization.In her early teens, Shyan Khalil (’25) stumbled upon “Air Disasters” on the Smithsonian Channel, a television show that focused on the occurrence and investigation of aircraft accidents. She was immediately drawn in — binge-watching the show for “hours on end” — and credits this discovery as the spark that ignited her interest in pursuing a future in aviation safety.
“I have always been fascinated by all aspects of flight. I am naturally inquisitive and always strive for improvement. I want to work to figure out what went wrong, why it went wrong and how we can prevent it from happening again...” she said. “Learning from past mistakes and making the necessary improvements is the main reason why we have been able to make such great strides in this industry.”
Finding an Aviation-Oriented School
Despite her aviation interests, Khalil spent two years of college as an Early Childhood Education major but found herself wishing for more of a challenge in her studies — “The small push that keeps you going and pushes you to be the best you can be.”
As she began to research schools in the aviation realm, she noted that Embry‑Riddle was always one of the first search results.
“I took a shot and decided to submit a transfer application with Embry‑Riddle. I knew that if I were to step out of my comfort zone, this would be the best opportunity for me to do so,” she recalled. “A few weeks later, my dad called me to tell me that I had a big envelope from Embry‑Riddle at home waiting for me. I got in! This was just the beginning for me.”
From there, Khalil moved from New Jersey to Florida to attend Embry-Riddle and earn her degree in Aerospace and Occupational Safety — a decision that was backed by unconditional support from her parents, who knew this was a longtime dream come true.
“To be able to be surrounded by like-minded people has helped me become a better student and aspiring aviation professional. Embry‑Riddle is extremely well-known in aviation and it's for a reason,” she shared.
Getting Involved on Campus
Since arriving on Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus, Khalil has immersed herself in the same culture she was drawn to; now leading as the president of the American Society of Safety Professionals chapter, working as the Safety Officer for Hammerhead Aviation (the aerobatics club on campus), participating as an active member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators and the Barefoot Flying Club.
On top of this, Khalil plans to get her Private Pilot License soon and works on campus in the FAA Testing Center.
“I proctor the FAA Airmen Knowledge Tests! I have worked here for a little over a year;it’sa great way for me to earn money while providing the perfect flexibility to stay on top of my coursework,” she said.
Interning With the National Transportation Safety Board
When Khalil received an email from the College of Aviation about the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accepting student interns from Embry‑Riddle, she jumped at the opportunity.
“Long before I ever applied to Embry‑Riddle, I always said that I wanted to work with the National Transportation Safety Board as an Aircraft Accident Investigator,” she remembered. “I never thought that I would have been so close to my dream so soon.I truly believe that I spoke my future into existence.”
After working with her Career Services advisor to get her resume and cover letter into perfect shape, Khalil submitted her application and soon after got the phone call –she’d landed the position. She remembers being “nervous and excited but, above all, thankful.”
“It is all thanks to Embry‑Riddle and their amazing team. I’m appreciative of Career Services for making the opportunity available to Embry‑Riddle students and my professors for preparing me to be successful in my role,” she remarked.
In her internship, Khalil worked in the NTSB Office of Occupational Safety and Health, which focuses on employee safety. Day-to-day tasks included putting together go-bags for investigators and assisting with data collection and recording, while she also had opportunities to conduct preliminary research for the implementation of new safety policies and even attend a wreckage examination.
“During this [examination], I worked closely with the Investigator in Charge and party members; this was a wonderful opportunity to play a role in the work that I want to do one day,” she shared. “I learned some great techniques and made plenty of connections!”
Throughout her internship, Khalil took the opportunity to reach out to and connect with current NTSB employees, creating a network of lasting connections within the organization. She noted that the employees were often excited to meet and gave their compliments on her initiative.
“I formally introduced myself and asked if they would be interested in doing a networking interview over lunch or coffee,” she said. “I took this time to pick their brains about their experience in the field and how they got to be where they are today. Through these introductory meetings, I formed great relationships with people at the NTSB and got invited to the labs a few times to observe a black box recovery!”
Finding Motivation in Air Safety
Khalil keeps her personal motivation in mind throughout the pursuit of her degree and professional success.
“The fact that air safety investigators make meaningful recommendations that can help save lives is what pushes me to continue my work in the field of aviation safety. I want to work for the good of the public,” she said. “I want to initiate significant changes to aviation safety to allow for continuous progression and safety improvements.”
Outside of her professional motivations, Khalil says that support from her family is the inspiration at the core of her studies.
“I have younger family members back home who have looked up to me for years. They think that what I'm doing is the coolest thing in the world! I understand that I am setting an example for them, and I want them to know that they can do anything that they put their minds to,” she said. “I have a great group of friends here at Embry‑Riddle that constantly push me to put my best foot forward. I have surrounded myself with like-minded people who motivate and inspire me.”
When asked what advice she would give to future Eagles, Khalil offered a mantra that she herself follows.
“Be an optimist and take advantage of all opportunities. I always say, the worst thing someone can say to you is ‘no,’ but you’ll never know unless you ask,” she shared. “Embry‑Riddle has ample opportunities available, but unless you are actively participating, you are only cheating yourself.”
- Perla Latorre-Suarez is pursuing a future in STEM and shares her journey on social media in hopes of inspiring generations to come.
Aerospace Engineering ScholarPerla Latorre-Suarez is pursuing a future in STEM and shares her journey on social media in hopes of inspiring generations to come.After earning her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering while conducting research for about five years, Perla Latorre-Suarez (’27) came to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering.
Through captivating discussions and guidance received from her advisor Dr. Seetha Raghavan, Perla arranged a time to visit the Daytona Beach Campus and realized the opportunities Embry-Riddle could provide. She said, “During my visit, I was welcomed by the dean and other professors. I learned enough about the quality of the education offered at the university that I decided to continue with my Ph.D. at Embry‑Riddle.”
Perla now conducts research — analyzing materials to protect space structures during lunar exploration — under Dr. Seetha Raghavan’s mentorship.
Journey Into STEM
Perla's childhood was spent in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, a small town with minimal light pollution. One of her earliest recollections revolves around her parents, who would bring Perla and her brother into the backyard to catch a glimpse of the International Space Station (ISS), also called 'the moving space' within her family.
“From all these memories, I always said I wanted to be the first female astronaut from Puerto Rico. However, with time, I learned that I could contribute from a different perspective,” she remembered. “Growing up, I always wanted to share my knowledge with others and learn from them.”
Perla attributes her drive to advance in the industry to her background. “My mother is a teacher,” she shared. “She inspires me every day to give back to the world...My father was in the military and always exposed me to technology and explained the importance of its evolution.”
Motivated by her passion for teaching and her curiosity for scientific advancements, Perla embarked on a journey in the world of STEM. Despite not having exposure to STEM activities as a child, she gained valuable insights into career paths she could pursue after graduating high school. It became evident that engineering best aligned with her early aspirations and interests.
Beyond the Classroom
After completing her bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Perla participated in the X-Force fellowship by the National Security Innovation Network, where she worked with the Army Research Lab. She also completed an internship at NASA Langley Research Center and joined a program at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) under the National Science Foundation (NSF).
“Although my journey has not been perfect or smooth, I have had some great achievements. In 2022, I was named as one of the best graduate students around the world at the 20 Twenties by the Aviation Week Magazine,” she shared. “I have been able to complete research collaboration along with NASA, DLR and the Argonne National Laboratory... I also had the opportunity to present my research at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris!”
This past year, Perla won two awards presented by the NASA Office of STEM Engagement in partnership with the International Space Education Board to present her research at the IAC in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Shaping the Future
Perla is on a mission to educate and gain knowledge through research collaborations to further space exploration and to serve as a source of inspiration for upcoming generations.
“I always asked myself if there were people like me in my field... always wondered if it was possible for me to make it all the way through and be successful,” she reflected. “Once I started to learn, explore and experience the field, I understood that nothing is impossible.”
Driven by her impressive academic achievements and rich industry background, Perla created an engaging Instagram profile called pearls.inspace. The platform allows her to share her journey as an aerospace graduate while also serving as a catalyst for motivating future generations to chase their dreams and accomplish their goals.
“After people started reaching out to me and asking for advice, I decided to create an Instagram page. I wanted to inspire girls like me and motivate them to pursue their dreams, whether they are in STEM or not,” she smiled. “I created the page thinking about the young girls in Puerto Rico and then thought about expanding it... Most of my content is in English, but I have always considered to having it bilingual (maybe in the near future).”
Social media has enabled her to showcase her academic accomplishments and inspire the younger generations to relentlessly pursue their dreams and learn beyond their own expectations.
“My goal is to engage other people, to help them to see the world from a different perspective and to keep in mind that when you have a goal, you have to create your path and accept the challenges,” she said. “Goals can be accomplished, and the sky has never been the limit.”
Unlocking Success
As Perla continues her research to further space exploration and learn from the technological development in the STEM field, she offers a piece of advice for future students of Embry‑Riddle.
“Ask questions and it’s okay to be shy... Share your knowledge and be open to teaching others and learn from them,” she said. “Make as many friends as possible and connect with people that are not related to your field; you never know what you can benefit from their knowledge!”
- Aerospace Engineering major Adam Jain’s American Rocketry Challenge scholarship is helping power his dream of building rockets to explore space.
American Rocketry Challenge Scholarship Winner Finds the Future Is Looking UpAerospace Engineering major Adam Jain’s American Rocketry Challenge scholarship is helping power his dream of building rockets to explore space.Adam Jain’s fascination with space started early when he began to understand the “mystery and greatness” of black holes, and it grew exponentially when he realized he could build rockets that powered human exploration of the cosmos.
“What piqued my interest was learning about the Space Shuttle and what happened with Apollo 13,” said Adam (’27), an Aerospace Engineering major. “Seeing the complexity and intricate design that went into every part and made a vessel that could carry humans into the great unknown just blew my mind. It sounds like fiction, that something so crazy and powerful could be built from the ground up.”
Adam is building his career as a rocket scientist the same way, from the ground up. And his quest is getting a boost from a scholarship he earned through his two years as part of the American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) at Morristown High School in his native New Jersey.
What Is The American Rocketry Challenge?
The American Rocketry Challenge gives nearly 5,000 high school students in the U.S. the chance to learn by designing, building and launching model rockets, a process that helps solidify their STEM skills and provides hands-on engineering experience.
“It helped me learn more about everything that I wanted to learn about,” Adam said of his ARC experience. “It advanced my skills beyond what I thought would be possible, and I also made great friends and great memories through the club.”
The scholarship from ARC also helped when Adam decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus.
“It gave me the opportunity to come here because I did need a bit of financial help,” he said.
Adam’s lofty academic and career goals first came into focus for him when he started at Morristown High, the same school his mother and her parents attended.
He felt comfortable there right away and began exploring things such as marching band, sports and, of course, the rocket club. After taking engineering electives and joining ARC in his junior year, Adam decided to go all in.
“I got a feeling for what engineering really is,” he said. “I was able to understand how rockets work and what goes into building them.”
That understanding fueled Adam’s growing passion for spaceflight and sparked his desire to learn as much as he could. As he immersed himself in the first project, he decided that he wanted to lead the ARC team one day.
“I asked to shadow some of the seniors on the project,” he said. “At first it was a daunting task trying to keep up with everything, but as I got to know the seniors better, it became easier to ask questions, get answers and be trusted to contribute. The biggest takeaways from my junior year in ARC were getting involved, getting to know others and asking questions.”
One of the high school seniors Adam got to know was Alexander Rocca (’26), who entered Embry-Riddle’s Aerospace Engineering program in 2022 after helping guide Adam in his quest to lead the Morristown High rocket club.
Sure enough, Adam was tapped to serve as president the following year.
“That was really awesome,” he said. “I was nervous going in, but I was able to look back to my previous year for inspiration. I made sure that the groups were running smoothly, and I taught whenever I had the chance. I also got to do more work with the laser cutters and 3D printing, which added to my skill set.”
Adam also learned another lesson that is key for success in any profession: how to handle and bounce back from adversity.
“We didn't qualify [for the national competition], mainly because our rockets kept getting stuck in trees and we'd have to start from scratch every single time,” he said. “But I did learn how to lead a team and run a project.”
Why Choose Embry-Riddle for Aerospace Engineering?
Adam’s college decision ended up being simple, for several reasons. He had first heard about the school from Deepam Rana (’19), who was a rocket club president at Morristown High in the twenty-teens, earned his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle and is now a Systems Development and Verification Engineer at Aerojet Rocketdyne.
Deepam’s experience, and the fact that Alexander is also now attending Embry-Riddle, pretty much sealed it for Adam.
“There is an esteem that comes with an Embry-Riddle degree,” he said. “The value of your degree and the connections you build are what help you get your dream job, and courses here are designed to help you get prepared for the field.”
The Florida setting didn’t hurt either.
“When I first visited, the campus seemed like a resort, with warm weather, palm trees and amazing architecture,” he said. “It felt so calming and didn't feel like any college campus that I’d been to.”
Teamwork Helps Make His Dream Work
As a freshman, Adam has found plenty of other perks that convinced him he made the right decision, not the least of which is the student community he’s now part of.
“I've already made friends with people who are here to help each other and push each other to be better,” he said. “The students are passionate about what they do, and it makes college easier when you're surrounded by like-minded people striving toward similar goals. It's been pretty great so far.”
Adam has worked hard to launch his dream, and he knows there are many challenges ahead. But he is grateful for the opportunities that have already come his way.
“Working toward a degree where I’ll get to help build rockets that go into space is just so amazing,” he said. “I love being here and I love getting to do what I love and have fun while I’m doing it. I know that I'll be able to make my dreams come true here.”
For anyone else who shares his dream of exploring the final frontier, Adam has some simple advice: “Shoot for the stars, because you never know where you'll end up.”
What stars will you shoot for? Apply at Embry-Riddle today.
- Despite limited access to aviation in her youth, Boeing Scholar Shii-Ann Madison’s passion for aeronautics drew her eyes to the skies.
Fulfilling the Dream of Becoming a PilotDespite limited access to aviation in her youth, Boeing Scholar Shii-Ann Madison’s passion for aeronautics drew her eyes to the skies.Dreams of Flight Come True
For Aeronautical Science (Fixed Wing) major Shii-Ann Madison (’27), a love for all things aviation began at a young age, even though no one in her family was involved in flight.
“My dad is an engineer, my mom is hardworking,” said Madison. “People who have met my dad typically say that my family is full of ‘go-getters’. It’s because our brains and hearts are on fire.”
Today, Shii-Ann is among Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s newest class of Boeing Scholars, selected from across the country to fuel the career pipeline for professionals entering into the aviation and aerospace industry.
“I have been interested in piloting for 12 years,” said Madison, a graduate of Broken Arrow High School in northern Oklahoma. “It’s all I have ever wanted to do since my first grade year of elementary school. I wasn’t exposed to airplanes that much. In fact, before coming to the school, I had only been in one aircraft before.”
With no exposure to flight, it was her love of science that kept her head in the clouds.
“The only thing that kept me somewhat in the arena of aviation was science,” Madison said. “I love physics, chemistry, biology and astronomy, and I do think my curiosity kept me hoping to fly someday.”
Boeing Clears Scholars for Takeoff
The Boeing Company is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems. Partnering with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Boeing has established a $3 million endowment to assist students interested in pursuing careers as pilots or as aviation maintenance technicians, increasing the number of underrepresented populations in the aviation workforce.
“My family and I were very happy and thankful, because it was important to my parents that I had some aid for school,” said Madison.
Even before Shii-Ann became aware of the Boeing Scholars program, Embry-Riddle was already on her radar.
“I knew about Embry-Riddle before I knew about any other university flight program,” she said. “My dad mentioned to me that he hired a guy from ERAU at Raytheon, and he said they do phenomenal work. I’ve been exposed to the school and its reputation for a while.”
When considering which residential campus to attend, Shii-Ann decided on the climate that would test her skills as she learned to fly. Prescott, Arizona, is known as a mile-high city with seasonable weather excellent for pilot training.
“I chose Prescott because I thought it would be a good idea to learn flight in harder weather conditions [such as] altitude and high winds.”
Starting Freshman Year
For Shii-Ann, the first few weeks of her freshman year were busy as she got acquainted with campus and made connections with her peers. Now, a few weeks into her first semester in college, she has begun to feel the challenges of her coursework.
“The first few weeks of being in Prescott were fun because I had that ‘freshman adrenaline,’” said Madison. “Now it is starting to get difficult and challenging. It’s still fun, but I am concentrating on performing well.”
As Shii-Ann focuses on her classes, the opportunity to connect and make new friends has helped her find her place on the Prescott Campus. So far, her experiences have only proven to her that Embry-Riddle is where she was meant to be.
“The nice part of this year is the number of friends that I’ve made so far. This semester I have made a lot of valuable friendships. Overall, I would have chosen Embry-Riddle in every timeline because it’s a school that fits my demands of academics, education, flight, challenge and fun.”
Enjoying Her Time in the Sky
The demand for professional pilots has never been higher. According to Boeing’s 2023 Pilot & Technician Outlook, the global need for commercial airline pilots will reach 649,000 over the next 20 years. By enrolling at Embry-Riddle, Shii-Ann will be ready to meet the growing demand for pilots with world class training from experienced flight instructors.
“My favorite ‘class’ is flight block,” said Madison. “I get to test what I learn and improve. My flight instructor is very cool because he includes new tasks during every flight to keep things challenging, which teaches me to always be aware.”
Aeronautical Science students receive hands-on experiences in dynamic labs and flight simulators to prepare them for their time on the flight deck. But for Madison, nothing beats the real thing.
“That is the best part of my major — simply getting the chance to fly and doing what I’ve been wanting to do for 12 years.”
Students Fly Further With Embry-Riddle
Students studying Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle are ready to take off into a career in aviation immediately upon graduation. Alumni go on to find success in airline, corporate and military careers. So far, Shii-Ann's experiences at Embry-Riddle have her charting a course to become a pilot for a commercial airline.
“I want to be an airlines pilot,” said Madison. “I’m not sure what company I would start with, but I want to end at American or Delta. I want to bring my family to see places they haven’t gotten the chance to see.”
Shii-Ann is motivated by broadening other people’s horizons. Whether it’s exploring, taking part in new opportunities or just returning after a long trip, Shii-Ann gets satisfaction out of allowing people to go where they want to go.
Discover Your Spark for Aviation
Shii-Ann has only just begun her freshman year, but already she has experienced much on her journey to becoming a commercial airline pilot.
“To anyone who is not sure if they want to be in aeronautical science, I recommend going out and experiencing aviation conventions, fly-ins, discovery flights, events, anything that can expose you to the real world of flight,” Madison suggests. “Seeing it up close or hearing stories firsthand shows [you] if there really is a spark for it.”
Do you have a spark for aviation? Apply today to get started!
- Nicolas Napoleoni’s Embry‑Riddle journey started on the flight deck and has moved to the hangar as part of the Aviation Maintenance Science program.
Aviation Maintenance Science Major Finds Embry-Riddle Offers Best of All WorldsNicolas Napoleoni’s Embry‑Riddle journey started on the flight deck and has moved to the hangar as part of the Aviation Maintenance Science program.Although Nicolas Napoleoni isn’t 100% sure where his love of aviation will land him in the future, he is certain that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the perfect place for him to be right now.
Nicolas is taking full advantage of everything the world’s leading aviation and aerospace educator has to offer and is on track to graduate in 2024 with his commercial pilot ticket in one hand and his Airframe & Powerplant license in the other.
Why Choose Embry-Riddle for an Aviation Degree?
“This was the obvious choice, because Embry-Riddle is the best,” said Nicolas, who is now majoring in Aviation Maintenance Science with a Flight Concentration. “The name alone means a lot and you can learn so much here, so I was able to knock out my flight ratings before I started concentrating on AMS full-time.”
Nicolas has lived in California and Missouri but grew up Sebastian, Florida, and graduated from Sebastian River High. Even before high school, he realized he had a passion and a knack for working with his hands.
“I always enjoyed taking things apart and fixing them and doing things like maintaining my own car,” Nicolas said. “I just loved anything with an engine.”
He also felt drawn to the sky. Thanks to the support and encouragement of his parents, he began flight training at a local FBO while he was in high school. By the time he was ready to move on to college, he had already earned his private pilot license and was certain that an aviation career was exactly what he wanted.
“I was going to go the military route at first,” Nicolas said. “But then I found Embry-Riddle.”
From the Flight Deck to the Hangar
For him, that was a game changer. Embry-Riddle’s renowned flight program was one strong selling point, but the leading-edge Aviation Maintenance Science facilities he visited during a tour of the Daytona Beach Campus also grabbed his full attention.
At that point, Nicolas knew he had found a school that could give him the best of all worlds: a respected degree, a full suite of flight ratings and an A&P license, any one of which would open doors at top employers around the globe.
“In addition to being a big name in aviation, Embry-Riddle was the only place where I could fly and also do aviation maintenance,” Nicolas said. “Since I've always been interested in flying airplanes and since I like knowing how things work, I thought it would be a great idea to get into maintenance as well.”
Nicolas started his academic journey here in 2021 as an Aeronautical Science major and jumped right into flight training.
“I've now completed my instrument rating, commercial single-engine and commercial multi-engine,” he said. “But I still wanted to get more into aviation maintenance, so I decided to make the switch.”
The flexibility of Embry-Riddle’s degree programs made the change from one major to another easy for Nicolas, and he’s now applying the same dedication and focus in the hangar as he does on the flight deck.
“I am really enjoying it,” Nicolas said. “I feel like I made the right choice.”
Hands On From Day One
Some of his top highlights in the AMS program so far have included learning the intricacies of electricity, composites, sheet metal work and aircraft engines. Embry-Riddle also is giving Nicolas hands on opportunities that aren’t always available to undergraduates.
“The first week of [powerplant] class, we actually disassembled a Lycoming O-320 and then we did an inspection on it and reassembled it as the semester went on,” he said. “That was a lot of fun because I knew a little bit about aircraft engines beforehand, but I've really learned a lot through the class. In this program, it’s almost like every day, little light bulbs are going off everywhere.”
Expert Faculty Leads the Way
Nicolas also said he is grateful for the experiences he shares with his fellow AMS students, and for the guidance provided by the program’s faculty members, who are all experts in their respective fields and still have tight connections to the aviation and aerospace industry.
“All the professors are great,” he said. “You can always have a conversation with them and there have been times where I've stayed after class for 20 or 30 minutes just asking questions. It’s great to have people with such a wealth of knowledge that you can reach out to.”
When he leaves Embry-Riddle, Nicolas believes he will be ready to pursue either of his aviation passions, or maybe even both if he can find the right situation. Whatever route he chooses to follow, he feels well prepared for it.
“I definitely know I made the right choice coming to Embry-Riddle,” he said. “I’ve attended a school that teaches me how to do things the right way from the start, so that I form good habits and have a solid baseline of knowledge that will help me when I eventually do go out into the industry.”
Get ready for your tomorrow. Apply at Embry-Riddle today.
From the Flight Deck to the Hangar
For him, that was a game changer. Embry-Riddle’s renowned flight program was one strong selling point, but the leading-edge Aviation Maintenance Science facilities he visited during a tour of the Daytona Beach Campus also grabbed his full attention.
At that point, Nicolas knew he had found a school that could give him the best of all worlds: a respected degree, a full suite of flight ratings and an A&P license, any one of which would open doors at top employers around the globe.
“In addition to being a big name in aviation, Embry-Riddle was the only place where I could fly and also do aviation maintenance,” Nicolas said. “Since I've always been interested in flying airplanes and since I like knowing how things work, I thought it would be a great idea to get into maintenance as well.”
Nicolas started his academic journey here in 2021 as an Aeronautical Science major and jumped right into flight training.
“I've now completed my instrument rating, commercial single-engine and commercial multi-engine,” he said. “But I still wanted to get more into aviation maintenance, so I decided to make the switch.”
The flexibility of Embry-Riddle’s degree programs made the change from one major to another easy for Nicolas, and he’s now applying the same dedication and focus in the hangar as he does on the flight deck.
“I am really enjoying it,” Nicolas said. “I feel like I made the right choice.”
Hands On From Day One
Some of his top highlights in the AMS program so far have included learning the intricacies of electricity, composites, sheet metal work and aircraft engines. Embry-Riddle also is giving Nicolas hands on opportunities that aren’t always available to undergraduates.
“The first week of [powerplant] class, we actually disassembled a Lycoming O-320 and then we did an inspection on it and reassembled it as the semester went on,” he said. “That was a lot of fun because I knew a little bit about aircraft engines beforehand, but I've really learned a lot through the class. In this program, it’s almost like every day, little light bulbs are going off everywhere.”
Expert Faculty Leads the Way
Nicolas also said he is grateful for the experiences he shares with his fellow AMS students, and for the guidance provided by the program’s faculty members, who are all experts in their respective fields and still have tight connections to the aviation and aerospace industry.
“All the professors are great,” he said. “You can always have a conversation with them and there have been times where I've stayed after class for 20 or 30 minutes just asking questions. It’s great to have people with such a wealth of knowledge that you can reach out to.”
When he leaves Embry-Riddle, Nicolas believes he will be ready to pursue either of his aviation passions, or maybe even both if he can find the right situation. Whatever route he chooses to follow, he feels well prepared for it.
“I definitely know I made the right choice coming to Embry-Riddle,” he said. “I’ve attended a school that teaches me how to do things the right way from the start, so that I form good habits and have a solid baseline of knowledge that will help me when I eventually do go out into the industry.”
Get ready for your tomorrow. Apply at Embry-Riddle today.
- Flight attendant Angelia Keever was drawn to Embry‑Riddle because of her aviation background. Now, she’s hoping to take her career to new heights.
Worldwide Student Goes Global with Embry‑Riddle Degree in Homeland SecurityFlight attendant Angelia Keever was drawn to Embry‑Riddle because of her aviation background. Now, she’s hoping to take her career to new heights.Angelia Keever (’25) has been a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines for nearly two decades- no small feat in any career path. When she decided that she wanted to pursue an advanced degree, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was an easy choice.
“A classmate from my previous school suggested it while we were discussing the future,” she remembered. “He said, ‘You have so much airline experience, why not continue at Embry-Riddle?’”
Flexible, Online Education
Keever applied to Embry-Riddle's Worldwide Campus due to the flexible nature of online programs and was accepted to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security, with a minor in Environmental Science.
She cites her desire to earn her degree as rooted in the opportunity it provides for career advancement and growth.
“Pursuing this career will help me develop critical skills for enhancing public safety and, hopefully, lead to opportunities in a multinational corporation that involves travel and possible relocation,” she shared.
As for her motivation to continue working in the aviation industry, Keever says that her seniority as a flight attendant allows her to often land in a destination she loves: Hawaii.
“Being anywhere in Hawaii is a great source of motivation,” she said.
Studying Abroad in an Online Program
Despite most coursework taking place online, there is no shortage of unique learning opportunities available to Embry-Riddle Worldwide students.
Keever traveled to Germany and Belgium for a trip focused on learning about international affairs and homeland security via firsthand experiences at the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United States Consulate in Frankfurt.
Graduate Education: 4-Plus-1
As for her future endeavors, Keever intends to pursue a Master of Human Security & Resilience through Embry-Riddle's 4-plus-1 program, which allows her to complete her undergraduate and graduate degrees in just five years.
This program places emphasis on safeguarding populations (human security) and their capacity to endure and rebound from various internal and external shocks (resilience). These disruptions encompass a wide range of challenges, from severe weather conditions to acts of terrorism and armed conflict.
Her interest in this program stems from her personal values, goals and ambitions.
“I am committed to making a positive impact on the world. I’m not sure where this will take me, but I am open to new adventures,” she shared, also mentioning that she finds inspiration in her grandmother.
“[She] continues to inspire me; her love for everyone endures even though she is no longer with us.”
In addition to working as a flight attendant and progressing in her studies, Keever also places emphasis on making time for family and hobbies.
“I enjoy a variety of activities, including surfing, hiking, kayaking, cooking, traveling, yoga and solving math problems with my kiddos. We turn it into a game,” she shared, a testament to her own time-management skills and to the flexibility of online programs at Embry-Riddle.
Opportunities for Growth in Homeland Security
When asked what she would say to prospective students considering a similar degree path, Keever had high regard for her program.
“Choosing a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security offers rewarding opportunities for personal and professional growth, equipping you with skills to address future global security issues and providing a chance to help others while fulfilling your personal goals,” she said.
In addition to this, she offered an inspirational quote that she first heard during a lesson taught by Dr. Cihan Aydiner, professor of Security & Emergency Services, attributed to Sun Tzu in The Art of War.
- Boeing Scholar Kristy Magana is looking forward to a promising future thanks to The Boeing Company and her academic achievements.
A Boeing Scholar's Flight to Success in Aeronautical ScienceBoeing Scholar Kristy Magana is looking forward to a promising future thanks to The Boeing Company and her academic achievements.
Dreams Take Flight
Inspired by her parents from an early age, Kristy Magana (’27) has been captivated by the world of aviation.
“My parents, immigrants from Central America, used to book flights the old-fashioned way by calling the airline to make reservations. They consistently chose Delta due to the excellent customer service they received,” she shared. “I used to view flying as a luxury, but as time passed and I achieved many of my goals— including becoming the valedictorian of my high school and obtaining full scholarships to esteemed institutions, I had an epiphany: ‘I can truly become anything I desire.’ This realization led me to choose aviation!”
Her early fascination with flight, combined with inspiration received from her parents, fueled her ambition to pursue a B.S. in Aeronautical Science with hopes of building a future career in the aviation field.
Boeing Scholar
The California native is among nine freshmen at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University who have been selected as this year’s 2023 Boeing Scholars, which is supported by a $3 million endowment from The Boeing Company, the world’s largest aerospace company and leading aircraft manufacturer. The scholarship provides funding and additional career-boosting opportunities to help launch students' futures.
“There was a point when I worried that my finances might stop me from attending Embry‑Riddle. But then, one day, I received a letter from the school announcing that I had been granted a scholarship from The Boeing Company... It was truly a game-changer in my life,” she remembered. “It's my aspiration to be a positive representative of The Boeing Company and always strive for excellence.”
The Boeing scholarship not only alleviated her financial concerns, but it also came with exciting benefits, including participation in group projects with other students and industry experts, visits to Boeing facilities and the potential for future internships and job offers.
Why Embry‑Riddle
When it came to choosing a college, the graduate from Oak Hills High School was looking for a world-renowned university that could provide her financial stability.
“Selecting Embry‑Riddle was a tough choice, primarily because of my financial situation. I had received full-ride scholarship offers from other schools,” she shared. “Going to any of these schools would have provided me with financial security. However, I recognized the exceptional opportunities that Embry‑Riddle could offer in the long run!”
Given that financial concerns were no longer an issue thanks to the Boeing scholarship, Embry-Riddle seemed to be the clear choice for her to enhance her education and help her aviation career take flight.
On-Campus Involvement
Ever since first stepping foot on the Prescott Campus, Kristy was eager to get involved in the tight-knit Eagle community. Currently, she is an active member of the Airline Pilots Association Aviation Collegiate Education Club (Alpha Ace) and contributes her time to the Campus Catholic Ministry.
“I had the privilege of attending the Alpha Ace roundtable talk, which provided one of the most valuable networking experiences I've had to date! I had the chance to meet an incredible Delta pilot, who happens to have my dream job,” she smiled. “I also attend weekly mass and have started participating in rosary prayers.”
Her involvement on-campus has transformed her Embry‑Riddle experience, opening new doors for both personal and professional development.
Soaring Towards Success
With wings beneath her dreams, she keeps her sights set on her future. She hopes to get accepted into the Delta Propel Program and follow through with a qualified job offer. In addition, she plans to obtain her Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification, accumulate flight hours and move into the regional airline sector.
As her dreams take flight, Kristy extends some valuable advice to the future students at Embry‑Riddle.
- Aerospace Engineering major Ryan Shields found his passion for rocketry by accident, and an ARC scholarship is helping him pursue a path to the stars.
Aerospace Engineering Major Gets Ready for Launch With ARC SupportAerospace Engineering major Ryan Shields found his passion for rocketry by accident, and an ARC scholarship is helping him pursue a path to the stars.
As a musician and a competitive swimmer for the better part of his life, Ryan Shields knows the benefits of a disciplined approach to practicing.
However, it was a practice that he decided to skip that would help put his life on a new trajectory, a career arc he is now pursuing as an Aerospace Engineering major in the renowned program at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus.
“I was supposed to be going to swimming practice that day, but I really didn’t want to,” said Ryan ('27). “So, I hid out and I watched a YouTube video of someone making a remote-controlled plane from cardboard and there was just something about it, and I was like, ‘I have to do this, this is my thing.’”
Although Ryan said his first attempts at creating cardboard airplanes tended to catch fire more than they flew, he had found a passion and it later blossomed fully when he joined the rocket club during his junior year at Oakton High School in Vienna, Virginia.
Through the club, Ryan took part in the American Rocketry Challenge and ended up with a college scholarship that is helping him pursue his dream of “building spaceships” by attending Embry‑Riddle.
What is The American Rocketry Challenge?
The American Rocketry Challenge gives nearly 5,000 high school students in the U.S. the chance to learn by designing, building and launching model rockets, a process that helps solidify their STEM skills and provides hands-on engineering experience.
The process, which leads to a nationwide competition, allows participants to solidify their STEM skills, provides hands-on engineering experience and ultimately helps some with their college tuition.
“Getting involved in the competition helped me realize that I wanted to be an aerospace engineer because before that I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do after high school,” Ryan said. “I probably wouldn't even be at Embry Riddle if I hadn't done the competition.
Discovering a Passion for Aerospace Engineering
Born into a military family, Ryan has lived in several places, and it was actually in San Antonio, Texas, during his first two years in high school that he had his “a-ha moment” while skipping swim practice.
“I started designing little RC planes from cardboard and I had a friend in school who liked building model rockets and so we decided to team up,” Ryan said. “We made a rocket powered plane and it actually caught on fire and completely crashed, but it was a lot of fun.”
When the family relocated to Northern Virginia, Ryan discovered the rocket club at Oakton High and got into building “real” model rockets.
“Before that, I was just building these strange rockets with my friend and launching them in a field,” Ryan said. “They usually didn’t come down in one piece, so getting into an organized club was a big change. The club’s rockets had to be safe and come down in one piece so they could be reused. And so that first year on the team, there was lots of learning for sure.”
With his new passion for spaceflight driving him forward, Ryan learned fast, and he learned well. He attended meetings, contributed ideas and experience and, for his senior year, he was named co-president of the club.
During that year, he and fellow club members did well enough to qualify for the ARC National Finals and were in the running for a third-place finish until the parachute on their rocket failed to deploy.
Ryan was also part of StellarXplorers Space STEM Program, which was created by the Air & Space Forces Association to inspire middle and high school students toward careers in space, aviation, and other STEM disciplines critical for the future.
Why Choose Embry‑Riddle for an Aerospace Engineering Degree?
With his sights set firmly on space, Embry‑Riddle became an obvious choice for Ryan, for several reasons.
“First of all, it's just one of the best schools you can go to for aerospace engineering,” he said. “Because I have moved around a lot, I have been in schools with different class sizes, and I learned that smaller classes are definitely my thing. And so, seeing that Embry Riddle had small classes even for undergraduate programs, I knew I could get to know my professors and just have a better learning experience.”
Ryan also credits his older brother, Jack, who is now in the architecture program at Virginia Tech, with helping him settle on Embry‑Riddle.
“He got a flyer from Embry‑Riddle when he was getting ready for college and I ended up keeping it,” Ryan said. “That was actually the first I had heard of Embry‑Riddle and I thought it sounded really cool.”
So far, Ryan says the reality of his Embry‑Riddle experience is living up to the hype.
“It’s been great actually,” he said. “Having my AP credits has helped lighten the load and I love the professors.”
Although his collegiate journey is just beginning, Ryan is already excited about the potential opportunities that he knows Embry‑Riddle will provide in the future.
- Sydney Bonbrest took her skills outside of the classroom in her first aerospace engineering internship and left with a new understanding of the industry.
Eagle Gains Big Experience at Small Space CompanySydney Bonbrest took her skills outside of the classroom in her first aerospace engineering internship and left with a new understanding of the industry.Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University senior Sydney Bonbrest (’23) is studying Aerospace Engineering on the Astronautics track. This past summer, she was selected to be an Aerospace Intern with Trusted Space, where she learned both valuable aerospace industry skills and career skills.
Internship with Trusted Space
Sydney’s remote internship with Trusted Space started with a crash course in Python, a coding language used widely in the aerospace industry. She was excited to be working for a smaller company and gaining real-world experience in the industry, separate from a school environment.
“Our first half of the internship included comparing an internally developed estimation filter with an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF),” Sydney stated. To do this, she and other interns created code to transfer raw data from NASA into spreadsheets with clean, usable information.
What is an Unscented Kalman Filter?
“An Unscented Kalman Filter, the most common estimation filter, is a perfected method of estimation. It uses a specific set of points to approximate an object’s transformation,” she explained. “When dealing with space, these specific points are taken from a sensor; some examples being ground stations, GPS or radio signals.”
During the second half of her internship, Sydney was “researching initial orbit determination methods along with the circular restricted three-body problem; more specifically, how the two topics can be used together to solve the two-body restriction on initial orbit determination approaches.”
She explained that the problem of studying three-body dynamics is industry-wide, as there are no established methods to do so, unlike measuring two-body dynamics, some methods of which even date back to Isaac Newton’s time.
“Topics I had come into this experience unfamiliar with are now subjects I know about without a second thought,” Sydney said, reflecting on her experience.
Support from Embry-Riddle Lacrosse
Sydney grew up surrounded by family in a small town in Maryland, and that gave her the confidence to go somewhere far away for college. She’s played lacrosse since she was a kid, and she was at a lacrosse tournament when she first learned about Embry-Riddle. After looking into programs and seeing Aerospace Engineering, she knew she was interested. After a tour of the Daytona Beach Campus and a lacrosse camp, she was sold on the university.
“Embry-Riddle had the perfect balance between athletics and academics,” Sydney said. “I could get an engineering degree from an amazing program while also being a member of a highly competitive lacrosse team.”
Sydney spent four years on Embry-Riddle’s women’s lacrosse team, playing her last season in the spring 2023 semester. She cites the experience as being beneficial to her overall time at Embry-Riddle. Her teammates became her support system at school, offering homework help and friendship during the ups and downs.
“[My teammates were] the only constant through all of it. They definitely made me feel much better during that time,” she said. “I had resources that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Finding the Right Place for You
Sydney’s main piece of advice for future students seeking out internships and employment is to “never count anybody out.” Many students dream of working for the big companies in the aerospace industry, but small companies also offer unforgettable opportunities and experiences.
“Having a direct line of communication with the founders of Trusted Space is just one of the advantages of working at a smaller company that I have learned to love,” she added.
Sydney also discovered the importance of having a good work-life balance and how important it is to find a company that aligns with your expectations.
“Hearing stories about aerospace engineering jobs it made me begin to believe this industry was extremely demanding, with a positive work-life balance not being a possibility,” she expressed. “However, the fact of the matter is that’s only true if you do not investigate other companies hard enough. There will be a company out there for you that has the same values as you.”
Luckily for Sydney, she found that work-life balance and she has accepted an offer to work with Trusted Space as a Junior Aerospace Engineer after she graduates in December.
Are you interested in the opportunities aerospace engineering can bring? Apply to Embry-Riddle today!
- Sydney Jones takes full advantage of the endless opportunities that Embry‑Riddle has to offer as she accepts a full-time position at Lockheed Martin.
The Power of an MBASydney Jones takes full advantage of the endless opportunities that Embry‑Riddle has to offer as she accepts a full-time position at Lockheed Martin.
Sydney Jones (’22, ’24) always hoped to attend a college where she could pursue her studies in Aerospace Engineering while also playing basketball at a competitive level. While researching top Aerospace Engineering schools in the country, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University soared to the top 10 rankings, proving it to be the best fit.
“Around my junior year of high school, I started being recruited by several NCAA Division I schools. However, none of them offered Aerospace Engineering, only Mechanical,” she said. “After visiting the Embry-Riddle campus, it truly felt like ‘home,’ and I believe it gave me the best opportunity to pursue the best of both worlds: earn a prestigious degree and play women’s basketball in one of the most competitive NCAA Division II conferences in the country.”
Campus Involvement
When Jones isn't in the classroom or on the basketball court, you can find her balancing roles in several different clubs and organizations on Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus, including the Student Government Association (SGA), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
In SGA, Jones served as the Director of Community Relations, where she aimed to bridge all groups on campus to make everyone feel welcome and valued in the Embry-Riddle community through outreach events, student activities, service projects and more.
Also, Jones has been a member of the NSBE since her first year on campus, leading her to seek professional and network opportunities.
“NSBE has provided mentorship, academic resources and a social community for me ever since I first stepped foot on campus,” she reflects. “Now that I’m one of the more senior members, I hope to give back and mentor to younger members so they can achieve their own dreams!”
Jones was awarded the Steve and Vicki Ridder scholarship through her commitment to academic achievement, campus and community involvement, personal holistic growth and a drive to excel in athletics.
Embracing New Opportunities
After completing her B.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle, Jones decided to return to her alma mater and is earning her MBA.
Pursuing a master's degree from Embry-Riddle was always on the agenda for Jones, but it was never intended to be an immediate post-graduation plan. The turning point in her journey was due to an unexpected injury during her junior year combined with the setbacks of COVID-19.
“I definitely wanted to end my collegiate basketball career on a high note, and I've always had an interest in project management. I felt that an MBA would be the perfect complement to my engineering degree," she continued. “The MBA program has already taught me valuable skills in finance, marketing, organizational behavior and operations research that are extremely relevant to being a successful project manager!”
Future Awaits
Since a young age, Jones has been mesmerized by the wonders and capabilities of an airplane and is motivated by the pursuit to make air travel more sustainable and environmentally friendly— hoping to one day see urban air mobility and aircraft powered by electric propulsion become a reality.
Having completed five internships during her time at Embry-Riddle with four different companies (GE Aerospace, Collins Aerospace, Textron Aviation and two with Lockheed Martin), Jones is one step closer to making her dreams come true.
In Jones’ most recent internship, she was an F-35 estimating intern at Lockheed Martin in Ft. Worth, Texas. Jones was an owner of about half a dozen F-35 proposals where she calculated potential savings of proposed cost reduction initiatives (CRI), totaling over $1 million in savings.
“It was the first time I had done work outside of an engineering or production operations team, so I was undoubtedly nervous,” she expressed. “However, everyone on the team was super friendly and helpful and always willing to give me assistance when I needed it.”
She added, “Estimating is a core skill for Program Managers at Lockheed Martin, so I am thankful to have learned some of those competencies over the summer. I also wanted to do something that aligned with my MBA, and this role did just that."
Finding Success
Thanks to her dedication, hard work and the unique hands-on experience she gained from Embry-Riddle, she has accepted a full-time offer to return to Lockheed Martin as a Stress Analysis Engineer in the world-famous Skunk Works Division.
“Skunk Works is Lockheed Martin’s ‘Classified Projects’ division, so I am ecstatic to work on a cutting-edge technology that only a handful of people know of!”
With a bright future ahead of her, Jones is leaving behind a piece of advice for future Eagles at Embry-Riddle.
“College is what you make it, so make it great! There are many opportunities out there for everyone, and sometimes all you need to do is ask. A person who takes the initiative is highly sought after, so don’t ever be afraid to ask for a challenge, an opportunity or to network with someone.”
Apply today to see how Embry‑Riddle can help you achieve career success!
- An American Rocketry Challenge Scholarship is helping Tanner Whitney pursue his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering degree at Embry‑Riddle.
ARC Scholarship Helping Aerospace Engineering Major Have a BlastAn American Rocketry Challenge Scholarship is helping Tanner Whitney pursue his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering degree at Embry‑Riddle.Growing up in San Diego, Tanner Whitney started staring at the stars when he was a youngster.
But it wasn’t until an outing with his church group that he actually started thinking about reaching the stars rather than just gazing at them.
“Every year they would do a camp out for all the boys in our Awana organization,” said Tanner (’26). “The leaders encouraged us to bring model rockets so we could launch them while we were out there. I always enjoyed doing that each year and that is the earliest memory I have of when I began to enjoy rocketry.”
Those early memories have blossomed into a lifetime pursuit for Tanner, and the spark for ignition was further stoked when he became part of the American Rocketry Challenge as a senior at Christian High School in El Cajon, California.
What is the American Rocketry Challenge?
Every year, the American Rocketry Challenge gives nearly 5,000 high school students in the U.S. the chance to learn the basics of rocket flight by designing, building and launching model rockets.
The process, which leads to a nationwide competition, helps participants solidify their STEM skills, provides hands-on engineering experience and ultimately helps some students with their college tuition.
“It was a blast!” Tanner said of his time in ARC. “I learned a lot about the basics of what it takes to construct a rocket as well as the types of regulations you need to adhere to when flying.”
Tanner Whitney, shown here at the Spanish Steps during a visit to Rome, is excited about launching his future at Embry‑Riddle. (Photo: Tanner Whitney)
For Tanner, being part of the ARC resulted in more than just the challenge and thrill of creating model rockets that fly. It also guided him in charting a course for his future and provided funds to help him cover the cost of college.
“The experience definitely confirmed in my mind that this is something I would like to do as a career,” said Tanner. “The scholarship has allowed me more time to focus on my studies and less on the financial side of things.
Why Choose Embry‑Riddle’s Prescott Campus for Aerospace Engineering?
These days, Tanner has plenty of studying to focus on as he pursues his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering in the renowned program at Embry‑Riddle’s Prescott, Arizona, Campus.
“I chose Embry Riddle for my degree because they have one of the best Aerospace Engineering programs in the country,” Tanner said. “And I wanted the opportunity to study with the best.”
There were other attractions that pulled him toward the Prescott Campus, which is nestled in the Bradshaw Mountains about midway between the Grand Canyon and Phoenix and features small class sizes along with state-of-the-art labs and facilities that enable undergraduates to dive right into research, development and innovation.
“I thoroughly enjoy the small-town atmosphere in Prescott,” Tanner added. “It is perfect for me to be able to continue hiking and stargazing on the weekends.”
Preparing to Launch a Stellar Career
With his future looking up, Tanner is looking ahead to doing what he loves.
“My ultimate goal is to one day be employed at a company that is focusing on space exploration,” he said. “The company at the top of my list at the moment is Relativity Space. They definitely have caught my attention over the past year, and I would love to work for them one day.”
When the time comes to apply at Relativity or anywhere else, Tanner knows he can count on the preparation provided by his Embry‑Riddle experience.
- Engineering Physics senior Kaley Eaton gained valuable hands-on experience at her recent internship, and her determination will reveal her place in the stars.
From Campus to the CosmosEngineering Physics senior Kaley Eaton gained valuable hands-on experience at her recent internship, and her determination will reveal her place in the stars.
Kaley Eaton (’24) is a senior Engineering Physics student with dreams of becoming an astronaut and exploring the unknown. Over this past summer, she was a spaceflight hardware intern with Science Systems and Applications Incorporated (SSAI) at NASA Goddard in Maryland.
Spaceflight Hardware Internship
The summer before her internship, Eaton got a call from SSAI’s hiring manager after he had received her resume from someone else. The opportunity that summer didn't work out, but Eaton had made the first step—making an impression.
When she heard that SSAI would be at Embry-Riddle’s Career Expo, she stopped by the booth and left a good impression on the president of the company. She was encouraged to apply for their internship opportunities and the rest is history.
“This was my first internship ever,” she said. “I was just excited to have the experience and the opportunity to finally get an internship.”
Kaley Eaton and her NASA mentor testing the Digitizer Card for Project Dragon/SQRLi. (Photo: Kaley Eaton)In her role, Eaton was supporting Code 596 with NASA’s New Frontiers mission, Project Dragonfly.
“My big thing was just going through, helping create other procedures, as well as testing our own procedures on some of the cards. So, basically like a lab manual, just going through the steps and taking down data and making sure that the data looked great,” Eaton explained. “And whenever something didn’t look pretty or didn’t look as expected, going back through schematics and trying to figure out what’s happening.”
Eaton was one of three interns on the project, and she was thrilled to be working on something that will be going to space: “That was really cool to be able to say, ‘Wow, I actually learned this in school, I’m actually using it and it is actually going into space.’”
At the end of her internship, Eaton was offered a remote co-op with SSAI while she finishes her senior year.
New Perspectives and Outlooks
Eaton’s internship even took her to Capitol Hill with Citizens for Space Exploration, speaking with Maryland’s representatives and senators about the importance of funding NASA for space exploration.
“A lot of students at Embry-Riddle and other colleges that see themselves ending up in the space field really need that support and that help of NASA funding,” she explained. “Being able to talk to these high-level people about my experience and seeing their support for space exploration was really inspiring.”
One of the biggest things Eaton learned was that you don’t have to be a NASA employee to work with NASA: “There are various ways of becoming a NASA employee other than going through Pathways internship programs and becoming a Civil Servant. You can work for a private company and work with NASA as a contractor.”
She also gained a new perspective on how much work really goes into a launch—meetings, teamwork, mistakes and troubleshooting.
"Not only did [my internship] help me career-wise, but it helped me personally and for my education and my future."
Getting to Know Embry-Riddle
Eaton first learned about Embry-Riddle from a teacher’s lanyard. She researched the school online and found that Embry-Riddle might be a good option for her.
“If it wasn’t for that teacher having that lanyard, I don’t know if I ever would have found out about Embry-Riddle. But I knew where I was wanting to go with my career, and I felt like Embry-Riddle really encapsulated that.”
When she first toured Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus, she was interested in Aerospace Engineering, but she switched to Astronomy & Astrophysics when she found it was more space-focused. In her first year University 101 class, she was introduced to Engineering Physics, which turned out to be exactly what she was looking for.
“The Engineering Physics program at Riddle perfectly combined electrical engineering with space instrumentation and spacecraft, as well as mechanical engineering and aerospace. I feel like Engineering Physics gives me a taste of the cool stuff from all different majors,” Eaton explained.
Navigating College
Coming from out of state as a first-generation college student, Eaton had a lot of uncertainties her first year at Embry-Riddle—not knowing anyone else on campus, not knowing how scholarships and loans worked, not knowing how registration worked or where classrooms were.
Getting a job in ERNIE Central as a freshman helped her out with all of her concerns, and she says it has made a difference on both her Embry-Riddle experience and her future. Being in the thick of the financial aid and registrar's offices allowed her to help herself while helping others.
“My mom has always been my biggest supporter,” Eaton says. “My mom is definitely number one.”
Another support in her life has been Michelle Lucas (’00), founder of Higher Orbits, a nonprofit organization promoting STEM to high schoolers through spaceflight. Eaton attended a Go for Launch camp in high school, where she met Lucas.
Eaton also finds support in her friends and classmates. She is extremely active on campus – she’s in track & field and fraternity and sorority life, along with being the College of Arts and Sciences senator in the Student Government Association (SGA) and a resident assistant (RA).
Advice for Her Peers
“I came from a small town in nowhere Massachusetts. I'm a first-generation college student. No one in my family has ever gone into a STEM field. I come from a single-parent background. Ever since I was five years old, my parents have been divorced,” Eaton said. “I think about the past and my past experiences as just one of the many adversities that I’ve had to overcome. . . It’s not going to be perfect, it’s not gonna be pretty, but there’s always a way up.”
Eaton’s main piece of advice for students pursuing internships is “don’t give up.” While other students had internships since their first year, Eaton didn’t find one until the summer before her senior year. But she didn’t give up – she kept applying, attending career expos and putting her name and face out there until something clicked.
She also pointed out that being well-rounded by being involved on campus in organizations, clubs and research projects can be more relevant to internship recruiters than having straight A’s.
Looking to the Future
Eaton’s big-picture plans after graduation include pursuing a master’s degree and a doctorate, becoming an astronaut and possibly even coming back to Embry-Riddle to teach. But until then?
“I definitely want to hike the full Appalachian Trail. That’s one of my big goals . . . I'm just really waiting for everything to fall into place. Kind of like a puzzle, like the little puzzle pieces.”
Complete your own puzzle with Embry-Riddle. Start your application today.
- Embry‑Riddle senior Adam Moore is on a mission to push boundaries of human spaceflight exploration as he pursues his degree.
Aerospace Engineering Student Finding Inspiration in the StarsEmbry‑Riddle senior Adam Moore is on a mission to push boundaries of human spaceflight exploration as he pursues his degree.A Growing Passion for Space
From an early age, Adam Moore (’24) was inspired by spaceflight history found through the uplifting accomplishments of our nation’s space program, from the Apollo 11 moon landing to the iconic Space Shuttle.
“I am motivated to work in the human spaceflight industry because it pushes the boundaries of what humanity is capable of, extending our reach beyond the Earth,” he shared. “The technologies and experiences necessary to attain and maintain these capabilities are very rewarding, even outside the industry. I believe we are going to achieve great things, and I want to contribute to the mission!”
The challenges and triumphs of flight crews and engineers gave Moore a meaningful mission to aspire for, which led him to start his journey by pursuing a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering on the Astronautics track with a minor in Computer Science at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University.
Internship Opportunities
Aerospace Engineering major Adam Moore (’24) at NASA Johnson Space Center during internship opportunity (Photo: Adam Moore)Moore’s passion for the aerospace industry goes far beyond academics at Embry‑Riddle. He worked at Space Center Houston, educating tourists on the exhibits, artifacts and history. In addition, he has had two internships, both at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where he worked in both Engineering and Flight Operations Directorates, supporting the International Space Station (ISS).
In his first internship, Moore worked on a system that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to manage inventory logistics onboard the ISS. He upgraded an ISS module analog to conduct exercises that improved the system's abilities to track items.
“Autonomously locating items is important for efficiently facilitating science and maintenance, as well as saving crew time,” he stated.
Moore has leveraged his previous internship expertise to revise procedures and training materials regarding the Inventory and Stowage Officer’s (ISO) use of the RFID system and translated it to his latest internship opportunity.
“In the summer of 2023, I joined the ISO group. ISO is a member of the Flight Control Team that works in ISS Mission Control, supporting daily crew and cargo operations,” he explained. “In addition to real-time support, the ISO team plans the long-term utilization of stowage space, for which I developed a tool that visualizes volume occupancy. This product was very important for its automatic updating of inventory levels; it saves hours of tedium every week!”
Most enjoyably, Moore had on-the-job training in observing the Flight Control Team in action from different consoles and scenarios.
The Future and Beyond
His early dreams of a career in human spaceflight are about to take flight as he approaches his senior year at Embry‑Riddle.
“Upon graduation, I foresee myself working full-time at Johnson Space Center and pursuing a M.S. in Systems Engineering,” he continued. “I have a goal of becoming a private pilot, which I am slowly working toward, and I would love to eventually lead the Flight Control Team as a flight director.”
Moore’s unwavering determination and passion, coupled with the knowledge and unique experience gained at Embry‑Riddle, has well-positioned him in the aerospace engineering industry.
Advice for Eagles
From finding early inspiration in human spaceflight to pursuing his dreams at Embry‑Riddle, Moore offered a piece of advice for future Eagles.
“Excel in your work, be a leader and don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he reflects. “Being excellent in what you do will make you known as a dependable person, a valuable aspect of any team member. Being a leader in your community builds confidence and connections. Ask for help when you need it; many people enjoy helping others and you’ll learn something!”
- Margaret Colwell is studying Human Factors Psychology – a program that allows her to combine her passion for psychology and skills in engineering.
The Perfect BlendMargaret Colwell is studying Human Factors Psychology – a program that allows her to combine her passion for psychology and skills in engineering.
Margaret Colwell (’25) was drawn to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University because of a growing interest in aviation which began in her final years of high school, when she built an RV-12is – a fully functional aircraft assembled from a kit that provides the necessary instructions and pieces.
“We started the build in 2020 and finished in 2022, when we flew the plane up to EAA AirVenture (the world's largest airshow taking place in Oshkosh, Wisconsin),” she shared. “After this, we sold the plane and used the funds to buy another kit so another generation of kids would be able to learn the skills necessary to build and fly.”
She got involved in the process as a founding member of the Kettle Moriane Youth Aviation Club and worked alongside a mentor and 15 of her peers to assemble the aircraft.
“This kick-started my passion for aviation, and I have not looked back since,” she said of the experience. “Embry-Riddle is one of the only schools in the country that offers Human Factors Psychology as an undergraduate program and combining this with Aviation was a dream come true.”
Finding the Perfect Program
Now, Colwell is a junior studying Human Factors Psychology with a minor in Aviation Safety on Embry-Riddle's Prescott Campus. She was attracted to her program not only because of its unique availability at Embry-Riddle but also because of the opportunity to pursue a degree that combines her interests.
“I chose this program as I have a passion for psychology, [but] my brain is wired for engineering,” she said. “However, this combines both psychology and engineering. It is my passion to help people, and this [program] is an effective way to use design to help create designs that are more helpful and easier to use for all people.”
Life at ERAU
Since arriving on campus, Colwell has dedicated much of her time to getting involved in the community.
On top of her involvement in the Women in Aviation Club, American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) and the Robertson Aviation Safety Center on campus, Colwell is a Resident Assistant (RA) in the Thumb Butte Complex Suites (T2) which house first-year students.
Academically, Colwell is involved as a researcher for the OPTIMUS project on campus, which deals with a review of the implications of fatigue on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Air Traffic Control personnel.
“I worked with students from each of the other two Embry-Riddle campuses, and we were able to bring together our research at the capital [Washington, D.C.] and present to stakeholders,” she said. “I am continuing to do some more specific research looking at the impact of fatigue and stress on air traffic controllers and the psychological implications these have. This research is going to be a pilot study and largely exploratory, so we will have baseline data to present in our grant application for a larger FAA grant later this academic year.”
Outside of campus involvement and coursework, Colwell takes the time to enjoy the nature that surrounds the Prescott Campus.
“Outside of school, I like to unicycle, hike, spend any time outdoors and find time to spend with dogs,” she shared.
Finding Inspiration
Colwell says she enjoys studying human factors because it gives her the opportunity to make positive differences in people’s lives.
“What motivates me is giving back to communities around the country and globe,” she shared.
She also says she finds inspiration in others who follow and achieve their dreams.
“It inspires me to see other people chasing their dreams and putting their best foot forward,” she said. “There is a level of respect I have for people who can chase their dreams and keep pushing despite any type of adversity they may be facing.”
Post-undergraduate, Colwell plans on pursuing both a master’s and Ph.D. in the same field of Human Factors. She offered a word of advice to those who may be considering a similar academic path, pertaining to effort and dedication.
“Work hard, and someone will notice,” she said. “If you push yourself, others will notice and doors will open. You do not always need to do everything yourself, but pushing yourself is a fantastic way to start opening doors.”
What can you achieve at Embry-Riddle? Apply today and find out!
- Aerospace engineering meets recycling in Connor Arnold’s eye-opening and exciting internship experience.
Exploring Space Sustainability with a NASA InternshipAerospace engineering meets recycling in Connor Arnold’s eye-opening and exciting internship experience.
It’s a dream for any Aerospace Engineering student to have a chance to work with NASA. This past summer, Connor Arnold (’25) was lucky enough to have that dream come true. Up against thousands of other students from across the country, Connor was one of 50 selected to intern with NASA at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Resource Recovery
For 10 weeks, Connor worked on resource recovery and recycling technology development for human space exploration for NASA.
“I had four different projects, which all centered around recovery of resources and then putting that towards closing the loop in spaceflight habitation,” he explained.
These projects included analyzing wattage and amperage of composters for use on spacecraft, analyzing off-gassing using gas and plasma chromatography, analyzing materials from composters and a tube furnace for nutrient content and researching and testing replacements for transit materials used on the International Space Station (ISS) to reduce environmental impact—plus a few details he can’t talk about.
Exploring NASA
NASA astronaut Christina Koch with Connor Arnold on the NASA site. (Photo: Connor Arnold)One of his favorite parts of interning at NASA? Meeting astronauts on the job. Connor and other interns were lucky enough to catch up with the Artemis II crew members after they visited the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building to see the Orion spacecraft, in which they will orbit the moon in 2024.
“They were leaving the clean room for the Orion capsule, and I got to talk with Christina Koch and Victor Glover,” he said. “We went out to the launchpad where they launched the shuttle missions and Apollo missions. . . We got to go see some Blue Origin launching facilities, meet some of the SpaceX crew . . . Yes, we were there to perform a job and to fulfill our internship, but our mentors were also focused on getting us out and doing stuff while we had access to the NASA site.”
Other activities included viewing other interns’ projects on the site, visiting the cryo lab and dipping objects in liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, seeing plant research and visiting the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), where engineers are preparing to build the next Artemis rocket.
Breaking NASA Property
Connor shared a story of an instance where he and other interns accidentally broke something while conducting an experiment.
“In the middle of one of the experiments, we were performing combustion process within the tube furnace and the material we had in there was dried, so in one second, it jumped from 22 PSI to 50 PSI and cracked our defender,” he said. “And of course, we had a mentor in the lab with us, but it was me and two other interns who were running the tube furnace, and that was kind of an important part because it was a regulator for the system.”
Fortunately, the interns were not reprimanded and the incident was a learning moment for the research team to change the procedure in future experimentation.
Broadening Perspectives
As an Aerospace Engineering major, sustainability and chemistry weren’t necessarily on Connor’s radar, the latter being far from his favorite subject. However, his experiences this summer have changed his outlook.
“I worked in the applied chemistry lab in the Neil Armstrong building at Kennedy Space Center and before I went there, I hated chemistry. I didn't want anything to do with chemistry,” he said. “But after serving my time this summer there and learning about all these projects and plasma fission and building these bioreactors, it really did broaden the spectrum of things that I thought I'd maybe be interested in doing.”
His internship mentors and other researchers he worked with in the lab motivated him to consider pursuing a Ph.D. in addition to the master’s degree he is already planning to get after finishing his bachelor’s.
An important thing Connor learned in his internship experience is that no matter how much training or instruction you get, there’s the inevitability of things breaking or going wrong.
“It’s never going to be perfect,” he said. “But I think that’s what research is. You don’t go into a research program, go straight through, get your results and you’re done. . . there is no perfect solution when it comes to research or engineering.”
He reflected this lesson to his personal experience with perfectionism, stating that the internship changed his perspective on how he sees grades.
“It changed my perspective on what it means to be perfect,” Connor said. “So rather than striving for perfection, I think I’ve learned to just strive for what I know to be my best work.”
Advice for His Peers
Connor’s biggest piece of advice for students seeking out internships is to get involved in research. His mentor told him that research experience even played a bigger part in the selection process than GPA.
He also urges others to just keep applying to internships. He says, “You’re never going to get the first one you apply for. I probably applied for 200 internships for this past summer, and I only heard back from, like, four. . . It’s super competitive.”
Read more about Connor’s ERAU experience here.
- For Aerospace Engineering major Jacob Zahabi, a scholarship from the American Rocketry Challenge is helping launch his career in rocket science.
ARC Scholarship Helps Aerospace Engineering Major Get Ready to Rock ItFor Aerospace Engineering major Jacob Zahabi, a scholarship from the American Rocketry Challenge is helping launch his career in rocket science.It took Jacob Zahabi until the middle of his junior year in high school to discover rocketry.
But when he did, it was love at first sight. Since then, it’s been all rockets, all the time.
Jacob (’27) pursued his passion for rocket science in the American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) during his junior and senior years, and that journey of discovery landed him at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, where he’s now part of the school’s renowned Aerospace Engineering program.
“My experience was very special,” Jacob said of his participation in ARC. “There were a lot of challenges and a lot of failures. But I learned so much and, most notably, it just made me more determined to do well.”
What is the American Rocketry Challenge?
Jacob did well enough to earn a scholarship from ARC, which gives nearly 5,000 high school students in the U.S. the chance to learn the basics of rocket flight by designing, building and launching model rockets.
The process, which leads to a nationwide competition, helps participants solidify their STEM skills, provides hands-on engineering experience and ultimately helps some of the students with their college tuition.
Jacob’s fascination with rockets started one day in his German class at Courtland High School in Spotsylvania, Virginia, when he saw a buddy playing a video game called Spaceflight Simulator.
“I was just your average high school student, not really knowing what I wanted to do,” Jacob said. “I looked at that game and was instantly hooked. I learned all this crazy stuff about space flight that I didn't know, literally, the day before. And I was like: ‘Is there a job for this? How do I get as close to that job as possible?’”
First Steps Toward the Final Frontier
That question led him to the Rocket Club at school, the ARC contest and some new challenges. The pandemic had pretty much shut down the club the year before, so Jacob, his friend Nick Batram and several other aspiring rocketeers were confronted with a ton of work before they could even think about launching anything.
“The rockets were broken apart, there was nothing working and there were no experienced students left,” said Jacob. “We didn't know anything about what we were doing. So, we did our best to scrape it together.”
Jacob, Nick and the rest of the Courtland Rocket Club team were able to turn what looked like insurmountable obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning. After all, engineering is about identifying thorny problems and creating innovative solutions, so that’s what they did.
They fashioned a launch rod system to keep the rocket from setting the ground on fire during launch. Jacob got his hands on a 3D printer and taught himself how to use Fusion 360 so he could make fin cans for the rocket motors.
Jacob and company also got guidance and encouragement from William Graf, a physics teacher at Courtland High who was the club’s administrator and supported the efforts to resurrect the rocket program.
“He and I became best friends,” Jacob said.
That support was vital as the team faced dozens of other setbacks and issues once they started launching their models in an attempt join the top 100 teams at the ARC national competition, with much of the process captured on the club’s Instagram page.
“We were too successful actually, because the fins were too aerodynamic,” Jacob said. “You must get the rocket to reach a certain height range, and we had an altimeter in it, and we were regularly getting 400 feet over. And almost every time we had a successful launch, it landed in a tree, and we had no way to get it down. We also had rockets burn up or explode, so we never actually made it to the competition.”
A Space Camp Experience
But that didn’t detract from everything he had learned, and, in fact, it only served to fuel his desire to learn more. During the summer before his senior year, Jacob took part in a space camp type experience through the Virginia Aerospace and Space Technology Scholars program (VASTS).
The mission logo designed by Jacob Zahabi for his team during the Virginia Aerospace and Space Technology Scholars program. (Photo: Jason Zahabi)“You're writing technical reports about space missions, and you are building your own space mission,” said Jacob, who also ended up designing the logo for his team. “In the final project, you had to make a base on Mars. You had to find the location, identify resources, figure out how you're going to get those resources and how big the base would be, everything. I learned so much.”
One of Jacob’s top takeaways from both of his stellar high school experiences was that he loved the challenges and the process that went into meeting them – even if it meant enduring endless work, constant challenges and ongoing “failures.”
Why Choose Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle?
If anything, he was more psyched than ever about what he could do in Embry-Riddle’s College of Engineering.
"I needed to get into a good college," he said.
Although he wasn’t sure he would get accepted or that he could afford to attend Embry-Riddle if he was, he applied anyway to be part of the Fall 2023 freshman class at the world’s leading aviation and aerospace educator.
“Three days after I applied, they accepted me and gave me a Presidential Scholarship,” Jacob said. “And I'm like, ‘Okay, I guess I'm going to Florida.’”
And so here he is, adjusting to life on the Daytona Beach Campus and looking forward to launching a future that is already looking up.
“I know what my passion is, but I am not sure what kind of job I am going to do just yet,” Jacob said. “Basically, I want to work on something that's science fiction and make it not science fiction.”
- Embry‑Riddle alumni Aditya Rathi shares insight on the experiences that led him to landing a job at Delta Air Lines.
Advancing Aviation SafetyEmbry‑Riddle alumni Aditya Rathi shares insight on the experiences that led him to landing a job at Delta Air Lines.
After earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Management from Emirates Aviation University and interning in the corporate safety department at Emirates Airlines, Aditya Rathi (’22) was ready to continue developing his career and education in the field of aviation safety.
Why ERAU?
“[Embry-Riddle] currently is the only university in the world that offers such a specific program on safety. That's what actually drew me to come here in 2021 and pursue my degree in Safety Science,” he said of his decision to earn his master’s degree.
As Rathi learned more about Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, his interest in the innovation and experiences he could participate in on campus only grew.
Particularly, he was fascinated by The Roberston Aircraft Accident Investigation Laboratory, an eight-and-a-half-acre facility that allows students to conduct simulated accident investigations. All crashes on the site are recreated from actual accidents to reflect reality as closely as possible, and the lab is the only fully scenario-based accident training facility in North America.
“The Robertson Aircraft Accident Lab is so unique and one of its kind in the world,” he shared. “The accident lab... that we have as a part of the curriculum gives hands-on experience of aircraft crashes and allows us to learn from them.”
Experiences at Embry-Riddle
When he came to Embry-Riddle, Rathi was awarded the opportunity to partake in the ISASI-Robertson Fellowship Program, which gave him a full scholarship and allowed him to focus on his academic performance and research.
In this research, he assessed health and safety regulations on Ultra-Long Range commercial flights, confirmed existing regulations and identified gaps in these standards, then provided recommendations for how to fill those gaps.
Another aspect of Rathi’s fellowship involved working in the Aviation Safety and Security Archives on Embry-Riddle's Prescott Campus. He says that experience was beneficial for a variety of reasons.
Aditya Rathi with his Distinguished Graduate award, in front of Embry-Riddle Prescott’s Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium. (Photo: Aditya Rathi)
“I used to quickly skim through the historical data, which gave me an added advantage in my classes just to learn from the history and what progresses and initiatives have already been done in aviation,” he said, a testament to his own dedication to growing in his field.
Remembering another benefit of his fellowship program, Rathi added: “Last year in the summer, I got a chance to interact with the General Manager of Corporate Safety with Delta Air Lines. I was lucky that I was in the right place at the right time - that's how I started my career at Delta.”
Since graduating from Embry-Riddle as a Distinguished Graduate from the M.S. in Safety Science program, Rathi has continued to work for Delta Air Lines and is now a full-time employee.
Career Development at Delta Air Lines
At Delta, Rathi is an Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Specialist in Flight Safety.
“My primary tasks are to process and assess the risk of pilot reported ASAP reports and manage day-to-day flight safety tasks, as well as support all the divisions that we have with the risk management and the safety assurance activities,” he shared about his role.
Rathi cites his favorite aspect of his job as the opportunity to gain exposure to the world of corporate aviation and the ability to witness what a “well-oiled machine” Delta is. He hopes to be able to soak up as much experience as possible throughout various departments.
“Being at Delta gives you opportunity to move around,” he explained. “Currently I'm in corporate safety, but they give you an opportunity to interact with different operational departments and closely work with them to promote safety programs. So, I’m trying to get exposure through that and if opportunity allows me, I would want to work for different departments in the safety role... so that I can learn more about the operations.”
His goals beyond Delta?
“As part of my career, it's my goal right now to serve in one of the biggest airlines in the world... In a decade, I see myself working for the International Civil Aviation Organization. What drives me every morning is to bring change in the terms of safety and find new ways of handling safety in the current generation.”
Passion for Safety
Rathi came to Embry-Riddle with a passion for his field that has only grown since. He shared that his favorite classes were Aviation Safety, taught by Brian Roggow, professor of Safety Science, and System Safety, taught by Dr. Maxwell Fogelman, now retired professor of Safety Science.
“Particularly for System Safety, I love statistics and maths. That course teaches you how statistics play a key role in predicting or being proactive around safety, what data sets you can gather and conduct quantitative analysis to measure different safety metrics - also known as Safety Performance Indicator around safety,” he remembered. “For Aviation Safety, it gives you a broad aspect around not only how the frontline employees, but management structure and accountability, play a critical role in safety.”
Rathi gives credit to those who have supported him throughout his career journey and beyond.
“I want to thank my grandmother and parents for supporting my decision to move to United States and pursue my career. And a special thanks to Trish Demasi, General Manager of SMS Corporate Safety at Delta Air Lines, for giving me the opportunity and a career break.”
When asked what advice he would give to a future student with dreams of working in aviation safety, Rathi had insight to offer.
“One of the things that drives me every day is the urge of ‘what new can I learn today?’” he shared. “This mindset has helped me a lot both academically and now with my career. Initially this can make one feel overwhelmed, but this is one of the key assets of aviation safety professionals.”
See how a degree from Embry-Riddle can propel your career to new heights – apply today!
- Student athlete and Civil Engineering major Abigail Valley has skillfully mastered a demanding college schedule while heading into her senior year at Embry‑Riddle.
A Well-Rounded FutureStudent athlete and Civil Engineering major Abigail Valley has skillfully mastered a demanding college schedule while heading into her senior year at Embry‑Riddle.
Civil Engineering student Abigail Valley ('24) is leaving her mark at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University as she skillfully balances demanding academics and extracurricular activities, all while being a student-athlete in both Cross Country and Track & Field.
Finding Her Place
Valley, a Massachusetts native, was looking for a university to call home where she could prioritize cross country and track & field, while also earning an education in a field that she feels passionate about.
“I originally found out about Embry‑Riddle because it's one of the top schools for Aerospace Engineering. That’s one of main reasons why I picked it. Some other reasons I chose Embry‑Riddle were because I liked the size of the school, the location by the beach and I'm on the cross country and track & field team, so I was in contact with the coach during my high school years. After stepping foot on the campus and meeting the team, Embry‑Riddle just felt like the right fit for me,” Valley said with a smile.
It all started to come together for Valley. She knew earning an engineering degree at Embry‑Riddle would allow her to gain access to faculty experts, earn industry experiences and ultimately prepare her for real-world engineering success.
Challenging Yourself
Valley started as an aerospace engineering student but knew deep down that she had an interest and desire for architecture and the environment, so she began looking into the civil engineering route.
“I started off as an Aerospace Engineering major but switched to Civil Engineering because I’ve always been interested in architecture and wanted to study the structures found in civil engineering. It took me a little bit to make the decision because I was scared to fall behind, but since starting civil engineering, I've realized there are a multitude of different paths I can take that I didn’t even know about,” she expressed. “Some of those have environmental aspects tied in, so I've been becoming more invested in the environmental parts of civil engineering.”
Finding a Balance
Since arriving at Embry‑Riddle, Valley’s journey as a student athlete has set a highly demanding pace, allowing her to learn how to juggle extracurriculars while keeping up with scholarly success.
“I do cross country and track — all three seasons — so I'm always busy. Coming in as a freshman during the start of COVID-19 made it much easier to adjust to the demand. It felt more low maintenance than it is now, so it was a good process to get a routine down and stick to a schedule,” she continued. “It keeps me in check and motivates me, while also helping me focus on eating healthy and getting good sleep. I feel like if I wasn’t running, I wouldn’t be thinking how much that stuff affects you, but now it is something that I must focus on and prioritize.”
Campus Involvement
As Valley found her place at Embry‑Riddle through her studies, she decided it was time to get involved on campus in other ways.
Alongside Cross Country and Track & Field, Valley joined the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) chapter at Embry‑Riddle last year and she says it has been a great learning experience.
“Every year we attend the 2023 ASCE Southeast Student Symposium where many different colleges and universities from all over Florida attend. Within our club, we get into groups and all work on different projects. In one of the groups that I was in, we were working on an innovation contest. We had to come up with a sustainable idea to solve some of the issues we have in the U.S. with water through problems of replacing and recycling it,” she explained.
“It is beneficial because there aren't many environmental classes offered through civil engineering, but doing the project got me into studying other topics in environmental engineering. I learned a lot through that contest, and it was really inspiring to go to the conference with other like-minded students and see everyone's great ideas.”
Although challenging at times, Valley has done exceptionally well while balancing her education, athletics, extracurriculars and social life, all while having two jobs—one as a server at a local restaurant and the other working for the ICI ticket office and events.
Summer Research
Valley dove into a collaborative study in the Sustainability and Environmental Engineering Laboratory (SEEL) with other like-minded students from Embry‑Riddle and Johns Hopkins University to monitor ozone concentrations, a criteria pollutant, in the atmosphere across the U.S to see how it’s changed over the last six years.
“We’re taking data collected by aero-monitoring systems around the country and doing data analysis on it. Once we complete our part of the data analysis, we send it off to Johns Hopkins University, where they analyze our data and add it to it,” she continued. “I really enjoy math, so doing data analysis means I’m working with a lot of numbers, and I got extremely comfortable using Excel, which will help me a lot in the future.”
She added: “Working along with other students and Dr. Marwa El-Sayed this summer has been great. I have only had her for one other class, so it was cool getting to know her outside of the classroom setting. It kind of reminds you that your professors aren't just professors— it's nice to get to know them on a different level. I also got to learn more about using the SEEL lab and I'm excited to do more with it in the future.”
Launching a Successful Future
The Civil Engineering program has given her the knowledge and hands-on experience to dive into future career endeavors – and wherever the civil engineering industry takes her next – with confidence.
The right path for your future may not always be clear right away, and often, incoming students can enter college without a clear vision for what their future will look like. Valley suggests, “If you're having doubts about your major, really think about it and if you want to switch, do it early. I did it two years in, but I was switching from Engineering to Engineering, so it didn’t knock me back too much, but if it’s someone who is looking to change fields, do it early.”
- Gifted with athletic, culinary and engineering skills, Aerospace Engineering major Aubrianne Dupre is following her passions at Embry‑Riddle.
American Rocketry Challenge Scholarship Fuels Eagle’s Quest for Success in SpaceGifted with athletic, culinary and engineering skills, Aerospace Engineering major Aubrianne Dupre is following her passions at Embry‑Riddle.Whether she’s in the kitchen, between the posts or on the launchpad, Aerospace Engineering major Aubrianne Dupre (’27) is hyper-focused on excelling at whatever she does.
“I love to learn,” says Aubrianne, a native of Haughton, Louisiana, who has already discovered plenty about cooking, soccer and rockets, although she just turned 18 this year. “And I like being good at things.”
Her determination and love of learning helped her connect with the American Rocketry Challenge at Parkway High School, where she was part of a rocket launching team and also got herself a scholarship, joining nine current Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University students who also earned scholarships as part of the world’s largest rocket contest.
What is The American Rocketry Challenge?
The American Rocketry Challenge gives nearly 5,000 high school students in the U.S. the chance to design, build and launch model rockets, a process that helps solidify their STEM skills and provides real-world engineering experience.
“My passion has always been rockets and the American Rocketry Challenge helped me define my goal to be rocket scientist,” says Aubrianne. “I wouldn’t have traded that experience for anything.”
Growing up out “in the country,” one of Aubrianne’s first loves was soccer. She started playing at age 4 and is today a goalkeeper on the Embry‑Riddle women’s soccer team.
“Embry‑Riddle was my dream school, and they just so happened to need a freshmen goalkeeper for future years,” Aubrianne said about her decision to attend the Prescott Campus.
Her prowess on the pitch is matched by her serious skills in the kitchen. Aubrianne is a two-time culinary state champion in Louisiana and among the top 10 chefs in the nation for her age group.
An Early Focus on STEM
But both of those interests have been eclipsed by her love of STEM, which also started at an early age.
“Bossier City, where I went to school, is an Air Force town,” Aubrianne said. “So, in elementary school, the STARBASE branch out of Barksdale Air Force Base allowed my fifth-grade class to have a week-long field trip to their facilities, and that's really where I was first exposed to STEM. Then in middle school I picked up the STEM elective and stuck with it all three years.”
Sticking with STEM meant that Aubrianne completed classes in cyber literacy and also earned her SUAS (Small Uncrewed Aerial System) Pilot-in-Command license.
“Funny thing,” she says. “I was the only girl in both of those classes.”
Why Choose Embry‑Riddle for Aerospace Engineering?
Her well-rounded skills as an athlete, chef and aspiring engineer have prepared her well to start the Embry‑Riddle experience this year, and she is already excited about the potential opportunities on the horizon.
“I don't really know where I want to work yet, but it would probably be a place like SpaceX or NASA,” she said. “And that’s why I chose Embry‑Riddle. It’s at the top of its class when it comes to aviation and aerospace.”
As she settles into life on the Prescott Campus, Aubrianne thinks often of those she left behind in Louisiana, and she didn’t want to miss a chance to say hello to everyone back home.
“I really want to say something to my family,” she said. "Hey Mom, Big Momma and Addi, I love and miss y'all. Also, to the Buzzard family, love and miss y'all. Most of all, Mallory, I love ya."
- Brandon Dreslin is graduating with his B.S. in Human Factors Psychology and gaining invaluable experiences while soaking up as much knowledge as possible.
The Human ElementBrandon Dreslin is graduating with his B.S. in Human Factors Psychology and gaining invaluable experiences while soaking up as much knowledge as possible.
Brandon Dreslin (’23) was originally drawn to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University for the same reasoning that motivates many students: the notoriety of becoming a pilot via an Embry‑Riddle education. As he researched the school, he discovered another opportunity that seemed like an even better fit for his interests.
“I was roaming the website and I saw that Human Factors Psychology was a program here,” he explained. “One of my goals in aviation was to become an air crash investigator, and some of the articles and videos that I'd been watching mentioned human factors... When I saw that, a light bulb clicked and I thought, ‘what if I combine my two passions, aviation and psychology?’”
Getting Involved On-Campus
Since arriving on Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus, Dreslin has gotten involved in the Human Factors Psychology program in a variety of ways. In addition to being a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), Dreslin is involved in the society’s mentorship program.
“This school year I'm going to be a committee member on the HFES mentorship program. Basically, we match up mentors with mentees and give mentees opportunities to learn about what human factors has to offer and the different kinds of opportunities there are.”
Research Accomplishment
In addition to contributing to the premier Human Factors organization on Embry‑Riddle's campus, Dreslin was involved in crafting a research paper in a collaboration between Embry‑Riddle, the U.S. Navy and Integrated Solutions for Systems, Inc. (IS4S), regarding human factors in visual cues for helicopter pilots.
“We looked at why helicopter brownout and helicopter whiteout — degraded visual environments — are so harmful and detrimental to helicopter pilots,” he shared. “We looked at how we could design our own system to mitigate those effects.”
From there, Dreslin and fellow researchers designed a display for helicopter pilots that incorporated visual cues in an augmented reality environment. Dreslin alone created the computer-aided design (CAD) drawings that make up the visual cues and passed them along to a developer, who coded them into the display.
“The paper was a literature review on basic cues and how those relate to the visual cues that we just designed in the display. We also talked about how other people are recreating visual cues in augmented reality environments.”
Once the paper was completed, Dreslin traveled to the 14th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics in San Francisco, California, to present his team’s findings and research. Specifically for the conference, Dreslin added a section to the presentation that offered recommendations for correctly designing the displays.
“We wanted to give back and tell others how the design could be improved to further mitigate spatial disorientation in helicopter pilots,” he shared.
Through his hard work, dedication and genuine interest in his research, Dreslin was listed as the first author of this paper – a rare accomplishment for an undergraduate student.
“Honestly, it was super rewarding. This was my first ever professionally published scientific piece. To be the first author is something I know that not a lot of undergrads have the opportunity to do,” he said. “I'm so grateful for that opportunity, and especially to Dr. Alex Chaparro for allowing me to take control of the paper. He put a lot of faith in me - he let me do my own thing.”
Interning in Artificial Intelligence Research
Over this past summer, Dreslin interned with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, funded through the Department of Energy's Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship program.
Dreslin’s internship allowed him to work with a mentor and their team on human factors research regarding differing trust levels between humans and artificial intelligence (AI).
“My mentor and her team do a lot of work in AI and machine learning, specifically human machine teammates,” he said. “And what they found in one of the earlier studies was that humans tend to trust machines less than other human teammates.”
At the end of the internship, Dreslin presented the findings at the Gold Experience July 2023 Virtual Research Symposium.
“My presentation was on conceptualizing the differences in trust between human-human teaming and human-machine teaming. So, looking at why trust in machines is sometimes lower than in humans,” he explained. “My task was to investigate why that was and try to conceptualize the reasons for that kind of relationship between the two team dynamics.”
Inspiration and Motivation
When asked about who and what inspires him to continue the pursuit of knowledge and advancement within the field of human factors, Dreslin cites the person who encouraged him to get involved in research in the first place, Dr. Alex Chaparro, professor of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology at Embry‑Riddle.
“Dr. Alex Chaparro inspires me the most because he was the first faculty member I worked with and he's just a really great, easygoing person. He knows how to tailor his mentorship to his students, provides great feedback and is always there for whoever needs him. He's always been there for me,” he shared. “Other than Dr. Chaparro, all the grad students and all the Ph.D. students in our department are pretty much like big sisters and big brothers to the undergraduates.”
As for his passion for his field, Dreslin spoke about how incredible it is that human factors can be applied within any field, not just aviation, and the desire to find his own fulfillment in the task of improving quality of life for everyone.
“The ability to make the world a safer place is what is drawing me into the field more and more... that's what I want to do with my life: make people happy and make them safe,” he said.
Outside of his schooling, Dreslin is proud to run his own business, Dreslin Consulting, where he assists clients in “creating usable and functional digital products.” As he finishes his B.S. in Human Factors Psychology, he plans to begin applying for Ph.D. programs, putting work into his business and preparing for life post-graduation.
His advice to students on their own educational journeys?
Networking is the single most important thing.
“You get to know job postings that are open, what positions you can apply for in the future and what projects you can work on,” he offered. “You also get to know about other people's stories and how they got into human factors... it's really cool to hear where people come from, what their passion in human factors is and where they want to go with their career.”
- After facing down many challenges, including racism and sexism, May Maryzana Maginde has put her Aerospace Engineering degree to work.
Despite Challenges, Aerospace Engineering Grad Has Her Dream Goals Firmly in SightAfter facing down many challenges, including racism and sexism, May Maryzana Maginde has put her Aerospace Engineering degree to work.
May Maryzana Maginde’s course to becoming a successful aviation industry professional has been defined by her ability to turn obstacles into opportunities.
Thanks to her determination, perseverance and an Aerospace Engineering degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the native of Papua New Guinea is now an Operations Engineer at Hawker Pacific Aerospace and well on her way to reaching her dream of being a flight test engineer.
“I initially wanted to be a pilot,” said May, who graduated in the class of 2019. “But my ears couldn't withstand the pressure differential during descent and landing. Yet, I loved travelling so much, I sat and cried through the excruciating pain of landing. I realized that if I can't fly it, why not know how to build it?”
Growing Up Global
May was born in Port Moresby and her father was a diplomat. That means the family was on the road a lot, and she moved away from her birthplace when she was 6. She’s lived in Malaysia, Belgium and finished high school in the Philippines after her dad retired from public service.
Being uprooted so often and over such long distances was no doubt daunting for her as a youngster, but May’s resolve never wavered. She was a standout student and always stayed focused on her goals.
“I had my eyes on studying in the Netherlands or Australia,” she said. “I got accepted into my dream school of Delft University in the Netherlands and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia. But I was 16 when I graduated from high school and neither of these schools offered any types of scholarships. This forced me to sit out a semester while I considered other options. My mother and father came across Embry-Riddle and urged me to apply. I researched it and found it to be a prestigious school. I applied and ended up getting accepted with a Deans Scholarship and a Women in Aviation scholarship.”
Why International Students Choose the Prescott Campus
That financial aid, coupled with her obvious ability and desire, helped May land on Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus, where students from 40 different nations are studying. She felt at home pretty quickly, and eventually ended up as president of the International Student Association on the campus.
“As cliche as it may sound, I would say the highlight of my Embry-Riddle experience was meeting friends for life who all share the same passion for aviation as I do,” she said. “All of us come from different walks of life, attending Embry-Riddle for one purpose and then continuing our own journeys but remaining close friends regardless of distance. The Embry-Riddle community I was submerged into was a small, close-knit one, and it truly helped with acclimatizing to the U.S.”
Making lifelong friends and building a network of professional connections were just a beginning for May.
“Embry-Riddle gave me the foundations of aerospace engineering and showed me that there are so many fields that you can go into,” she said.
“The main tool Embry-Riddle equipped me with was professionalism. The classes I took and the professors who nurtured me through their stories from the professional world taught me about expectations in the aerospace industry. The standard that Embry-Riddle upholds and the stature it carries as an institution is impressive.”
Professional Challenges and Personal Triumphs
Still, May has had to contend with plenty of challenges along her route and some persist to this day—but she’s ready for them.
“The challenges I have faced so far have been based on the fact that I am an international female of color in the aerospace Industry,” she said. “Racism and sexism are the main issues I've overcome thus far. Not to say it won't happen anymore, but I'll meet it head on in the event that I do encounter it again.”
Although her professional career is just starting, May has already racked up several accomplishments she will forever be proud of.
“During my internship with Lufthansa Technik Component Services, I designed and built an internal app for them that they still use,” she said. “And one year after starting at Hawker Pacific, my boss took a leave of absence and placed me in charge of the team. I was the newest member but became the boss to eight employees. Based on my performance, I was asked to take on the role full time after my boss eventually resigned, but I turned it down to keep learning and practicing engineering.”
As she continues building toward her dream career, May hasn’t forgotten about those who inspired her and said she feels a responsibility to set the bar for youngsters who may harbor the same aspirations and face the same challenges that she did.
Blazing a Trail for Others to Follow
Her story of success was showcased in The National, the top-selling newspaper in Papua New Guinea, in a 2021 article written by her older sister, who was a journalist there at the time.
“The only reason I agreed to the article was to be an inspiration to young men and women from developing countries and underprivileged societies,” May said. “I wanted to show young girls and boys that they can earn scholarships to domestic and international universities if they stay in school and work hard to achieve their goals. I'd like to believe that somewhere in PNG, a young girl or boy read my story and was inspired enough to work towards something great!”
- Toriahna Thomas is a rising junior at Embry‑Riddle. Right now, she’s completing her first internship, leading multiple organizations and preparing for what the future has in store.
Civil Engineering Student Aims to Build SuccessToriahna Thomas is a rising junior at Embry‑Riddle. Right now, she’s completing her first internship, leading multiple organizations and preparing for what the future has in store.
Toriahna Thomas (’26) is a Civil Engineering student entering her junior year at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Drawn to her degree program by the desire to challenge herself and make an impact on people’s lives, Thomas has found her place at Embry-Riddle through on-campus involvement and a dedication to continue growing in her field.
On-Campus Involvement
Thomas is a member of a variety of organizations, including the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Black Students Association (BSA) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
In NSBE, Thomas serves on the executive board as secretary.
“I'm the person who's responsible for communication. I'm the head of the communication zone, so I work with our public relations officer and Faith Lee, our communications marketing person,” she shared. “I work with them to help with communicating, getting our club out there and making sure our members are getting the right information.”
Recently, Thomas also became the secretary for the BSA, where many of her responsibilities align with the work she does in NSBE.
In the ASCE, Thomas was recently able to attend a student symposium where teams from different schools came together to collaborate, compete and connect.
Thomas cites her favorite part of staying involved as the ability to experience new places and meet new people.
“We had to go to a conference for NSBE in Atlanta, and I think that was my first time in Atlanta for more than a couple hours, not just for traveling. It was really interesting, and I got to meet people from other schools,” she remembered. “Same with the symposium- we went to Jacksonville, and I got to catch up with someone I knew from high school on top of meeting people from other schools. I like that it allows me to get outside of my scope and get to meet people and see new things."
Construction Company Internship
At the NSBE conference in Atlanta, Thomas landed an internship with Turner Construction.
Thomas and a friend approached Turner and were immediately offered the opportunity to interview with the company. Nervous, but excited, Thomas interviewed with Turner on the spot.
After waiting for a few weeks and then having a follow-up interview, Thomas learned that she’d landed the position as a field intern. Turner gave her the option of choosing which office location — of the many offices spanning the United States — she wanted to work from. She chose Philadelphia, where her family lived before moving to Florida.
“For my project, we're doing two floors for Penn Medicine. Turner's working on the whole building — but for my project specifically, we're doing two floors,” Thomas shared. “I'm really excited; every day is a new learning experience.”
Thomas also discussed the ability to utilize the knowledge and skills she learned in her coursework at Embry-Riddle throughout her internship.
“I get to apply things I actually did learn in class. I was kind of scared that a lot of the stuff that we were applying in class was not going to transfer over,” she said. “But I’ve been seeing a lot of familiar things and I'm about to finish up my internship.”
Goals at Embry-Riddle and Beyond
As Thomas returns to Embry-Riddle post-internship and embarks on her second year, she remembers that she has people in her corner, rooting for her success.
“Something that inspires me throughout school is my family. I really want to do something that impresses my family— that's not my main motivation, but that is a big part of it,” Thomas shared. “I like having stuff to talk about with my family too, to explain to them what the field is and what I do in my internship.”
Thomas’ aunt is also a civil engineer and is “ecstatic” when she hears about the work Thomas does at Embry-Riddle and in her internship.
“I think when I told her I was doing civil engineering, she was crying and I was just like, ‘oh my goodness,’” Thomas said with a smile.
As for her own plans for a career path, Thomas is looking inward as to what will bring fulfillment into her life.
“Career-wise, I don't really have a preference over what specific company I end up at. I just know I want to be somewhere like Turner, where they have a focus on their people and they give you a lot of opportunities to meet other people in your department,” she said. “I want to be somewhere where I know the company cares about me and where they have my best well-being in mind.”
Thomas’ personal goals align with her professional ones, revolving around building a life that you love.
- Philip Kwiecinski’s journey to his B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Science has been filled with support, encouragement, camaraderie — and success.
Friends, Faculty Fuel Eagle’s Drive Toward Aviation Maintenance Science SuccessPhilip Kwiecinski’s journey to his B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Science has been filled with support, encouragement, camaraderie — and success.
Since he arrived at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University in 2022, Philip Kwiecinski (’24) has found a lot to love about the B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Science program.
His highlights so far have included working in leading-edge labs and facilities, landing engaging internships, taking part in national competitions and traveling abroad to observe airline maintenance operations.
But for Philip, what really sets Embry‑Riddle’s AMS program apart are the people. From like-minded fellow students who share his passions and dreams to dedicated faculty members who make it their mission to turn aspirations into abilities, it’s those connections that make the difference for him.
“We’ve been able to form such a strong bond,” Philip said. “There are professors like Mitch Geraci, who is probably one of the greatest guys I think I've ever met, and William Kent, Jay Lacy and Charles Horning—all of them. They're all great people and they all want to help you.”
Philip, who has already completed his degree requirements, cites a core group of fellow AMS majors as another key source of inspiration and support. They include Samantha Fank, Colin Martin, Jesse Penas, Kymani Stephens and Joshua DeGuire.
“I wouldn't have gotten to where I am right now without them,” he said. “I would not have excelled as well as I did without their help with studying and just also being there as friends.”
The Inspiration for Education
Philip’s journey from his native Long Island to Embry‑Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus was itself inspired by a former aerospace engineer named Thomas Shea, who taught STEM courses developed by Project Lead The Way when Philip attended Commack High School.
“He had a huge impact on my life,” Philip said. “He suggested that I think about going into engineering and honestly, I probably wouldn't even be at Embry‑Riddle if it wasn't for him.”
Philip also met with his high school guidance counselor, who told him Embry‑Riddle was “the best place” for engineering and before long, he had scheduled a tour of the campus.
Originally, he wanted to check out both the AMS and the College of Engineering facilities, but he was immediately dazzled by the Emil Buehler Aviation Maintenance Science Building.
“I took the aviation maintenance tour earlier than the engineering tour, it's just the way the times worked out,” Philip said. “So, I'm going through the [AMS] tour and I'm looking around the lobby, I'm looking at the labs, I'm talking to the person giving me the tour, and I'm just going, ‘this is really cool.’ I like engineering, but I also like getting my hands onto stuff at the same time. And I like thinking through problems and figuring out how stuff works.”
The Emil Buehler Aviation Maintenance Sciences Building, named in honor of an aviation visionary, architect and engineer, houses classrooms and labs that support AMS students, giving them the space they need to get hands-on experience in a variety of areas.
What Does Embry‑Riddle Offer AMS Students?
Philip threw himself into the program and took advantage of all the opportunities Embry‑Riddle offers. He was part of a team—called the Smokin’ Rivets—that earned 10th place among the 32 teams competing in the Education Category at the 2023 Aerospace Maintenance Competition.
Then, during the first part of summer 2023, he joined fellow AMS students and faculty members on a study abroad trip to Greece.
“We spent a week with Aegean Airlines and we were looking into how their business and safety operations were run,” Philip said. “We focused on how their safety auditing was done inside their hangar environment, because that's relevant to where all of us are going to be soon. It was awesome.”
He then spent the second part of the summer as an intern at VerdeGo Aero, a company based at Embry‑Riddle’s MicaPlex Innovation Center and working to develop hybrid electric propulsion systems. Both experiences provided the kind of vital real-world experience that helps Embry‑Riddle students stand out in today’s job market.
“One thing that I've heard from my friends who are now in the industry is the baseline knowledge that you get coming out of Embry‑Riddle is a lot more expansive,” Philip said. “And then you also get the name of Embry‑Riddle behind you and that tells people, ‘okay, that guy knows his stuff.’ The foundation of the education that's given to us at Embry‑Riddle is what sets us apart in the AMS world.”
A Degree That Defines The Future
Philip isn’t sure yet where his Embry‑Riddle degree will lead him, but he’s confident he’ll have some excellent options to choose from.
“I'm thinking I either want to do something with a large corporation or I want to go to one of the major airlines,” he said. “But I also would like to be somewhere closer to my home for the first few years, even if it's not the best option. A couple of my professors have already said they would write recommendation letters to some of the big companies that they've either worked for in the past or where they still have direct connections.”
For anyone considering an AMS career, Philip says a B.S. from Embry‑Riddle provides the perfect launchpad for today—and tomorrow.
“Think about what a degree can do for you in the future,” he said. “It can help you get a job in quality control, as a maintenance director or manager. Some people think ‘oh, I can just get these certificates in two years and then move on.’ Don't just think about that. Think about when you've worked on the shop floor for 15 years and your body's starting to hurt every day. What do you want to do when you get to that point? Having a bachelor's degree can help you get to the next level.”
- Jessyca Derby is working hard to earn her Ph.D. in Human Factors from Embry‑Riddle and is soaking up as much knowledge and experience as she can.
Scholarly Eagle Shares Research, Dissertation and Career InsightsJessyca Derby is working hard to earn her Ph.D. in Human Factors from Embry‑Riddle and is soaking up as much knowledge and experience as she can.
After earning her B.A. in Psychology from Keene State College, Jessyca Derby (’20, ’23) came to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University to earn her M.S. and then Ph.D. in Human Factors, which she said aligned nicely as a follow-up to her undergraduate coursework.
“[Psychology] was something that I knew I really wanted to do because I loved the whole cognitive aspect. I was learning about psychology - the ways that people think,” Derby shared. “But I also was taking computer science courses that were a bit more leaning towards engineering, and I was like, ‘I love building things and I love psychology, so how do I merge the two?’”
After learning from her undergraduate advisor about the opportunities in human factors, Derby was immediately interested and eventually began her master’s and Ph.D. journey in the field.
"Because I was accepted into the Ph.D. program after I got my bachelor's degree, I don't think my experience as a master's student was the traditional route. Just as long as I got my master's, passed my qualifying exams and went through all of that I could start working on my Ph.D.,” she said, reflecting. “So, in the master's route I was already paired with my Ph.D. advisor and was doing a whole bunch of research, so that was awesome.”
Research at Embry‑Riddle
Throughout her master's program and transitioning to her Ph.D. program, Derby’s interest in completing research continued to grow.
“I actually got involved in research as an undergrad and I found that I absolutely love it. I was like, ‘how do ‘I do more of this? I want to keep doing research. I want this to be my job, my career,’” she gushed. “I love it. I don't want to stop and pursuing a Ph.D. helps me do that.”
Of all of her research at Embry‑Riddle, a few specific projects stand out to Derby as particularly exciting.
“I've been able to work on research projects focusing on physical products that are being made, as well as processes. We've worked with Fortune 500 companies and big tech. It has been very fun and valuable to work on that research, coming up with the actual research methods we're doing and the procedure, collecting the data and reporting it out to real professionals,” she shared, unable to divulge specific details because of confidentiality agreements.
Crafting a Dissertation
Like any Ph.D. student, Derby must create and finish a dissertation in order to complete her degree. She describes a dissertation as “a huge research project” and is completing her own on providing a checklist for augmented and mixed reality devices and applications that assesses standards and consistency.
“How do we create this emerging tech build? Something that people have never touched before, maybe never even dreamed up before,” she explained. “This checklist is based on research on human cognition, perception and user preferences. It’s really solving the problem of: how do we make this tech the best it can be based on how our brains and our body work?”
Essentially, she’s working to create a higher standard of ergonomics, safety and user experience for those who utilize emerging technologies.
“How do we make this the most comfortable so we don't get motion sick? How do we organize the controls and user interface so it feels natural even during the first use? And how do you balance the complexity of the tech with the user's expectations? Is it simple to understand and easy? Is it even fun?” she said, going over some concepts her checklist will cover.
“This is based on research and a checklist that practitioners who are building these devices can go through and say, ‘is this something that is covered by our app? Or is this an area that we need to develop further to make our experiences better?’”
Lab Manager Experience
On Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus, Derby is the manager of the Research in User eXperience (RUX) Lab under Dr. Barbara Chaparro, professor of Human Factors, a role in which she helps to organize projects, coordinates lab meetings, oversees lab activities and more. She says she enjoys the managerial aspects of her role, as well as the opportunity to continuously grow her leadership experiences and skills.
Derby recommends other students get involved on campus throughout the course of their studies.
“Get involved. Human Factors, it's all about how we build tech for people - and people use technology everywhere. It touches so many different domains. You could work in consumer products, you could work in medical, you could work with research - there's such a big expanse,” she said. “I think getting involved in the department, in research, in student organizations really helps you understand and see all of the different things that are going on.”
Apart from managing the RUX Lab, Derby helped create the Human Factors and Ergonomics Mentorship program on-campus, is a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and maintains her involvement in various research projects- all experiences she credits for helping her get to where she is today.
“It's also really cool that I felt like this program really encouraged me to get internships. I worked one summer at a UX consulting group in Austin, Texas, called Human Interfaces... and then last summer I had an internship with Meta Reality Labs out in San Francisco,” she shared. “Those were really, really incredible experiences that definitely helped me land a job.”
Inspiration for Success
As Derby continues to pursue greater achievement and success, she often finds inspiration in other women in STEM fields.
“I think a lot of the women around me in tech inspire me a lot, especially in this domain. I know quite a few incredible people who do awesome things and who have really made their path through their work in tech. And I'm just like, ‘you are awesome,’” she smiled. “Seeing how in tech and engineering there are not normally as many women in leadership roles. It's incredible seeing that there are quite a few women faculty members at Embry‑Riddle, as well as a few in the industry that I follow.”
Derby recently landed a job at Design Interactive in Orlando, Florida, as a research lead and plans to work there as she continues taking steps toward completing her Ph.D.
- Portia Ani wants to use the combined skills and experiences from her B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Science and MBA degrees to one day open her own FBO.
Two Embry‑Riddle Degrees Form the Foundation for This Eagle’s Aviation DreamPortia Ani wants to use the combined skills and experiences from her B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Science and MBA degrees to one day open her own FBO.
When Portia Ani (’23, ’24) envisions her future, she sees a bustling fixed-base operation that has a ramp filled with aircraft, a pilot center for dispatch, planning and training and a full-on maintenance facility that can handle anything from the smallest Cessna to the sleekest corporate jets.
And she is in charge of all of it.
“I really do want to open my own FBO, that’s the ultimate goal,” Portia said. “There's a lot that goes into it, but because I'm very hardworking I know that once I put everything into it, everything I've got, by God's grace, it's going to work out.”
One Great Embry‑Riddle Degree Deserves Another
Portia is building the foundation of her future FBO through Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, where she’s already earned her B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Science and is now on track to graduate with her MBA in December 2024.
“Most people told me to go out into the field first and work and then come back for my master's, but I know that once I start making the big bucks, I really won't want to come back to school,” she said with a laugh.
“Honestly, even though I'm getting my MBA, I want it to be centered around aviation, and Embry‑Riddle is still the best place for that,” she continued. “I took maintenance management with my bachelor's degree, so I got to work with some of the professors in the business school, and I just wanted to keep working with people who knew what they were doing and who had the exposure and the connections I could only make within Embry‑Riddle.”
Aviation Education at the Highest Level
Portia’s aviation journey started in Nigeria, where she grew up and traveled often with her family. She vividly remembers being fascinated by the army of workers who descended on aircraft when they arrived at the gate and began to picture herself as one of them.
A stellar high school student, Portia set her sights on studying at a top aviation school in the U.S. and Embry‑Riddle landed at the top of her list. She credits her parents with helping make it possible and once she was accepted, she has worked hard to make them proud.
Like any worthwhile pursuit, Portia’s Embry‑Riddle experience has had a twist or two. Initially, she majored in Aerospace Engineering but after two years, she realized she was more interested in troubleshooting aircraft than she was in designing them.
Portia said the school’s faculty and staff helped ease the transition between majors, and once she got busy in the AMS program, she knew she’d found her home.
“I am very happy,” she said. “I’ve been able to work on all types of engines and aircraft, from nose to tail. It’s a different view of aviation and it’s been fun working along with the friends I’ve made in the program.”
Professional Networking That Works
Portia is presently a full-time member of the fleet maintenance team at the Daytona Beach Campus, helping to keep the school’s training aircraft airborne. During summer 2023, she earned a scholarship from Flight Safety International and traveled to Dallas for several weeks to complete an initial maintenance course on the Dassualt Falcon 2000EX aircraft.
She credits AMS Instructor Jay J. Lacy, who is one of her mentors along with Associate Professor Mitch A. Geraci, with helping her nail down that opportunity.
“He pushed me to apply for it,” she said. “He said: ‘You'll be good for that. You should do it and it'll be good on your resume. It's a good experience.’ That push is why I'm here today.”
As she looks ahead to tomorrow, Portia is grateful for the academic knowledge, practical experience, life lessons and professional connections Embry‑Riddle has helped her build so far.
Why Choose an Embry‑Riddle Degree?
For anyone considering any degree at Embry‑Riddle, Portia simply says: “It’s really worth it.”
Some of the key lessons she’ll be leaving with at the end of 2024 include handling pressure, staying humble and keeping focused.
“Being humble is one of the biggest things,” Portia said. “Also, learning how to deal with pressure is another. Obviously, going to school at Embry‑Riddle, there's pressure from all angles. That's what helps you in the industry, because everywhere you go and anywhere you go, there'll be pressure and you learn how to deal with it by keeping focused on your goals. That’s why Embry‑Riddle is the best place for you to be.”
- Aerospace Engineering major Cameron Archibald’s Embry‑Riddle experience has been so good that his two younger brothers have followed him here.
For This Aerospace Engineering Student, Brothers Make All the DifferenceAerospace Engineering major Cameron Archibald’s Embry‑Riddle experience has been so good that his two younger brothers have followed him here.
Cameron Archibald’s (’23) path to an Aerospace Engineering degree at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University hasn’t been easy or smooth.
But it has been 100% worth it.
So worth it, in fact, that his two younger brothers, Jack and Wyatt, have followed him to the world’s leading aviation and aerospace educator. They will study together at the Daytona Beach Campus in Fall 2023, which will be Cameron’s final semester before graduating.
“I'm only taking six credits so I can hopefully enjoy the time with my younger brothers before I go off and become a real adult,” said Cameron, who is projected to graduate magna cum laude. “I’ve learned how to balance the fun with the academics, so it'll be a good last semester.”
A stellar student athlete at Monomoy Regional High School in Harwich, Massachusetts, Cameron earned a scholarship from The Boston Globe and had a world of possibilities when it came to college.
“I was one of 14 chosen for that scholarship and only one of two from my district,” Cameron said. “So that was pretty cool.”
Cameron’s exposure to aviation started early—his grandfather was a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force and later a captain at American Airlines, while his dad is a private pilot—and he says he’s always had his sights set on the sky.
“I am a big Star Wars nerd,” he said. “And I have always been fascinated by space.”
Although he has some piloting time and once flew from Massachusetts to Iowa in a Cessna 150 with his dad, Cameron was more interested in engineering and that brought Embry‑Riddle directly into the picture.
“I wanted to do aerospace and some of the schools I applied to had mechanical engineering degrees with aerospace, but I ended up choosing Embry‑Riddle, because the program that was specifically aerospace,” said Cameron, who was accepted at eight other colleges.
Fraternity Brothers to the Rescue
He started classes in Fall 2019 only to have his freshman year virtually derailed by the pandemic. The disruption and uncertainty almost ended his Embry‑Riddle journey, but Cameron credits joining the Sigma Chi fraternity with keeping him on track.
“Freshman year was a little rough and I really wanted to transfer and go somewhere close back home,” he said. “But I stayed because of the people from my fraternity. Some of them have become my best friends and probably will be for life.”
These good friends also have good connections. It was a fraternity brother who helped Cameron land his first internship, working as an avionics system engineer at MITRE.
More Connections Lead to More Internships
The Embry‑Riddle Career Expo in 2022 landed Cameron a stint at Collins Aerospace and he took a semester off to spend eight months working there as test engineer on C-130 aircraft and MH-6 helicopters.
“I am graduating in the fall because of that semester off, but it was a great choice,” he said. “I've been very grateful to have a network that I've kind of built up and that's mainly through my fraternity.”
His fraternity brothers also helped Cameron with his initial adjustment to the rigors of studying at a renowned aerospace university.
“I was always good at math and science, so everything came pretty easy to me in high school,” he said. “When I got here, I realized I actually had to study, and I had to learn some good habits.”
His classroom success has been matched by the practical experience he’s amassed, and his internship this summer is with The Boeing Company.
“I was lucky enough to get selected, so now I'm a mission systems design intern for their Phantom Works division,” said Cameron, who was among 10 engineering majors and one business student chosen to work at the aerospace giant.
When he graduates in December, Cameron has a full-time job waiting at Phantom Works as an Integration and Test (AIT) Engineer in Advanced Mission Systems Analysis.
Lifelong friends, connections that count and a lasting academic foundation all make Cameron grateful that he stayed at Embry‑Riddle.
“It’s definitely paid off,” he said. “I mean, I've had a really great time here.”
Band of Brothers
The Archibald brothers, Jack, Wyatt and Cameron, celebrate Wyatt’s high school graduation and his plan to join them at Embry‑Riddle. (Photo: Cameron Archibald)
He believes his brothers will share the same success. Jack Archibald (’25) is now pursuing his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering after transferring from the University of Colorado Boulder, and has also joined the Sigma Chi fraternity.
“He's loved it ever since he got here,” says Cameron. “He definitely is enjoying himself much more than he was at Boulder.”
Youngest brother Wyatt (’27), already a private pilot, will continue his flight training and start the B.S. in Aeronautical Science program this fall while also planning to try out for Embry‑Riddle’s hockey team.
Wyatt wants to be a commercial pilot and knows that Embry‑Riddle is “the best pilot school in the country,” said Cameron, who cited another family connection that has been key to his success:
“My parents have helped me through school and pushed me to do what I wanted – to do something unique. They are the reason I am here and still making it through school more than anything.”
As he looks ahead to his post-graduation future, Cameron is excited about the options his Embry‑Riddle education have provided.
“My ultimate career goal is to go into space,” he said. “And I believe I will find a way to do it.”
Beyond that stellar ambition, Cameron said there are several other career routes that would work for him.
“I've always really liked the idea of working on rockets and helping with deep space exploration, but I also could see myself working on next generation fighters and technology if I get the chance to do that,” he said. “Preferably not just sitting behind a desk all the time but going out into the field and seeing the stuff that I contribute to building and watching it fly.”
What could you build here? Apply at Embry‑Riddle today and find out.
- Paul Rossi’s B.S. in Aeronautics helped him become a UAS innovator and entrepreneur. Today, he is pursuing a Master of Space Operations degree.
UAS Entrepreneur Makes Giant Leap to Space Operations DegreePaul Rossi’s B.S. in Aeronautics helped him become a UAS innovator and entrepreneur. Today, he is pursuing a Master of Space Operations degree.
It took one look at the Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University flight line for Paul Rossi’s interest in aviation to go from lukewarm to white hot.
On that day in 2007 when Paul ('12, '24) visited the Daytona Beach Campus with his father, he was trying to decide where to attend college on the Army ROTC scholarship he earned, and he still wasn’t sure what he wanted to study.
That changed in just a few hours.
“After I saw the airplanes, the new buildings and all the happy people on campus at Embry‑Riddle, it was full-blown excitement,” Paul said. “I was 100% all in on aviation!”
Continuing Education for Continued Success
Fast forward 11 years after he earned his B.S. in Aeronautics and Paul, now 33, is once again an Embry‑Riddle student, this time studying for his Master of Space Operations using the online option offered by the Worldwide Campus, which is specifically designed to enable busy professionals to pursue advanced degrees.
And Paul is definitely a busy professional.
Since his 2012 graduation, he has served as an avionics technician in the Army (a stint that included a deployment to Afghanistan), started a North Carolina-based company called Nine Ten Drones, which helps individuals and organizations leverage the rapidly expanding capabilities of Unmanned Aerial Systems, and risen to the position of Director of Development with Causey Aviation Unmanned, a drone delivery service in Texas and North Carolina.
Along with wife Lauren, he’s also raised four children, with their oldest daughter headed for college in fall 2023 and a 1-year-old as the newest addition to the family.
Paul says his wife and children are among the key reasons he returned to Embry‑Riddle for his master’s degree.
“Lauren is my foundation and I want to continue to further my education and professional development in order to provide our family with everything we need to thrive both in and outside our home,” he said. “I want our [older] daughters to see that furthering education may not always be easy, but it is possible regardless of age as long as you’re willing to make the commitment.”
Aeronautics Degree Fueled Entrepreneurial Vision
Beyond being wowed by the flight line, Paul said there were several other reasons he initially landed at Embry‑Riddle.
“They maintain a state-of-the-art fleet of aircraft, providing a consistent flight training experience to hundreds, if not thousands, of students each year,” he said. “During my visit it was very clear to see that Embry‑Riddle was reinvesting in the campus in order to create innovative spaces for education and learning.”
Paul credits his bachelor’s degree program with providing the foundation that helped him launch his wildly successful UAS career.
“What I learned about airspace, weather and aerodynamics starting in my freshman year was significant in helping me establish Nine Ten Drones, affording us the ability to quickly acquire waivers and authorizations to conduct UAS flight operations in both civilian and military controlled airspace during day and night,” he said.
Paul also said that the “experience and knowledge I gained during my junior and senior years has helped me tremendously in my role as director of development with Causey. The individual and group projects and presentations required of students prepares them for the ‘real’ world. Today, I am often engaging with decision makers, including the FAA, to facilitate [UAS] growth and development.”
In addition to his demanding roles as a father, entrepreneur, development director and student, Paul also serves as the community outreach coordinator with the AUVSI North Carolina Chapter, is a board member on the North Carolina High School Drone Advisory Council, an industry expert on Clancy & Theys’ UAS Advisory Council, director of the North Carolina Educator UAS Cohort and lead technical writer with the online UAS publication DroneLife.
He's also been a speaker at numerous UAS events, most recently at AUVSI Xponential in Denver, Colorado, where he discussed the importance of STEM education. Paul also will be speaking in Las Vegas in September at the Commercial UAV Expo, discussing workforce development as part of a panel program entitled “Diverse Skies: Cultivating an Inclusive Future in the Drone Workforce.”
“Going to a local drone conference in 2018 Drone Summit in North Carolina was the final bit of experience, knowledge and networking I needed to tie everything together when launching Nine Ten Drones,” he said. “I highly encourage everyone to attend aviation, UAS and space conferences, which almost all offer discounted rates for students.”
Setting His Sights on a Stellar Future
And while family is a key driver for his latest pursuit, Paul’s interest in Space Operations has also put other professional horizons on his radar.
“My future career goals are to continue leading the integration of UAS air delivery and advanced air mobility within the National Airspace System while developing additional experience managing people and programs,” he said. “Going forward, I will be looking for opportunities to take my UAS knowledge and experience and apply that to the Space 2.0 market or to improve efficiency of UAS operations here on Earth by applying solutions and strategies learned throughout my studies to the future development of drone technologies and services.”
Whatever path he ends up following, Paul is grateful to Embry‑Riddle for opening a wide range of opportunities and supporting him every step of the way.
“I would highly encourage anyone considering a degree from Embry‑Riddle to ‘just do it,’” Paul said. “Go visit any Embry‑Riddle facility and you will certainly find great people, faculty and staff who will help you grow into the aviation professional you wish to be. I would also highly recommend the university’s online programs as well as the instructor videos, because the material shared from module to module is engaging and full of educational nuggets.”
He also advised being open to new avenues that often present themselves at a school that offers as many diverse programs as Embry‑Riddle.
“When I first decided to attend, I wanted to be the pilot for Tiger Woods or the New York Yankees,” Paul said. “When I left in May 2012, I was a professional aviator with 150-plus hours of logged flight time and while I am not flying the Yankees around, the knowledge and experience I gained during my four years at Embry‑Riddle helped me find great success in the drone industry.”
- Garrett Demshar has gained valuable and unforgettable experiences throughout his time at Embry‑Riddle.
Beyond the ClassroomGarrett Demshar has gained valuable and unforgettable experiences throughout his time at Embry‑Riddle.
When Garrett Demshar (’24) arrived at college, he had his sights set on becoming a pilot. As a school known for its aviation and aerospace programs, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University was the perfect fit.
“I chose to attend Embry‑Riddle for the amazing facilities and sense of belongingness I immediately felt when I stepped on campus for the first time,” said Demshar.
As he became acclimated to college life, however, he felt drawn to the business world and shifted to pursue a degree in Aviation Business Administration, with a focus on Supply Chain Management & Logistics.
“My decision to change majors was extremely difficult but that much more rewarding,” he shared. “I have always had a love for aviation and have been around business my whole life, so I am thrilled to be pursuing a career that is a combination of the two.”
On-Campus Experiences
“Though it may seem hard trying to put yourself out there at first, you will always find somewhere you belong,” Demshar said.
Since arriving at Embry‑Riddle, he has found a place among his peers through campus involvement.
“On campus, I am the Productions Manager of Touch-N-Go Productions, a Student Assistant for the Office of Global Engagement and involved in the Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society as well as the O’Maley College of Business Student Advisory Board,” he said.
Touch-N-Go Productions is the entertainment division of Embry‑Riddle's Student Government Association and coordinates various entertainment acts and events to come to Embry‑Riddle's campus. Past entertainers include Echosmith, Lauv, Fitz and The Tantrums, Quinn XCII and more.
Touch-N-Go has given Demshar real-world event planning, business and leadership experience that will be invaluable as he tailors his career path in the aviation business industry.
Studying Abroad with Embry‑Riddle
In 2022, Demshar embarked on the “Great British Tour,” a study abroad experience in which he and other students were able to travel throughout England. He cites this time abroad as one of the best things about his time at Embry‑Riddle.
“I was fortunate enough to participate in a program last summer and it has been my favorite experience here so far. The amount of exposure you get is priceless, and I really wish I could do it again,” he remarked.
Motivated to join the team at the Office of Global Engagement by his own study abroad experience, Demshar works to assist the department as it coordinates and promotes study abroad experiences for students all over the globe.
Finding Your Place
Demshar shared his overall favorite aspect of his university experience as well.
“My favorite thing about Embry‑Riddle is the people. From the moment I stepped on campus for my first tour, I was blown away by how helpful and friendly everyone was,” he shared. “Not only do the professors want to help develop you as a student, but they are willing and eager to assist with personal and leadership development as well.”
As for his inspiration to keep growing and advancing as a student, person and professional, Demshar remembers his grandfather.
“For me, my inspiration comes from my late grandfather. He was an amazing person and businessman, and he was my best friend,” he shared of his memories. “He always gave his all, and I will consider myself successful if I can become half the man he once was.”
As he begins to prepare for the future and considers returning to school for a master’s degree, Demshar has been reflecting on his time at Embry‑Riddle.
He shared a word of advice for students just embarking on their college journey.
- Catie Alfonzo-Jenner just went to NASA to complete an engineering challenge and is ready to take on senior year.
Aerospace Engineering Student Leads Team to NASACatie Alfonzo-Jenner just went to NASA to complete an engineering challenge and is ready to take on senior year.Summer of Opportunity
Catie Alfonzo-Jenner ('24) is a rising senior at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. As her journey at Embry‑Riddle nears its final year, she is taking advantage of all the opportunities her school has to offer.
When reflecting on her decision to attend Embry‑Riddle, she remembered her experience of being welcomed while touring the university as a major factor.
“For lack of a better term, I liked the vibe,” she smiled. “The people here are a lot nicer and more welcoming than any other school I toured. It didn't feel like they were uptight or like they were looking down at me, which is obviously really nice. I felt like I could actually talk to a person sitting next to me.”
Since her first year at Embry‑Riddle, Alfonzo-Jenner has flourished.
She just co-led a team from the Micro Gravity Club at Embry‑Riddle as they traveled to NASA to test their design for the Micro-g Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams (Micro-g NExT) challenge and recently landed a summer internship on Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus.
NASA’s Micro-G NExT Challenge
NASA’s Micro-G NExT challenge gives undergraduate teams from all over the United States an opportunity to design, build and test their own tool, created with the intention of combatting a current challenge in space exploration.
If teams make it past Phase I of the competition, they are invited to NASA’s Johnson Space Center to test their designs.
“So, the testing is in Houston at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, which is that giant pool that they have,” Alfonzo-Jenner shared. “You stay there for a few days, you come up with how they're going to test it and you lead the testing.”
The Neutral Buoyancy Lab contains an underwater environment that effectively simulates microgravity. There, experienced NASA divers test the tools created by student teams while receiving direction from the students themselves.
For this design challenge, teams created a handle extension designed to maintain its function even when coated in moon dust, which is very fine and tends to stick to whatever it may touch. The mechanism is also designed to be simple enough for it to be easily connectable to a variety of pre-existing NASA tools.
The tool brought by the team from Embry‑Riddle's performed as intended, and the testing went “really well.”
“It was an exciting opportunity to go somewhere I’ve never been and to test our prototype in the NBL,” Alfonzo-Jenner said. “According to the people that I met at NASA, being able to test in the pool is a really big deal. It certainly felt like a big deal!”
Inspiration for Success
Alfonzo-Jenner cites the strong women in her life as her inspiration to keep pushing herself forward.
“My mom has had full custody of my brother and I, so she's always been working like crazy. She got a second degree when she was in her early forties and that's so inspiring, the fact that she was able to switch careers like that,” she said, offering an example of her mother’s resilience.
Alfonzo-Jenner also shared that her grandmother, who grew up in Brooklyn without generational wealth or support before moving to New Jersey, is a major source of inspiration in her life.
“She really built herself up. She sent her own three kids through college and now she's helping me,” she said with pride.
While she has received guidance from those who mean the most to her throughout her educational career, Alfonzo-Jenner offered her own advice to incoming college students.
“Get involved! Even if it's something small, like the tennis club. I held back joining that because it just started my freshman year and I was like, ‘I'm so busy and I don't know anyone,’” she remembered. “But having activities on campus has really helped me get a lot better with speaking to strangers and with the whole hiring process and interviews... it's helped me a lot.”
As Alfonzo-Jenner embarks on her senior year at Embry‑Riddle, she plans to stay involved on-campus and get ready for life beyond her undergraduate studies, pursuing a career in aerospace engineering. With experiences that boosted her personal and professional growth and the motivation to stay focused and pursue her interests, Alfonzo-Jenner is truly set up for success in her senior year and beyond.
- Aerospace Engineering student Connor Arnold set his sights on space as a young boy, and he is counting on Embry‑Riddle to help him reach the stars.
Aerospace Engineering Student Aims to Launch Lifelong Dream at Embry‑RiddleAerospace Engineering student Connor Arnold set his sights on space as a young boy, and he is counting on Embry‑Riddle to help him reach the stars.
Aerospace Engineering student Connor Arnold with NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building in the background. (Photo: Connor Arnold)
Aerospace Engineering major Connor Arnold (’25) has no doubt about what he wants to do with his life, and no doubts about how he is going to do it. Connor is dreaming of becoming an astronaut and he is confident that Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University is the right place to help him launch that lofty career journey.
We caught up with Connor, who is spending summer 2023 as a Human Space Exploration intern at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, to discuss his dreams and the role Embry‑Riddle is playing in helping him turn his astronaut aspirations into a reality.
Tell Us a Little About Your Background
I grew up as a military brat in both Turkey and Germany, and I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in two vibrant cultures and develop a global perspective from a young age.
Both of my parents, actively serving in the Air Force, helped instill in me a deep appreciation for discipline, dedication, and the spirit of service. Little did I know that these early experiences would pave the way for my lifelong dream.
How Did You First Get Interested in Space?
After returning to the United States, my fascination with space exploration took flight at the Space Adventure Camp in Wallops Island, Virginia. The wonders of the cosmos and the remarkable achievements of NASA captivated me, and I knew that my future lay among the stars.
The experience ignited a spark, and I became determined to pursue a career that would allow me to contribute to humanity's exploration of the universe.
Why Did You Choose Embry‑Riddle for Your Aerospace Engineering Degree?
Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University is a prestigious institution, and its commitment to excellence in aerospace education and research resonated deeply with me. When I received the acceptance letter, it was not just a letter of admission but a validation of my hard work and the realization that I was one step closer to fulfilling my childhood dream.
After being admitted at Embry‑Riddle, I was elated to be accepted into the Honors and Discover Scholars programs. The Honors Program presented an incredible opportunity to engage in advanced coursework, collaborate with exceptional students, and delve deeper into my academic pursuits. It provided an intellectually stimulating environment that challenged me to push beyond my limits and nurture my passion for knowledge.
A look at the parking space Aerospace Engineering student Connor Arnold wants to use one day. (Photo: Connor Arnold)
Additionally, the Discover Scholars Program allowed me to immerse myself in the world of research from the very beginning of my academic journey.
What Internships Has Embry‑Riddle Helped You Secure?
My determination and drive combined with Embry‑Riddle’s industry network eventually led me to secure an internship with The Boeing Company as a material and physics engineer in the first semester of my freshman year.
Immersed in the real-world application of my studies, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to contribute to the development of groundbreaking technologies at the factory in Everett, Washington. The experience solidified my passion for aerospace engineering and gave me invaluable insight into the intricacies of the industry.
I continued to push myself during my sophomore year and it was during this time that I secured a highly competitive internship at the Kennedy Space Center, where I will have the privilege of working on cutting-edge projects that aimed to ensure the sustainability of future space missions.
As I continue my academic pursuits at Embry Riddle, mentorship from my research professors and collaboration with my fellow students will contribute to helping me reach my ultimate goal of becoming an astronaut and making a significant contribution to the field of space exploration.
- Michael Falanga just graduated from Embry‑Riddle with his B.S. in Human Factors Psychology. Now, he’s moving on to pursue his Ph.D. in the same field.
From Student to ScholarMichael Falanga just graduated from Embry‑Riddle with his B.S. in Human Factors Psychology. Now, he’s moving on to pursue his Ph.D. in the same field.
Michael Falanga (’23) originally came to Embry‑Riddle to study Mechanical Engineering on the biomedical track, drawn to the university because of its niche focus on STEM fields and the ability to attend classes with concentrated numbers of students.
“A big [deciding factor] was the community- the really big focus on science and technology.... everyone was kind and welcoming and I didn't feel like I got lost amongst everyone, which was nice,” he shared.
As his coursework in mechanical engineering began, Falanga realized that he wanted to end up in a role that was more directly tied to humans, and he would need to make a major change. The Human Factors Psychology program stood out to him, aligning nicely with his goals.
“Human Factors has more of that human approach with a focus on psychological processes and design. That's more or less why I wanted to make the change,” he said. “It just seemed a better fit for me, and I still got to work on all the simulators and car design and aircraft design, but I was able to really focus on the people side of things.”
Urban Air Mobility Research at Embry‑Riddle
During his undergraduate time at Embry‑Riddle, Falanga was involved in completing research on Urban Air Mobility for electric air vehicle company Supernal Aero.
Supernal is currently in the process of developing Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicles, or eVTOLs. eVTOLs are designed to be quieter and more dexterous than standard aircraft, with the intention of one day being used in urban areas as a form of transportation like any other. For now, the main purpose of most eVTOLs is transporting cargo.
“[Supernal] reached out to the school to do some research with vehicle control systems and I was tasked with doing a lot of data analysis with pilot controls,” Falanga shared of his research. “I was also able to fly a full motion simulator around for five hours- just to have some fun with it and really get the most hands-on experience possible.”
eVTOLs have the potential to revolutionize urban transportation for a variety of reasons. They use rechargeable batteries, therefore producing zero carbon emissions, can reduce traffic congestion and have generally lower maintenance costs than most standard aircraft.
“I definitely see the usefulness of it. The goal is to be used for general public transportation, to just get around cities quicker. It'll also be a cleaner form of transportation, which will be amazing as well,” said Falanga. “I think with introducing any new technology, society takes it a little bit slow. But once we get used to it and see that there is a common use for it and realize it's actually a really cool piece of technology, it will become just a normal aspect of life.”
Life at Embry Riddle
Falanga’s involvement on the Embry‑Riddle campus does not end with his participation in research projects. He also is an Academic Change and Exploration Coach for students who wish to change their major, helping ease their transition and working alongside faculty and staff.
“I always tell them to take a step back to consider what they personally want to accomplish in their life and what would make them happiest... What do you see yourself doing? What would make you happy? And that's probably the best route that you should take,” he shared the same advice he gives his peers in moments of uncertainty. “Maybe it may not have the most lucrative job prospects, maybe you won't make the most money, but as long as you're happy in what you do for your career, I think you'll be happy in life.”
In his free time, Falanga is a race-car enthusiast who enjoys attending races at the Daytona Speedway, conveniently located right next door to Embry‑Riddle. He also loves to snorkel and scuba dive, another convenient hobby to have when attending college in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Inspiration and Motivation
When the time came for Falanga to complete his undergraduate studies, he was encouraged by his professors to apply for the Ph.D. in Human Factors at Embry‑Riddle. After working closely with his professors throughout his research experience and coursework, Falanga decided to take their advice.
“They suggested that I apply. And having their support to back it up and to give me that opportunity really was the biggest reason why I took the chance,” he said. “It’s never guaranteed; it's not an easy process, but having their support and working closely with them was definitely the inspiration behind seeing what I can do with a PhD.”
As he works to complete his Ph.D. and takes part in more research at Embry‑Riddle, Falanga keeps his inspiration for success in mind.
“The people that inspire me are my family members; my mother, my brothers. And since coming here, I'd add my professors to that. They honestly have been a huge inspiration- seeing what they can do. They've honestly become family members to me,” he remarked.
Falanga’s end goal? To return to Embry‑Riddle as a professor and inspire others in the way his professors have inspired him.
“My time here has been the most influential in my life to date. I know I'm going to have other experiences that are going to alter my life substantially, but in my young life, this would've been the most substantial. Picking Embry‑Riddle has probably been the best decision I've ever made.”
- Ta’Leah Adams earned her MBAA at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University whilst competing (and winning) on the Track & Field team.
A Winning CombinationTa’Leah Adams earned her MBAA at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University whilst competing (and winning) on the Track & Field team.
Georgia native Ta'Leah Adams (’23) recently graduated from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University with her Master of Business Administration in Aviation with a Human Resources specialization — a step toward her dream of becoming an HR expert who leads in the field.
Track & Field at Embry‑Riddle
After her time as a student-athlete was unexpectedly cut short by the rise of COVID-19 and having already completed her undergraduate degree, Adams was keen to remain involved with collegiate track and field in any way possible.
When she started her master’s degree at Embry‑Riddle, an opportunity arose. She reached out to Embry‑Riddle's Track and Field team about the possibility of coaching and discovered she was still eligible to compete in college athletics due to the years lost to the pandemic.
“I ended up coming and being an athlete for Embry‑Riddle Daytona Beach... I was number five in the nation, in the hammer throw, the entire time. That was probably the most successful season I've ever had in my entire career,” she beamed.
Adams went on to offer advice to other student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of resilience and persevering through challenging times.
“The biggest thing is to just keep going. I didn't think that I would ever find myself as a graduate from Embry‑Riddle, from a school like this,” she said. “I never thought I would even be here. So, I think my advice is to just be courageous and always keep going.”
Master of Business Administration in Aviation
After competing for two years, Adams dedicated her time to completing her master’s degree.
She was drawn to Embry‑Riddle's Master of Business Administration in Aviation program because it provided a niche focus on aviation, allowed her to specialize in HR and included risk management elements in the curriculum. These factors aligned perfectly with her goal of becoming an HR expert.
“I enjoyed my time here at Embry‑Riddle. It was really fun at Worldwide. Usually when people do online stuff, it's like you don't meet people, you don't get to network” she said. “I was able to do all of that and meet so many different people with how the Worldwide master's program is run. I was able to meet many people via Zoom and to do a lot to make great connections.”
Adams cites her inspiration as coming from within her own goals and desires.
“What inspires me is just continuous success. I'm always kind of looking for something else; to take the next step, thinking how I am going to get through that next step,” she shared. “Right now, I’m just infatuated with the ideas of what am I going to do next and how am I going to be great at it?”
Finding Her Future
The experiences Adams had in collegiate athletics, from team building to mastering coachability to learning invaluable leadership skills, are also powerful assets that give her a competitive edge in the job market.
Armed with a top-tier education and the motivation to keep moving up and onward, Adams is currently interviewing for HR positions at various commercial aviation companies. As she searches for her place in the industry, she keeps a particular quote from Steve Jobs in mind:
- In addition to his flight training, Aeronautical Science major Dylan Kowlessar has discovered a range of new passions to pursue at Embry‑Riddle.
Aeronautical Science Major Finds Plenty of Passions Worth Pursuing at Embry‑RiddleIn addition to his flight training, Aeronautical Science major Dylan Kowlessar has discovered a range of new passions to pursue at Embry‑Riddle.
Although he came to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University to learn to fly, Dylan Kowlessar (’24) ended up finding new and different ways to soar.
A native of Trinidad and Tobago and the first in his family to attend college outside his home country, Dylan has seemingly explored nearly everything the educational experience at Embry‑Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus can offer.
“There is a lot more to this school than just the academics and the flight training, and this is the experience that I was really looking for,” he said.
An Award-Winning Academic Career
The list of his accomplishments and experiences up to this point is impressive, to say the least. During the 2022-23 academic year, Dylan has earned the Elite Eagle and Academic Excellence awards from Student Engagement, made the College of Aviation Dean’s List and was named the Student Government Association Executive Board Member of the Year.
That’s just the beginning. Dylan was also Editor-in-Chief of The Avion, the campus publication, where he helped lead the student team in boosting its social media presence and launching a weekly video broadcast series that recently won a national award from the Associated Collegiate Press.
Making a Difference for Fellow Students
In the coming semester, Dylan says he is “super thrilled” to be continuing his work as a senior resident advisor for the new student community of New Residence Hall 2.
“Being an RA has been rewarding, especially as I've seen the students I work with continue to grow,” Dylan said.
He’s also part of the Sodexo Culinary Council, (which gives feedback on overall dining services, food trucks and new menu items), a member of the Caribbean Students Association and has worked for two years in Access Services at the Hunt Library.
And then, of course, there are classes for his B.S. in Aeronautical Science and his flight training, where he is now getting ready to land his commercial pilot’s rating.
“The unlimited resources available at the school, and working with different departments and groups, has showed me there are so many opportunities,” he said.
Dylan said his interest in aviation was sparked at an early age by family members who worked on the operational and business sides of the airline industry.
“When I was 5 or 6, I decided that I was going to be the first in the family to fly,” he said. “I was actually planning on attending a flight school back home. But when I found Embry‑Riddle, something just clicked with me and I was like, ‘OK, this is it.’”
Making the Most of a Tough Situation
Dylan’s academic career was initially derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and he had to defer his start date twice. But that ultimately turned out to be his first positive contact with the university.
While he waited to start his freshman year, Dylan worked as a substitute teacher at his high school back home, helping students in physics, math and music — something that turned out to be another blessing.
“It was one of the best experiences in my life, and that's sparked something in me,” he said. “I knew from that point that I have a passion for mentoring people and just seeing people grow.”
While arriving alone on campus in January 2021 was a bit jarring, especially since his parents could not help him move in, Dylan made the most of it. It helped that he found like-minded peers in the Caribbean Students Association and was able to immerse himself in his classes and initial flight training.
“I won't necessarily say that I've been super involved in CSA, but they were the ones who kind of showed me that there is more to the school than just flying and the academic side of things,” he said.
Dylan also branched out by getting involved in SGA and The Avion.
“I found a huge community there, and that led to other aspects of my experience that really have grown me into who I am today,” he said. “And as I thought about how I wanted to be more involved on this campus, the RA role was something that stood out as something that was calling me to give back to my community in some way.”
That calling also led his job at the Hunt Library and his work with the Sodexo Council, both of which have a direct impact on the daily lives of his fellow students.
Experience Forms the Foundation for Future Success
Dylan says his Embry‑Riddle experience over the past two years have slightly altered his future plans. While he still has his sights set on a flight deck spot at a major airline such as American or United, he has found some loftier goals to pursue in addition to flying.
“I see myself working in something like pilot training or human resources, some place where I can help people grow and develop, similar to what I did substitute teaching and to what I do as a RA,” he said. “That is a passion that I discovered in my life during the last few years I've been at Embry‑Riddle.”
- Communication student Danielle Van Pelt has big dreams in the world of broadcast meteorology and is well on her way to accomplishing them.
From School to StudioCommunication student Danielle Van Pelt has big dreams in the world of broadcast meteorology and is well on her way to accomplishing them.Danielle Van Pelt (’23) has always been fascinated by the weather. Growing up in Fort Myers, Florida, she became accustomed to watching hurricanes and thunderstorms as they came and went. Her interest in weather, partnered with a long-time love for performance arts like theatre and dance, led her to pursue a B.S. in Communication on the Broadcast Meteorology track at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University.
The Avion
On top of her coursework, Van Pelt became the News Editor for Embry‑Riddle's student-run media organization, The Avion. Once landing the executive board position, she had a platform to make a tangible impact on the organization. Her big idea: the university’s first student-led broadcast program.
“Who would be better to run the show than the student-led media organization on campus? The Avion is known for our bi-weekly print issues, but I wanted us to be known for more,” she said. “I told the rest of the executive board this could all be possible since I have taken classes in our university's green screen newsroom for my major and that I'm aware that anyone can reserve that space if need be.”
Van Pelt is now the Project Lead and one of the Broadcast Meteorologists for The Avion’s weekly broadcast news program, which covers a variety of topics, from the weather near the Daytona Beach Campus to university-specific news and much more. There, she has the opportunity to do what she is passionate about while gaining valuable leadership and broadcast experience that will be applicable to her future career path.
Recently, The Avion earned a second-place award from the Associated Collegiate Press, taking home the Best in Show Award for broadcast news programs on four-year collegiate campuses.
“I'm thankful every day that I spoke up and pushed myself to get this program running. I also thank everyone involved because we won the award for their hard work in this program,” Van Pelt said. “It's an absolute privilege to work with everyone involved, and I thank them for believing in me just as I believe in them every day.”
A Career Path into Broadcast Television
Post-graduation, Van Pelt has summer internship plans with WWSB-ABC in Sarasota, Florida, as a Gray Television Weather Immersion Intern. There, she will be “learning the WSI/MAX Weather System and using station tools to create broadcast and digital forecasts. While the first half of the internship will be focused on learning and practicing, the second half entails forecasting on air.”
Based on success in her internship, Van Pelt will have opportunities to potentially pick up weekend weather broadcast shifts and will be assigned copywriting for digital forecasting on the station’s website.
After Embry‑Riddle
Although many of her goals have come to fruition, Van Pelt continues to chase bigger dreams of traveling the world to report on weather phenomena and famous weather events.
“My mother inspires me every day,” she shared, thinking of the source of her ambition. “She is my absolute best friend and has always supported me and my dreams since the very beginning. I couldn’t be where I am today without her. My mother has always encouraged me to dream big.”
Van Pelt shared her advice for other students who “dream big.”
“Your goals and aspirations can come to life here at ERAU. I know mine certainly did. Everyone here, whether it's students, faculty or staff, wants to help you succeed and flourish,” she remarked. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the more popular major. You and your goals are just as important to the ERAU community and are valuable to help the world succeed.”
- This international student, Saima Teasha, is a Software Engineering major whose campus involvement has made her feel right at home.
Conferences and Club Involvement Enrich Software Engineer’s Campus ExperienceThis international student is a Software Engineering major whose campus involvement has made her feel right at home.Saima Teasha (’23) is an international student from Bangladesh, but she grew up with her siblings in Qatar, where her father is a pilot.
“Everybody in my family, we all know how to fly,” Teasha said. “We all have that interest because we grew up seeing our dad fly and we were in the cockpit all the time. We had that initial, ‘oh, we all want to be pilots.’”
Her brother came to Embry‑Riddle first to study Aerospace Engineering. Teasha wanted to see what Embry‑Riddle could offer her, and she landed on Software Engineering.
Studying Software Engineering
Teasha had originally wanted to be a pilot, but chose to change direction to Software Engineering, specifically on the Space Track.
“Since it was an aerospace school, I knew I was going to be working with rockets and or airplanes—I have an interest in both of them.”
“I’m glad I picked this school,” Teasha said, “because the software engineering program [here] is small. You get that one-on-one time with your professors and all my professors know me by name. I love the software program here.”
What Teasha likes the most about software engineering is the versatility and ability to apply it to anything, especially her ever-changing interests—from fashion trends to rocketry.
Teasha interned with Yavapai County last summer, assisting with small projects with their infrastructure and security teams.
“I did a little bit of code review, but it was mostly documenting everything, reading through the code and documenting whatever it was the code was doing, if there was something wrong with the policies or something wasn't working,” she explained. “It was a really fun experience.”
Prescott Campus Involvement
In her time at Embry‑Riddle, Teasha has been involved with the Board of Campus Activities (BCA), the Eagles Space Flight Team, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Women in Aviation and the International Student Association.
Joining SHPE was a no-brainer for her; “I was already friends with everybody in [SHPE] so it felt very natural; it kind of felt like home away from home.”
She has enjoyed several of IEEE’s activities. She participated in their global 24-hour coding competition her sophomore year and recently learned how to solder circuit boards in a workshop. IEEE is unique because membership and its benefits extend beyond graduation.
Teasha is also part of the College of Engineering Advisory Board and spoke with Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) representatives when they came to campus.
“They interviewed a couple of students,” she explained. “I got to talk to them about our software program, electrical engineering and computer engineering programs.”
Advice for Incoming Students
Teasha’s biggest tip for incoming students is to get involved with clubs, mainly due to the opportunities that they can bring you, like attending conferences. She’s attended two conferences in the past two semesters and wishes she had known about the opportunities sooner.
“Especially for international students, [conferences offer an] opportunity that you’re not going to get just staying here. You need to get out there; it really sets you apart from everybody else,” she said.
She recommends attending conferences as a supplement to attending on-campus job fairs because Embry‑Riddle students are more likely to stand out at national conferences.
One of her favorite things about conferences is networking.
“I’ve met so many lovely people, I’ve heard about their experiences and how they got started,” she said about her experience at conferences, like the recent WIA conference she attended.
Teasha is excited to graduate in December 2023 and eager to put her software skills to use in the workforce or graduate school.
- Meet Faith Lee, a senior at Embry‑Riddle. With hard work, a supportive community and the ability to make lasting connections, she earned the opportunity of a lifetime with Delta Air Lines.
Preparing for TakeoffMeet Faith Lee, a senior at Embry‑Riddle. With hard work, a supportive community and the ability to make lasting connections, she earned the opportunity of a lifetime with Delta Air Lines.
Journey to Aerospace Engineering
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Faith Lee (’26) was accustomed to having NASA’s Mission Control and the Bush Intercontinental Airport just down the road, instilling her love for aviation and aerospace from childhood. When she chose to attend Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, with its Daytona Beach Campus located right next door to the Daytona Beach International Airport and not far from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, she found the similarities to her hometown to be a major selling point.
“Back at home, I did everything in my power to get not just integrated more into the commercial aviation realm but somehow into space as well,” she said.
After getting her Student Pilot Certificate through the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals while still in high school, Lee came to Embry‑Riddle as an Aeronautical Science major with the intention of pursuing her private pilot’s license.
Once she arrived on campus, Lee felt that her classmates had an intense passion for piloting that she did not match. With her love for aviation itself still intact and on the search for a program that would spark joy, Lee completed a project in one of her courses where she assembled her own miniature glider plane. This led her to the program that truly matched her interests: Aerospace Engineering.
Representation Matters
As her love for her studies grew and she acclimated to college life, Lee joined various on-campus organizations. She is a student marketing manager, a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators, a tour guide for the College of Engineering, a member of the leadership team for New Student Orientation, the Public Relations Chair for the Black Students Association and the Communications Lead for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).
In NSBE, Lee found the community she had always longed for. As a young Black woman in an industry just beginning to diversify, she often felt that she couldn’t be unapologetically herself around her peers. When she joined NSBE, she found a group of people with similar experiences, with the main goal of empowering one another.
“Whether it be uplifting ourselves socially, academically or professionally, I find it really important to be a part of a group that will allow you to express yourself,” Lee shared. “I love how in every meeting... we always say our mission statement, which is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”
As the Communications Lead for NSBE, Lee leads the charge in all things publicity, marketing and inter-organization coordination with other groups on campus.
“In my position, I want to make sure we establish a place where everybody is welcome,” she said.
"Me, aged two… I like to say that the photo is often a reminder of how everyone starts somewhere, it's just a matter of finding the support around us to keep ourselves going and growing,” said Faith Lee. Lee cites one of the most important aspects of her on-campus work is showing incoming students and families that a Black female engineer can not only succeed here but thrive.
“We not only exist but we are able to be in a leadership position. I’ve talked to incoming parents, whether it be a parent of a female student, Black student or Black female student. They’ll say, ‘I feel like it is so nice to see a female doing this’ or, ‘a Black student doing this,’” she shared. “And I realize the reason why they're saying it is because they don't have that sort of representation back at home. So, they don't know how to envision their child in that position.”
Internship and Co-op Opportunities
After completing an internship with Spirit Aerosystems, where she gained hands-on experience in design engineering, Lee was offered an internship with Airbus, which she initially accepted.
When the opportunity arose to attend a career fair hosted by the Society of Women Engineers in her hometown of Houston, Texas, Lee couldn’t miss out on the chance to visit home while creating valuable industry connections among both peers and professionals.
While perusing the career fair, Lee ended up sitting down with a liaison engineer who works for Delta Air Lines and interviewing for a position that same day. Soon after, she got a message with an offer for the last spot in Delta’s liaison engineering co-op.
With opportunities lined up at what many students would describe as their dream companies and the ability to choose only one, Lee did not want to disappoint those who helped her land the Airbus internship. When she broke the news to the Airbus team that she was heading to Delta, they responded with encouragement and enthusiasm.
“What I realized is regardless of where you end up, you'll have so many people in your corner. I think I sent four of them a message on LinkedIn, and they were like, ‘oh my gosh, Delta's one of our biggest customers. You're going to have so much fun. Make sure you come back to Airbus.’ That was pretty much the response across all corners,” she shared.
At Delta, Lee will train in Tech Ops as a Liaison Engineer for three semesters, then return to her studies at Embry‑Riddle.
How to Succeed
Lee shared the advice she gives to prospective students as she leads tours; it’s okay to take your educational and career journey at your own pace, don’t underestimate the importance of networking and finding mentors (people really do want to share their knowledge with you) and never forgetting to take time for yourself.
“Giving time for yourself is beautiful,” she said with a smile.
- Dual Enrollment student Noah Burrows got his college education off to a fast start by earning his A.S. in Aeronautics while still in high school.
Dual Enrollment Helps Aeronautics Graduate Fulfill His Need for SpeedDual Enrollment student Noah Burrows got his college education off to a fast start by earning his A.S. in Aeronautics while still in high school.
Dual enrollment student Noah Burrows. (Photo: Noah Burrows)
Noah Burrows (’23, ’25) loves things that go fast.And, thanks to the Dual Enrollment program at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, that includes his high school and college education.
This year, Noah graduated high school and also completed his first two years of college by earning an Associate of Science in Aeronautics through dual enrollment. Those two milestones happened right before his 18th birthday and are setting the stage for Noah to pursue his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot – as quickly as he can.
“It’s great being able to be done with high school quicker while getting even more knowledge, including things that I will use in my career,” Noah said. “It actually made it really easy because whatever I took in my Embry‑Riddle classes, I didn't have to take in high school. For instance, I took a statistics class and for that year in high school, I didn't have to take a math class. So that made it easier to balance the workload as well.”
What is Online Dual Enrollment at Embry‑Riddle?
Dual enrollment at Embry‑Riddle gives students a chance to earn high school and college credit concurrently starting as early as ninth grade, and the fully online classes at the Worldwide Campus provide the opportunity to participate in nine-week asynchronous courses.
With seven online terms available throughout the year to maximize flexibility, Embry‑Riddle’s program offers an enriching experience with more than 80 courses available to students in the U.S. and around the world.
Noah, who is home schooled and lives in Daytona Beach, used Worldwide’s online program to earn his degrees. The flexible online options, the class offerings and the expert faculty Embry‑Riddle is renowned for left a big impression on the aspiring young pilot.
“Some of the professors were the best teachers I've ever had,” Noah said. “They were always there. If you give them a call, they pick up on the second ring. They're there to explain things and they actually care. I took a meteorology class and a physics class and those are by far the best classes I've ever taken.”
Noah had a bit of a head start with Embry‑Riddle thanks to his dad, Nicholas (’01), an Aeronautical Science alum who is now a Boeing 737 captain at United Airlines.
“So, ever since I was a very young age, I've always wanted to do something that would go fast, like race cars or fly airplanes,” Noah said. “And growing up in Daytona Beach, the Speedway is right here and I have had Embry‑Riddle planes flying over my house as far back as I can remember.”
Dual Enrollment student Noah Burrows tosses his graduate cap into the air in front of his family’s Cessna 172. (Photo: Noah Burrows)
A Jump on the Future
Noah’s longstanding connection with the college will continue this fall, when he starts his Aerospace Engineering degree program as a junior on the Daytona Beach Campus, a prospect he is psyched about.
“So far, everybody at Embry‑Riddle has been so willing to help, and I know it will be the same on campus,” Noah said. “It’s just a good school for that. Everybody's willing to help you.”
In addition to his studies, Noah is also training to fly using his family’s airplane, a Cessna 172 that’s based in Ormond Beach. He’s already earned his private pilot license and is now working on his instrument ticket as he moves closer to his goal of becoming a pilot at United Airlines – although this milestone may require a bit of patience for someone who likes going full tilt.
“Once I finish everything, I'm still not going to be old enough to actually fly commercially,” he said. “You need to be 21 to get an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, so I will just keep building hours until my birthday, because flying is something I love and enjoy.”
A Program That Opens Doors
Noah offers this advice for anyone considering Embry‑Riddle’s Dual Enrollment program:
“Do it. It's worth it and the effort you put into it is going to pay off. You get started in dual enrollment then go to campus and finish your degree, so you’re pretty much set. The name and reputation of Embry‑Riddle will be with you for the rest of your life and you’re never going to have a problem getting a job. If I had it to do over again, I would. It was by far the best experience I've ever had with any kind of education.”
The solid foundation provided by the dual enrollment experience have Noah excited and primed to start his next phase ASAP.
“I got a heads up, so I feel comfortable about the situation I am going into,” he said. “That's why dual enrollment was one of the best choices I've made, and I am hopefully going to get to do great things on campus and after I graduate.”
Ready to get to your future faster? Learn more about Dual Enrollment at Embry‑Riddle.
- Divyeshwari Vansadia has been preparing for her future career since childhood. With a true love for the stars and space, Vansadia has the motivation and ability to go far in her field.
Astronomy and AstrophysicsDivyeshwari Vansadia has been preparing for her future career since childhood. With a true love for the stars and space, Vansadia has the motivation and ability to go far in her field.
Astronomy and Astrophysics major Divyeshwari Vansadia (’24) was born and raised in Surat, Gujarat, India. From a young age, Vansadia has been fascinated by the universe and all it entails. Her resume dates back to 2013, when she traveled to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and completed the Astronaut Training Experience, where she joined a crew on a complete spaceflight simulation and trained like an astronaut for a day.
Work as a Citizen Scientist
In 2016, Vansadia began analyzing data sets provided by NASA in collaboration with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) to search for and identify asteroids. With this data, citizens can submit asteroid findings, which are then labeled as provisional or preliminary.
Preliminary discoveries are given to those who are the first to identify an asteroid and are then monitored to identify their orbit. Provisional discoveries are highly sought after and occur once an asteroid’s existence has been confirmed and a reliable orbit is being followed by researchers, usually for many years.
Since 2016, Vansadia has had an impressive total of more than 50 preliminary discoveries under her belt. She has two provisional discoveries (2020 SS68 and 2020 RM 98), a feat that is something to be proud of.
“It was really helpful in just learning about astronomy in general,” she shared of her experiences searching the sky. She also discussed gaining firsthand experience by assisting in teaching and training others on aspects of space science, astronomy, telescopes and detecting asteroids.
Vansadia’s work and discoveries qualify her as a Citizen Scientist for NASA and the IASC.
Attending Embry‑Riddle
In 2021, the time came for Vansadia to decide which college to attend. As she researched the universities she had been accepted to in the United States, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University stuck out to her.
“I met with some of the alumni from Embry‑Riddle back in India when I was doing an astrobiology workshop, and I learned about the course program and how the courses are designed here,” she remembered her reasoning for choosing Embry‑Riddle. “Also, because we are right in Daytona and we are all aerospace, engineering, space, everything is all aviation. It’s highly driven.”
International Student Organization at Embry‑Riddle
At Embry‑Riddle, Vansadia found her place in the Astronomy and Astrophysics program. She was encouraged to get involved with the International Student Organization (ISO), and upon joining, she noticed the organization had room for growth.
“That’s how I stepped up as president. I was like ‘okay, let’s just do it all over again,’” she shared. “Now, we’ve just rebuilt this year and want to keep growing in any way we are able to, so international students can find their place.”
With an ever-growing community in the International Student Organization, Vansadia says they are able to host more events for international students, connect students with others on campus and assist in practical matters that may be daunting for someone experiencing them for the first time, like travel licenses and insurance.
With the goal of giving international students a platform where they can share their cultures, build a support system among their peers and settle into their new home, Vansadia’s passion for her work in the ISO is only strengthening.
“Embry‑Riddle itself, we have a huge number of international students. You look around; everyone is from different countries. It’s very interesting how we can learn about different cultures and different people just by being here,” she said. “That’s the most interesting part, working with so many different students that are coming from different parts of the world and sharing ideas and different perspectives that I might not have thought about earlier.”
Moving Forward and Up
Vansadia has aspirations of not only studying the stars but also one day soaring among them. Last year, she completed an astronaut training program at the Florida Institute of Technology and became a citizen Scientist-Astronaut Trainee, designated by the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), which she did to “advance and move forward in the industry.”
She looks up to Kalpana Chawla, a female Indian astronaut who unfortunately passed away in 2003 during the Columbia STS-107 mission. Chawla has since been honored in the naming of asteroids, spacecraft and much more and is an inspiration to many who have similar dreams.
On top of everything else, Vansadia has been a long-time volunteer for Space Surat, a start-up that is dedicated to bringing STEM and space education opportunities to children and others who may not have access in India. She leads the enrollment team in Surat, her hometown, with a goal of attracting youth to participate in the U.S. program hosted by the organization.
Vansadia’s advice to others considering a similar path is to get as much hands-on experience as possible and that it’s not always going to be easy, but to see it through that phase of difficulty.
“I’m just doing what I’m passionate about.”
- Civil Engineering senior Sydney Makarovich is on a path to success post-graduation, with a leader’s mindset and an exciting position secured in her field.
Building a Strong Foundation for an Excellent CareerCivil Engineering senior Sydney Makarovich is on a path to success post-graduation, with a leader’s mindset and an exciting position secured in her field.
Maryland native Sydney Makarovich (’23) grew up wanting to become an architect. As the time for college grew near, she became unsure of where her future would take her and decided to pivot to Aerospace Engineering.
When she selected her school, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University was an obvious choice.
“I had a family member that went here and had a great experience. So I kind of already knew about it and I loved how updated the campus was,” Makarovich said. “It’s a very unique school so that’s what really drew me. There weren’t any other schools quite like it.”
After a short stint in Aerospace Engineering, Makarovich switched to Civil Engineering with a focus on structures, a degree not dissimilar to that of an architect, bringing her full circle to the idea of a future career in the design and construction of various buildings and infrastructure projects.
Makarovich was elected president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and also vice president of the Institution of Transportation Engineers (ITE) at Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus. (Photo: Embry‑Riddle / Bill Fredette-Huffman)
American Society of Civil Engineers and Institute of Transportation Engineers
The same semester she switched to Civil Engineering, Makarovich joined the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Embry‑Riddle chapter due to her peers encouraging her to get involved.
“My first meeting, I was actually an executive board member, which was crazy. They voted for me before I was even in the club... And from there, I just started getting heavily involved [by] going to conferences and my interest just kept getting more and more in-depth,” she shared.
As a senior, Makarovich was elected president of the on-campus organization, taking on the role of chapter leader and functioning as a liaison between the ASCE at Embry‑Riddle and ASCE chapters in other locations. She also became vice president of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), another on-campus organization that has overlap among membership and events with the ASCE.
In her involvement with the ASCE and ITE, Makarovich had unique opportunities to attend and make connections at engineering-focused conferences and events. For example, she and the ITE chapter from Embry‑Riddle recently journeyed to Hawaii for a conference dedicated to equity and resilience in a changing world, where she spoke about climate change and its engineering impacts.
Her favorite conference is the annual ASCE Southeast Student Symposium in Florida, where teams have an opportunity to participate in a variety of competitions.
“It's a student conference, where all the schools get together from Florida, Georgia and Puerto Rico,” she said. “We do different engineering-based competitions; our biggest event is the concrete canoe competition. All the schools get to build and race a concrete canoe.”
Leading the Way at Embry‑Riddle
Makarovich cites the best part of being president as the guidance she’s able to offer others.
“I really enjoy giving back to the younger group because I've been in their shoes where... I had no idea what I was doing,” she recalled. “From the few years that I've been a part of it, I've been able to connect and network with people in Florida... getting our younger members internship opportunities, scholarship opportunities. From my experience, being able to give back to them has been extremely rewarding as president.”
When asked who inspires her, Makarovich talked about those at Embry‑Riddle who helped her find her own way and no doubt further instilled the spirit of giving into her own leadership style.
“Honestly, I'll have to say my professors. They've just done a great job of getting me involved and showing me what engineering has to offer to me,” she shared. “I see how much work they’ve put in and I just really appreciate how much they've given back to us.”
Post-Graduation Plans
In her years at Embry‑Riddle, Makarovich was heavily involved on-campus in addition to leading the ASCE and ITE chapters. She worked on a Florida Department of Transportation-funded research project led by Dr. Jeff Brown, was a tour guide for campus visitors, graded for two different engineering courses, is a member of Mentor Foundation USA (a foundation promoting drug-free lifestyles, sponsored by Queen Sylvie of Sweden) and is a member of Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society.
Since early 2022, Makarovich has been an intern at FINFROCK, an Orlando-based design and build construction company. Post-graduation, she is working there as a full-time employee in their professional development program, where she will have the opportunity to explore career options in different departments until she finds the best fit.
“I'm going to stay in Florida indefinitely. I love it down here,” she said.
With an enthusiastic and generous mindset, plentiful technical skills and excellent networking experience, Makarovich has a bright future ahead in her field and beyond.
- From designing to actualizing infrastructure improvements, Engineers Without Borders allows students to gain valuable experience while making positive changes worldwide.
Engineers Without BordersFrom designing to actualizing infrastructure improvements, Engineers Without Borders allows students to gain valuable experience while making positive changes worldwide.
For Aerospace Engineering major Izel Tuncer (’25), joining Engineers Without Borders (EWB) at Embry‑Riddle was an obvious choice. The organization not only offers aid to communities in need but also gives members an opportunity to practice their engineering skills and gain valuable knowledge in a real-world setting.
"Engineers Without Borders is here to help build a better world. This is the heart of engineering; using our skills to help those who need it most,” Tuncer said, thinking of the organization’s purpose. “We’re able to build connections and find solutions for communities.”
Clean Water Accessibility
Globally, EWB has a track record of facilitating lasting change. Among all EWB projects worldwide, 91% showed the capacity to be sustained by the local community beyond assistance from the organization.
To receive assistance from Engineers Without Borders, communities in need must reach out and request it. El Túnel reached out to EWB about five years ago, was approved for assistance and assigned to work with the Embry‑Riddle chapter. The problem in El Túnel: lack of accessibility to clean water.
Since then, EWB and El Túnel have been working together to build a relationship, completing paperwork, working through language barriers, fundraising and waiting out a global pandemic.
Traveling to El Túnel
On March 11, the EWB Embry‑Riddle chapter finally traveled to Nicaragua to begin surveying the land and testing the soil and water, led by Dr. Jeff Brown, professor of Civil Engineering.
To prepare, the group has not only been fine-tuning their surveying and engineering skills but also completing crucial health, safety, CPR and first-aid training. The end goal is to provide the El Túnel community with wells to provide a steady supply of clean water.
“My favorite part was... when we talked with the community about what we had done and what our plan is. We were able to hear feedback from the people that have been impacted by not having enough water,” Tuncer shared, continuing, “Everyone was so grateful that we came out of our comfort zone to help them. It was just so nice to hear... that we can really make a difference in these people's lives.”
The Embry‑Riddle group returned from the trip on March 18 after days of surveying land, visiting neighboring areas with successful well systems, making plans and communicating with the community (with the help of Eduardo, their translator).
Next steps for the project include finalizing design plans and hiring a remote team to complete the well digging and implementation process before deciding if they’ll need to add another. At the end of 2023, they plan to take a larger team back to El Túnel.
Champions of Inclusivity
EWB’s efforts are not going unnoticed in the Embry‑Riddle community. During Engineering Week in February, the College of Engineering awarded EWB with one of their Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy (IDEI) awards, which gives recognition to organizations who are leaders in those areas.
“Although our chapter is small, we are a very diverse group of engineers that work hard to help these communities,” Tuncer said. “Without groups like EWB, many communities would not get the help they need. Just in the EWB USA organizations, 506 projects were underway in 2021."
EWB is making impressive strides not only.in developing relationships between communities who need assistance and those who can assist them but also in inclusion among members of their own organization. According to the impact page on EWB’s website, “More than 40% of EWB-USA's student member engineers are female, which is more than double the 14% industry average.”
Join the Cause
To donate to assist the Engineers Without Borders chapter at Embry‑Riddle in their mission to give clean water access to the people of El Túnel, type “Engineers Without Borders” in the designation portion on the Giving to Embry‑Riddle page!
From left to right: Ethan Mizer, Dr. Jeff Brown, Mario Lopez Chamorro, Juan Lopez Chamorro, Benjamin Heinz, Eric Suarez, Izel Tuncer, the team’s dedicated translator Eduardo and his family after going to dinner on their last night in Nicaragua. (Photo: Izel Tuncer)
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering student Molly Ruley balances her love of engineering with her role as a contestant in the Miss Arizona 2023 Pageant.
Electrical Engineering Student Works to Power a Brighter FutureB.S. in Electrical Engineering student Molly Ruley balances her love of engineering with her role as a contestant in the Miss Arizona 2023 Pageant.Molly Ruley (’26) grew up with an intense interest in science and a passion for learning that led her to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus, where she began her pursuit of a B.S. in Electrical Engineering degree in 2022.
In addition to being a talented aspiring engineer and an outstanding student, Molly is also the reigning Miss Yavapai County and a contestant in the 2023 Miss Arizona pageant. Although she is super busy, Molly took time out to answer a few questions about her Embry-Riddle journey, her goals for the future and two issues she wants to address through advocacy.
Why are you pursuing an electrical engineering degree?
When I got into high school and had to decide what I wanted to do, I did a bit of research into the different engineering disciplines. I also am a huge fan of shows like “Battlebots” and “How It's Made.” I really like robots, so I wanted to go into something where I would learn how to make them. I decided on the electrical engineering side of the robotics track because I really enjoy putting together circuits. They are like puzzles!
What are some of your extracurricular activities on the Prescott Campus?
Molly Ruley will represent Yavapai County in the upcoming Miss Arizona 2023 pageant. (Photo: Embry-Riddle / Connor McShane)On campus, I was missing the community that I had in dance back home and in the pageant world. It was actually the former Miss Yavapai County [Embry-Riddle graduate student Samantha Ramos (’24)] who convinced me to go through recruitment. I met so many lovely ladies, and I found my home in Alpha Sigma Tau. Now, I have lots of opportunities for personal development, leadership, scholarship and friendship. Outside of my sorority, I am a part of the Society of Women Engineers and the student branch of IEEE on campus. I also sing alto in the Altitunes choir.
What is your ultimate career goal?
I want to be a robotics engineer at a company that is pioneering the next level of technology, including artificial intelligence. I would love to be a part of designing our future in autonomous systems in order to make life easier. I would love to be spearheading projects that are at the forefront of innovation.
What issues are you most passionate about?
One of the issues that I am most passionate about is the arts, specifically in schools. I am an arts advocate because of my background in Irish dance and various other forms of art and all the opportunities they have given me.
The arts helped to form me as a person, and I want to see all kids be able to access the arts in schools and I want adults to have the same experiences with art in their communities. I volunteer at a kids' art museum back home in Mesa, Arizona, as well as at arts events as they pop up. Arizona does not get a consistent arts budget each year, which is why lobbying is necessary. I hope to be a part of more lobbying in the future.
Another issue I'd like to see better dealt with is the mental health epidemic that I see in my generation. College students, especially, struggle with mental health, which is why in all my interactions with others I am sure to be kind and courteous. Eliminating the stigma around mental health is something I care about since I see it affecting so many of my peers.
How do you balance schoolwork with your other obligations?
I pride myself on high academic achievement and on excellent social connections. It isn't easy to be an engineer and Miss Yavapai County, but with dedication and hard work, it's more than doable.
- Gina Buhl mapped out her career in aviation long before she set foot in the cockpit.
Women in AviationGina Buhl mapped out her career in aviation long before she set foot in the cockpit.
Childhood Goals: Piloting a Boeing 747
Embry-Riddle alumna Gina Buhl ('90) was a goal-oriented child, putting pen to paper and writing down the things she wanted to accomplish in her life.
“[My brother said], ‘You wanted to be three things when you grew up. You wanted to be a pilot, to fly a [Boeing] 747 and to play football for the Miami Dolphins.”
Since then, she’s checked being a pilot and flying a 747, also known as the Queen of the Skies, off her long list of achievements which also include being a simulator and line check airman, becoming a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and performing type ratings for the 747 aircraft, an accomplishment she’s quite proud of.
“In the United States, I am the only female 747 examiner,” she said.
Women in the Aviation Industry: Then and Now
Buhl started out in the aviation industry back when you had to pay for your own flight training and the male to female pilot ratio was grossly uneven. She was one of very few females in the field and had to work harder to prove she was just as deserving to sit in the Flight deck as her male colleagues.
“You challenge me, I will know the book better than you. You challenge me, I’ll show you my flying skills. You challenge me, and I will prove I’m just as good as you,” she would tell herself when tested.
Women were placed under a microscope and any error made, regardless of how minute it may have been, wasn’t soon forgotten.
“If a woman made a mistake, and when you’re a minority in a company, nobody forgot,” she said. “But when one of the males did, no one remembered.”
Even during her rise through the aviation ranks, her experience and qualifications were always questioned. It was challenging when she was upgraded at the age of 32 as she was tested more extremely than her male counterparts. However, she proved time and time again that she was worthy of being on the Flight deck.
The aviation landscape looks quite different now compared to when her career began. Buhl has seen a huge shift in aviation, becoming a more welcoming industry for women, people of color and the LGBTQIA+ community with organizations like Women in Aviation International (WAI), Black Pilots of America (BPA) and the National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA), the latter of which she attends recruiting events for on behalf of her employer, Atlas Air.
Flying with Atlas Air
Buhl has been flying with Atlas Air for 24 years and plans to stay until she retires. The company began as a 100% cargo air freighter but acquired a certificate to fly passengers in 2010. They recently purchased the last 747 The Boeing Company produced.
She has flown a variety of cargo around the world; from Formula One race cars to prime ministers, NFL teams and world‐renowned soccer teams like Manchester United. Her high‐end charters include celebrities such as Jamie Foxx and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Then there were the flights that had the greatest impact on her, such evacuating 4,000 Afghanis and flying them to safety during the Afghanistan humanitarian crisis in 2021, an event that gave her a greater, more compassionate understanding of world politics.
“[There are] so many different flights you feel proud of,” she reflected. “[You] feel a sense that you’re putting your footprint on something unbelievable.”
Buhl is moved every time she flies U.S. soldiers home after extended deployments.
“I’ve stood there and watched men and women come back to be reunited with their families,” she said. “You just start bawling.”
Proud and Supportive Parents
Buhl’s parents were always proud and supportive of their daughter and her accomplishments.
“[My parents] were extremely proud; in fact, to the point where I would tell my mom not to introduce me as ‘the daughter that’s the pilot,’ just ‘the daughter,’” she laughed.
Her mother showed her support by accompanying Buhl while she was working for a regional airline early in her career.
“My mom would literally come on an overnight with me...just to fly on the airplane back and forth to cities,” she recalled.
Her parents have since passed, but Buhl credits them for her success.
“I couldn’t have done it without them. There’s no doubt about it.”
Full Circle: Returning to Her Alma Mater
Buhl returned to her alma mater in March, a full circle moment she won’t soon forget, and neither will the flight crew.
“They said when we landed, they heard me scream at the top of my lungs – THAT WAS AWESOME! - all the way from the flight deck.”
She described a moment of reflection standing on the balcony of the Emil Buehler Aviation Maintenance Science (AMS) Building.
“There’s the [747] in the background. There’s the flight line where I instructed at 22,” she reflected. “If somebody, 25-30 years ago when I was on that flight line, told me one day I’d be landing a 747 here, I would’ve just said, ‘no way.’”
And while she has yet to don a Miami Dolphins uniform, she is happy with her career trajectory.
“I still love what I do, every single day.”
- Hope Elmer’s fascination with space led her to pursue aerospace engineering from an early age.
Aerospace Engineering Major Earns Prestigious ScholarshipHope Elmer’s fascination with space led her to pursue aerospace engineering from an early age.
An Early Start in Aerospace
Alexis Hope Elmer ('24) is an Aerospace Engineering major from Northern Utah who has had an interest in engineering for as long as she can remember.
"My interest in aerospace is deeply influenced by my grandpa, who worked in the aerospace industry and helped to retrieve and restore airplanes which are on display at the Hill Aerospace Museum,” Elmer said. “Growing up with his love for aviation and aerospace really made me interested in this field.”
That interest brought her to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott, Arizona, campus, where Elmer was recently selected as a 2023 Goldwater Scholar by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Foundation.
Elmer’s journey to becoming a Goldwater Scholar from Embry-Riddle's Prescott Campus was daunting at times. However, with the help of Embry-Riddle staff and faculty, combined with Elmer’s aspirations for her future, she is now using her passion for aerospace to soar to new heights.
What was it like applying for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship?
I first learned about this scholarship thanks to one of my research mentors, Dr. Kaela Martin, [who] encouraged me to apply.
Looking at the overall application process was daunting, however with the help of Dr. Anne Boettcher (Undergraduate Research Institute) and Dr. Brittany Davis (Office of Awards and Fellowships) the process became less so. They also provided good feedback on ways I could strength my application.
Hope Elmer ('24) standing at a workbench in the materials lab on the Prescott Campus. (Photo: Embry-Riddle / Connor McShane)How did it feel when you learned you had been awarded the scholarship?
When I read the email, I was in disbelief and shock. The scholarship is very competitive and prestigious. I immediately wanted to share the news with my parents and the professors who wrote letters of recommendation on my behalf.
What brought you to major in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle's Prescott Campus?
I decided on Embry-Riddle because of the unique opportunity to pursue Aerospace Engineering with an Astronautics track as an undergraduate. Most undergraduate programs are mechanical engineering with an aerospace track, so not only am I getting an Aerospace Engineering degree, but it is more focused on what I am interested in. I selected the Astro track because of my fascination for space and the infinite possibilities for exploration.
I chose Prescott because it is physically closer to home. The mountainous environment of Prescott is also superior.
Have you had a favorite research project you have worked on?
Outside of my coursework, I contribute to two research projects which I have enjoyed. The first research project is titled “Investigation of Stress Concentrations in Parts Manufactured with Fused Deposition Modeling,” demonstrating how stress concentrations affect the strength of Fused Deposition Modeling (3D printing) materials. This study seeks to help engineers and FDM users manufacture parts with stress concentrations to reduce part failure.
The second project is an assessment of Designing the Moonshot which is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) which introduces undergraduate and graduate students to multi-body gravitational dynamics.
What internships have you participated in?
I have had internships over the past two summers. The first was with Janicki Industries, I was a manufacturing intern and got hands on experience in post-operation machining of aerospace components. I also trained as a metrologist, which I hadn’t ever heard of before then, but I learned a lot about how to make precise measurements.
Last summer I interned at Northrop Grumman in the Aeronautics Systems as a Manufacturing/Process Engineer, where I will be returning this summer as an intern. In this position I get to apply both the skills I learned during my technical certificate and the engineering skills I have gained from Embry-Riddle to better improve the process of manufacturing advanced composite parts.
What is your aerospace engineering dream job?
My dream job is to conduct research to advance manufacturing methods and structural health monitoring techniques of aerospace components. Advances in these areas could lead to a reduction in time, cost and material waste during manufacturing. Better structural health monitoring would lead to early detection of cracks and fatigue, leading to early interventions to mend the structure to hopefully reduce catastrophic failures.
Launching into an Aerospace Career
Since earning her Goldwater Scholarship, Elmer has been busy. She is positioned to graduate a semester early and is already at work on her capstone project.
“My capstone project is in conjunction with the Eagle Space Flight Team,” she said. “We have been tasked to build the upper structure of a rocket whose mission is to reach the Kármán Line.”
When asked where she sees herself in the future, she reiterated what she had put on her Goldwater application: continuing her education by earning a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in structures and materials.
“The aerospace industry is always evolving, and space is being accessed more frequently than ever before,” she added. “This has led to many innovations and the need for more advances in existing technologies. Two areas that most fascinate me include smart/self-sensing composites and additive manufacturing methods (i.e., 3D printing) for rocket component development."
- Dustin Foote hopes his story will inspire others to pursue an education despite their struggles and setbacks.
Veteran Eagle Soars with an Embry‑Riddle EducationDustin Foote hopes his story will inspire others to pursue an education despite their struggles and setbacks.
When Dustin Foote (’24) graduated from high school, he was not sure about college. With a family history of serving in the military, he felt following a similar path was his best option, despite doing well in high school and receiving in-state scholarships.
Foote enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for eight years. As his enlistment neared its end in 2022, he began to consider what his next steps would be. Having watched his wife graduate with a degree in microbiology, college was now on his mind more than ever before.
Early Days at Embry-Riddle
When Foote enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide to pursue an A.S. in Aviation Maintenance, he was still active duty in a high-intensity combat unit, could potentially be called away at any point for month-long deployment exercises and regularly worked 14–16-hour days.
Foote’s first few semesters as a student did not go as planned.
After being promoted to Director of Operations, Foote found himself with greater bandwidth to focus on his academic coursework as well as his mission.
“The Army took care of me and... I got an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification, the Airframe and Powerplant, and that was a huge step towards my degree,” he remembered.
As his class performance continued to improve, Foote contacted the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge program to search for a position at The Boeing Company. In early 2022, he found the right person to talk to and was able to begin an internship in Boeing’s Department of Repair and Overhaul.
Interning at The Boeing Company
Being the first intern through this specific Boeing program, Foote realized that he could spearhead the creation of a comprehensive onboarding and training process due to the management skills he gained while in the military.
“I built that whole department’s training program... Passed that all up through Boeing Education, it got approved, so it’s all official now,” he said. “Now they have a tangible on-the-job training program.”
In November 2022, Foote’s military enlistment reached its end. This not only allowed more time to complete coursework for his degree, but also opened a door for another opportunity: a long-term career at Boeing.
After his internship, Foote found himself paving his own way again, this time requesting work in a different area since his initial work had been completed and eventually slowed. After gaining experience in various departments (including Phantom Works, which deals with secretive advanced weapons systems), he landed in the Avionics Integration Labs, working on Apache helicopters.
Working at The Boeing Company
Foote quickly climbed the ranks from there. Now, he works as an electrical and electronics technician on wire harnesses for Apache components for half the day and as a lab operator for the other half.
Recently, Foote received more exciting news; he is being promoted to Shop Lead after less than a year at Boeing. Why? His ability to take initiative and his previous leadership experience shining through.
“Luckily, my team members are super receptive to it. I started organizing things and asking the right questions,” Foote shared of his experience, “There was a lot of breakdown in tracking our progress because we would work all weekend, then come in on Monday, be asked what we did and try to remember everything. I just started tracking it and sending an email each day; this is what we accomplished; these are the challenges we ran into.”
Motivated to Succeed
In January 2023, Foote completed his A.S. in Aviation Maintenance. His plans for further education include an associate in Engineering Fundamentals, two bachelor’s degrees (Aviation Maintenance and Engineering) and an eventual master’s in Aerospace Engineering, all from Embry-Riddle. He is currently enrolled in courses for his bachelor’s programs.
“It’s just amazing to be home and have a solid future and be able to support my family... I could not have done it without my wife and all her support, and my daughter is a huge inspiration,” Foote shared. “[My enlistment ending] was a big push to make a plan and better our lives so I can give her everything I want to give her. A quote that always comes to mind is, ‘Anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Moderation is for cowards.’”
- Embry‑Riddle senior Arda Cetken will head from Prescott, Arizona, to Everett, Washington, for his position at The Boeing Company.
Eagle Takes Flight from Embry‑Riddle to BoeingEmbry‑Riddle senior Arda Cetken will head from Prescott, Arizona, to Everett, Washington, for his position at The Boeing Company.
Arda Cetken (‘23) has dreamed of becoming an engineer since the age of 10. When he was accepted to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the stars aligned.
“It also happened to be one of the very best [schools] I could dream of attending,” Cetken shared. “Since my first day at this school, I’ve never looked back. It has been one of the best decisions of my life and has opened up more doors for me than I could have imagined.”
Cetken chose to study Aerospace Engineering on the aeronautical track, which focuses on developing and improving aircraft such as planes, drones and helicopters. His passion, however, lies specifically in engineering for commercial aircraft.
“Working on commercial aircraft allows me to be proud of the work I’ll be putting in every day as they’re used by millions of people every year. I’ll be able to feel as if my work is truly making a difference in ordinary people’s lives,” Cetken said.
Reflecting on Embry-Riddle
While reflecting on his time spent at Embry-Riddle, Cetken shared what made his experience here so excellent.
His two favorite classes, Airplane Stability & Control and Control System Analysis & Design, were taught by Dr. Ken Bordignon. He says no other professor has impressed him as much as Dr. Bordignon, from his teaching style to sense of humor to extensive industry experience.
“While it is safe to say there is some incredible faculty at this school, Dr. Bordignon is just that great at what he does,” Cetken remarked.
His favorite spot on the Prescott Campus is the Aerospace Experimentation and Fabrication Building, or AXFAB, which is dedicated to providing students with the tools and equipment they need to complete various projects and research.
Apart from inspiring professors and accessible resources, Cetken cites his absolute favorite thing about Embry-Riddle as the valuable project experience he’s completed.
“The resume I presented at the career fair and used for all of my job applications solely consisted of the projects I had done throughout the school’s curriculum... I was able to get five interviews from major companies this year” he said, “The Embry-Riddle name is one that I am proud to say, and I credit all of my success to the faculty and curriculum at this incredible school.”
After years of hard work and honing his engineering skills, graduation is just around the corner for Cetken. His post-college plans? A job at The Boeing Company.
The Boeing Company
Cetken landed his position at Boeing not only due to his technical capabilities but also because he made the right connections.
A few summers ago, working as a lifeguard at a local pool, he was chatting with a visitor and happened to share that he was attending Embry-Riddle.
“I was delighted to hear her say ‘oh, I know Embry-Riddle!’ It turns out that woman had worked at Boeing for over thirty years as their head of public relations,” Cetken recalled.
After “many more conversations,” he was able to connect with the Vice President and General Manager of Air Dominance at Boeing, who also happened to be an Embry-Riddle alumnus.
“[Steve Nordlund] helped me get seen by the right people, and I was eventually able to land an interview. I never would have guessed that a summer lifeguarding job would lead to the position I am grateful to be in right now.”
At Boeing, Cetken was given several options regarding the area he’ll work in. His choice: the position that will give him the most opportunity to work closely on an aircraft.
Post-graduation, he will be working at the Boeing Factory in Everett, Washington, in the largest manufacturing building in the world, as an entry-level manufacturing engineer on the factory floor with the Boeing 767.
Advice for Future Aerospace Engineers
Cetken shared his advice for Embry-Riddle prospects who have big dreams in the aerospace engineering industry.
“Manage your time effectively. There’s no doubt that the engineering program at this school is a tough one, but that doesn’t make it impossible. It’s only as hard as you make it on yourself...” he said.
- Prabhsidak Singh doesn’t believe in obstacles.
Overcoming Obstacles
Aerospace Engineering major Prabhsidak Singh’s ('25) childhood dream was to become an astronaut, but you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply. Being from India, he knows that’s not possible – at least not now.
“I’ll keep trying. You never know,” he said matter-of-factly.
Singh has seen obstacles standing in his way before but never believed they would stop him from achieving any of his goals. In fact, he’s made of a habit of pushing against that type of resistance.
For example, his childhood fear of the water nearly drowned him on his first trip to Daytona Beach right before classes began his first year. However, rather than letting that experience prevent him from enjoying one of the huge perks of the Daytona Beach campus, its proximity to the beach, he literally dove right into conquering his fear. Thanks to the campus’s SHARK (Studying Habits and Reef Kingdoms) club, he became a certified open water diver, a skill astronauts are required to have.
Singh also feared social situations when he first arrived on campus and thought his appearance may prevent him from meeting people. He is of the Sikh religion and wears a turban, something that makes him stand out and, as it turns out, in the best way possible. He often gets asked about the significance of his turban which he said is a unique experience that excites him because he loves to share his culture with others.
“When people see me [and my turban], they remember me which helps me grow my social network,” he said, adding that now, “I know six out of every ten people here!”
School clubs and organizations helped further his connections. He joined the ERAU Esports, an on-campus gaming club that competes against other colleges and universities.
“My friends dragged me into this,” he said with a laugh. “Turns out, I’m good at it.”
Network Equals Net Worth
Singh feels he missed out on a lot of opportunities when he first arrived on campus by avoiding interactions with his fellow Eagles, so he encourages new and prospective students to conquer those fears by stepping out of their comfort zone and talking to people. Not only is it a great way to build community, it’s also effective in establishing a professional network.
“Create your network. Your network is your net worth. If you keep [building] your network, you’ll never know when you’ll get that opportunity of your life.”
He wants to encourage others to pursue what they love regardless of how difficult the path may seem; otherwise, they may risk a lifetime of unhappiness.
“If you are passionate about something, go for that instead of taking the easy path,” which is exactly what he is doing.
Experience the Present
Singh had been interested in aerospace since he was in high school where he had the opportunity to compete in the International Space Settlement Design Competition helping design an orbital settlement that could sustain life in space. He entered his team’s design in several competitions which he called a unique learning experience. He then repurposed the same design for a competition that asked entrants how they could help the community during the COVID-19 pandemic by designing a “Human Space Isolation Center” to combat overcrowding at hospitals all around the world. His entry won second runner-up in the International A’Design Awards and Competition and was featured in their Design Magazine and Gala Dinner in Italy. He has been building upon that experience ever since.
Experience has also taught him to try not to think too far ahead or you’ll miss what’s right in front of you; and that’s what keeps him motivated.
- Eshna Bhargava found her home away from home by creating her own campus community.
A Long Way from Home
Eshna Bhargava ('24) traveled a long way to live out her dream of traveling to the United States to study Aerospace Engineering. Once this international student from Dubai learned about Embry‑Riddle, she was sure it was where she was meant to go.
“When you know, you know,” she said confidently.
Thankfully, technology helps her stay in touch with family; although her mother recently visited campus for the first time, attended her classes and met her friends. Bhargava said it helped that her mother saw her living and thriving in her surroundings, which cleared up any question or doubt she had about her attending school so far away from home.
“I know for a fact that this was the best decision I could’ve made,” she said.
Family Support System
Bhargava sees her mother as a source of inspiration.
“My mom never did what she wanted to do, which was majoring in English literature in college,” she said of her mother, who was born and raised in India.
Her mother was adamant Bhargava pursue her dreams – whatever they were.
“If you can figure out what you want to do, make sure you do it,” her mother would tell her.
Similarly, Bhargava’s father, also born and raised in India, wanted to pursue a career in sports, but that wasn’t an option for him either. So, he would encourage her to pursue whatever her dream may be, “as long as you’re confident that this is what will make you happy.”
“I was always in a very positive environment,” she said. “I had the support system to help me push myself and that self-motivation to figure it out.”
Creating Her Own Support System
Bhargava has created her own positive environment on Embry‑Riddle's campus by joining various clubs and organizations, including Embry‑Riddle Future Space Explorers and Developers Society (ERFSEDS) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE), where she is now the vice president.
“It completely changed the course of my experience at Riddle,” she said.
Through these groups, she created her own support system complete with “such a broad variety of people from everywhere.”
Navigating College Life
Bhargava has gone from mentee to mentor during her time at Embry‑Riddle helping new students navigate college life from a perspective she understands all too well. She enjoys seeing fresh faces and using her personal experience to help others navigate adjusting to their new normal letting them know, “I got you. I know what you’re thinking right now. I know you’re missing home right now. I know you feel like there’s too much going on and you don’t know how to narrow it down,” and considers her ability to empathize with them, “such a blessing.”
She advises students to exercise patience when building a campus community of their own.
“It takes time to get to know [people], for you to gel together,” she advised. “There’s so much imposter syndrome, but everyone is going through that.”
- Three Embry‑Riddle students with diverse interests have teamed up to pursue their passion for taking aviation and aerospace photos.
Eagles Take Aviation Photography to the Next LevelThree Embry‑Riddle students with diverse interests have teamed up to pursue their passion for taking aviation and aerospace photos.
Whether it is scaling 40 floor buildings, hiking mountains or renting helicopters, some photographers are willing to do whatever it takes to get the shot.
Wen Wu ('23), Hao Wu ('23) and Bastien Melin ('23) are Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University students who have done all that and more. As self-taught photographers, the trio dedicates the majority of their spare time to capturing impressive aerospace and aviation related images purely for their own enjoyment.
“Being able to take any moment and keep it as a memory is really cool,” said Wen Wu, who is studying Aerospace Engineering.
How to Get Into Aviation Photography
After individually picking up photography as a hobby when they were young, the group has now spent a collective $31,800 on camera equipment and editing software out of their own pockets to improve the quality of their work, according to Melin, who is also an Aerospace Engineering student.
A Lockheed C-5A parked on an airport ramp with fireworks exploding behind it. (Photo: Wen Wu)
Despite both hailing from Beijing, China, and sharing a last name, Hao and Wen Wu are not brothers. They both came to Embry‑Riddle because of their academic interests and met during orientation of their freshman years. After developing a tight-knit friendship, the duo met Melin last year and immediately connected over their passion for photography.
“My favorite part of taking photos, in general, is the experience and feeling behind capturing a scene,” said Melin. “Being with good friends like Wen and Hao just makes the experience better.”
Each event they attend requires meticulous planning to get the right shot, with the group preparing up to three days in advance to reduce the chance of errors.
“On the first day we go to study the layout,” said Wen Wu. “Once you get the map built in your head you have to go there on the second day to see what the lighting situation is, and then the third day is when we actually get it done.”
How Do They Decide What to Photograph?
Some events, such as air shows or rocket launches, are likely to attract other like-minded photographers and can mean that they will have to work shoulder to shoulder with strangers. In these cases, the group will set up 7 hours in advance to claim their territory, which is exactly what they did at the most recent launch of Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket on Jan. 18.
“I will choose the best angle for the location,” said Hao Wu, who is pursuing a B.S. in Human Factors Psychology. “Wen picks the location, and Bastien will scout out the place and then we will go out early together. So, we’re working as a team to choose the best shot we can.”
For these photographers, it is all about gaining a vantage point for the best angle. Wen Wu noted that they have rented helicopters to gain different viewpoints of the launches.
Unfortunately, the process is still highly dependent on the day, with different variables occasionally resulting in the images being unusable.
“Sometimes you’ll do all the work, and the weather will be bad, and you don’t get the shot you were hoping for,” said Wen Wu. “There are some things you just can’t control.”
When the conditions do cooperate each group member uses their own equipment to take photos in their respective styles.
“Hao is more into the colder, cool tones. His pictures are more industrial,” said Wen Wu. “I am a color guy. Bastien is more into the art perspective, his colors are more balanced, and he is more focused on composition.”
How They Take Aviation Photos
After carefully setting up, adjusting the camera settings, and taking the images, the process is still far from over. The group will take their individual images and start choosing favorites for post-production editing.
“It depends on the event,” said Wen Wu, “but for a really good event like a rocket launch you can get up to 2,000 photos. It only gets harder when you are shooting air shows or races.
“The last big one I went to was the Rolex Race and I took about 70,000 pictures that day.”
These masses of images will be meticulously cut down to only a handful, where they undergo hours of editing. Despite the quality of the pictures and all the time spent perfecting them, the group cannot legally distribute their photos for money as they are international students.
A Coast Guard helicopter set against the blue Florida sky in a photo taken from above. (Photo: Bastien Melin via @ocular.photo on Instagram)
However, they don’t seem to be annoyed by the restrictions, with Wen Wu acknowledging how they just enjoy the process and expressing gratitude for the photo opportunities they find.
“I just keep the finished images for my own collection,” said Hao Wu. “I’ll also print them out at home and put them on the wall. I like just traveling to different places to capture the moment that I like most.”
The traveling they do is not always simple. Hao Wu recalls staying up late at night in Mongolia just to capture images of the stars, even after he had been told there were wolves in the area. Wen Wu also spoke of their trip to Seattle and Los Angeles to take photos of different planes and cars.
“Might as well have some fun and see the world a little bit more,” said Wen Wu. “The thing about photography is that you travel a lot, so you make connections with a lot of nice people and learn a lot as you go.”
The students have visited multiple countries, flown across the USA on school breaks, and will sometimes take 10- to 12-hour road trips together just to take pictures, according to Hao Wu.
“Photography just makes you more aware of your surroundings and how many cool things are around you,” said Wen Wu. “That’s definitely the best part.”
- Mia Hamlin keeps her schedule full with a police department internship and participation in several campus organizations on top of her GSIS coursework.
Internship Gives Eagle a Taste of Law EnforcementMia Hamlin keeps her schedule full with a police department internship and participation in several campus organizations on top of her GSIS coursework.Mia Hamlin (’23) was drawn to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University after hearing about the opportunities to build industry connections, our unique Global Security and Intelligence Studies program and the beautiful mountains surrounding the Prescott Campus. She is also minoring in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies and Psychology.
Experiencing Law Enforcement
Inspired by the crime drama series 24, which follows a fictional counterterrorist government agency, Hamlin knew she wanted to do the same thing. She is currently interning with the local Prescott Valley Police Department. Some of her typical duties include ride-alongs with officers or shadowing detectives.
“Usually there is a search warrant needing to be conducted, lunch to be eaten at Chick-Fil-A or something around town that needs to be checked up on,” she explained.
Hamlin says the atmosphere of the police department is typically jovial and welcoming. “I am always excited when I walk in and always looking forward to what the day has in store for me.”
She knows that the connections she is making in the police department right now will be willing to help her in the future.
“I am hoping to become an investigator for a private firm or company as well as a polygraph examiner on the side,” she said.
“Every day there is something different,” Hamlin said about her police department internship. “I have yet to have two of the same days.” (Photo: Mia Hamlin)Embry-Riddle Campus Involvement
Hamlin keeps herself busy nearly every night of the week by participating in several student organizations: Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, Young Life, ASL Club, Order of the Sword and Shield (OSS), ASIS Eagle Committee and Silver Wings.
“In ASIS, OSS and Silver Wings, I have learned a lot about professional development and holding myself accountable. They have helped set up a lot of connections for me after college,” she said.
In Delta Phi Epsilon, she serves as Vice President of Academic Affairs, keeping track of members’ grades and offering general academic support. She is also the President of the university’s Young Life chapter, organizing all local events for the Christian ministry group.
ASL Club has given Hamlin a chance to learn sign language in a disciplined yet fun way, she adds: “when we are given homework, it makes me learn, and it’s also a lot of fun and a good break from the chaos of school.”
Faith and Family Support
Hamlin grew up in a small town near Houston, Texas, as the youngest of three sisters. She remembers having to fight for her own name rather than being known as “someone’s little sister.” Nonetheless, her parents were always supportive of her many ambitions and pushed her to be her best.
“My parents inspire me,” Hamlin said, “They came from an upbringing that did not set them up for success and most people take that as defeat for the rest of their lives. But they worked extremely hard to raise me and my sisters away from that environment and inspire us to be different, remain strong in our faith and work hard for what we want.”
Hamlin felt her small-town high school didn’t properly prepare her for college, so she had to put in extra effort during her freshman year at Embry-Riddle. The senior will be graduating in December, knowing her hard work has paid off.
- M.S. in Human Factors graduate Nicole Schoenstein used her Embry‑Riddle degree and internships to help build her current career at NASA.
Human Factors Master's Degree Helps Boost a Career at NASAM.S. in Human Factors graduate Nicole Schoenstein used her Embry‑Riddle degree and internships to help build her current career at NASA.
Where Are They Now?
Nicole Schoenstein (’20), who earned her Master of Science in Human Factors from the Embry‑Riddle Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences, is currently a contractor with Aegis Aerospace at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, working as a Human Factors engineer for the International Space Station Human Factors Implementation Team.
The team maintains the current human factors requirements and standards for those aboard the station. Among other tasks, Schoenstein works with hardware developers to ensure that human interfaces meet requirements that could affect usability and safety on board the ISS.
We caught up with Schoenstein, who also holds a B.A. in Psychology, to see how her career at NASA has unfolded since we last checked in with her in 2021.
What initially drew you to the Human Factors field?
While I was enrolled in community college, I began to participate in two NASA educational programs: The NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) and the Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities. I learned about the NCAS program through the honor society that I was a member of. If not for the honor society and NCAS, I doubt I would have had as many opportunities.
The NASA programs were pivotal experiences and inspired me to someday work at a NASA center. I wasn’t sure how I would get there or what field I would pursue. While at community college, I ended up completing a project for one of my general studies classes involving psychology and this re-piqued my interest in that field.
I did some research and learned that there are many ways to apply psychology at NASA. One of these is through human factors. As soon as I learned about this field, I knew this is what I should be doing. I changed my major to psychology and tried to create my own “human factors degree” by choosing the most relevant classes (predominantly classes focusing on cognition). I also got involved with research in two behavioral neuroscience labs, which made me more passionate about the field.
Then, when I was close to graduation, I decided to apply for NASA internships, which ultimately led to my current job at NASA.
What is your favorite thing about the human factors work you’re doing now?
As an introvert this is going to sound ironic, but my favorite thing is getting to work on a variety of projects with interdisciplinary teams. I have the chance to learn from and collaborate with experts in multiple fields. It’s also pretty cool getting to evaluate and see a lot of interesting hardware before it flies to the ISS.
Why did you choose Embry‑Riddle for your human factors degree?
I initially heard about Embry‑Riddle through colleagues and thought that the program would be beneficial to my professional development. As someone with a busy schedule and experience with independent and online learning, I thought that Embry‑Riddle Worldwide would meet my needs. I also thought the courses offered at Embry‑Riddle would be a good continuation of my previous studies.
What is your ultimate career goal at this point?
I’m at a good place in my career right now. I am often very busy, and it can be challenging, but I enjoy what I do, and I am always learning new things. If anything, I would like more opportunities to continue to develop as a professional in my field.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
I took chances because I wanted to experience new things. I would encourage students to get involved in something, whether inside or outside of school, such as extracurricular clubs, honor societies and other activities.
A tip that I think applies to most everyone is to try to get involved with research or a hands-on project where you can practically demonstrate the knowledge that you have. Internship coordinators and employers like that.
They also like candidates who are well-rounded and able to demonstrate that they have the so-called “soft” skills, such as leadership, communication, teamwork and time management skills.
Speaking of NASA in particular (but this may apply to other organizations as well): Even if you don't think you will work for NASA in the future, experiences with NASA can't hurt and you can start searching here for wonderful learning and networking opportunities that look great on a resume. A NASA experience on a resume or a LinkedIn profile is usually an attention grabber and a conversation starter.
I would also encourage people to reach out to companies that they are interested in, and reach out to their personal and professional networks to see if they can find someone who is doing or has done something that they are interested in. This can help get an insider’s perspective and tips and tricks on following a similar path.
Anything else you would like to add?
My internships were life-changing and allowed me to get a job offer that I don’t think would have happened otherwise. I put a lot of effort into my NASA internship applications and was fortunate to be accepted. Organizations vary in what they want to see from an applicant. From my experience, NASA wants to understand people from a holistic perspective.
In most cases, NASA applicants are not limited to a 1- or 2-page resume. It is better to provide more, as long as the information is organized. When I completed my three internships, I made sure to put my full effort into them.
I also took on opportunities to get involved outside of work and I made it clear from the beginning that my end goal was to work in either the field of human factors or as an educator. Finally, I demonstrated what I could offer and how my experiences could apply to both fields.
Ready to expand your career horizons? Apply now at Embry‑Riddle.
- Aiming for a career in federal law enforcement, Global Security and Intelligence Studies student Tamhas Morgan is starting out locally.
Global Security and Intelligence Studies Making an ImpactAiming for a career in federal law enforcement, Global Security and Intelligence Studies student Tamhas Morgan is starting out locally.When Tamhas Morgan (‘24) decided to attend Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and major in Global Security and Intelligence Studies (GSIS), he did so with his ideal career path at the forefront of his mind.
“I chose Embry‑Riddle because there is no degree program like the GSIS program,” Morgan shared. “It’s pretty unique in its field and really prepares you.”
Aiming for Impact
Morgan, who is currently a junior on the Prescott Campus, has always wanted to end up in a field where he could help people. Majoring in GSIS has given him an excellent foundation to do just that, with coursework focused on real-world emergency response systems, international and domestic crises, global politics and more.
Morgan cites Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy as one course that particularly holds his interest.
“We get to learn about all these different terrorist groups. We learn why they do the things they do, why they commit the acts they do,” Morgan said. “It’s something I’ve always been interested in and wanted to do research in.”
Morgan interacts daily with professors and mentors who have experience working in the field. He shared that getting to hear the impact they’ve had on people’s lives is “really inspiring” and motivates him to continue his own journey.
“I want to be able to have that impact on someone,” he remarked.
Sheriff’s Office Internship
To coincide with his major, Morgan has been interning at the sheriff's office local to the Prescott Campus, an opportunity that came about through Morgan’s own ability to take initiative.
“Last year, I was writing to anyone who would listen at police departments, trying to find a summer internship. It ended up that I emailed the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office,” Morgan recalled, continuing, “They said, ‘Hey, we’ve got an internship about to open up...’ So, I talked to them and applied for it. I rode along with them that next week, which was awesome.”
In his internship since, he has had more opportunities to ride along with active-duty officers and regularly works on sorting through cold cases, searching for duplicates and any evidence that may need to be retested.
The internship, which typically lasts somewhere from a semester to one year, has turned into a larger opportunity for Morgan. He was asked to stay for the remainder of his education until his graduation in 2024.
Finding Purpose in Global Security and Intelligence Studies
Morgan shared his own advice for prospective students considering Global Security and Intelligence Studies.
“Find something that you love in the field. The thing that is beautiful about this program is you have so many options to choose from... There are so many different avenues that you can take within this,” he shared. “When you find something you really love and you want to do it as a career, you’ll put in the time and the research and it’ll pay off for you in the end.”
Majoring in Global Security and Intelligence Studies gives Tamhas Morgan a foundation in emergency response, international and domestic crises and global politics.
- Matthew Jolliffe (’23) has completed six internships during his time at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, from General Electric to Fox Factory to BMW.
Embry‑Riddle Student Highlights the Importance of Industry ExperienceMatthew Jolliffe (’23) has completed six internships during his time at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, from General Electric to Fox Factory to BMW.Embry‑Riddle has always been the plan for Matthew Jolliffe (’23). Growing up just down the road from the Daytona Beach Campus in Deland, Florida, he first toured the university in seventh grade. "It felt like there was a lot that I could do here,” Jolliffe recalled from the experience.
Flash forward to fall 2019, sophomore year. Jolliffe landed his first internship with General Electric Aerospace (GE) based in Cincinnati, Ohio . There, he got hands-on experience in supply-chain quality engineering and found a new passion to occupy his free time: mountain biking.
Riddle Mountain Biking Club
Jolliffe returned to Embry‑Riddle after interning at GE, switched his major to Mechanical Engineering and joined the Riddle Mountain Biking Club. By his second semester in the club, he was co-president and helped plan the club's first trip out of state to Asheville, North Carolina.
“We were able to get sponsors and the school gave the club some money. With that we were able to go to some actual mountains. It felt like; this is how the hobby we enjoy can get the support we need to make it more fulfilling,” he said of the trip.
Since then, the club has secured more funding and donations to assist them in pursuing their passion. They now have a storage trailer, two bikes available for borrowing (for students who may not have access to their own), necessary repair tools and more.
Internships at BMW and Fox Racing
Mechanical Engineering student Matthew Jolliffe ('23) standing in Embry‑Riddle's Formula One SAE Lab. (Photo: Embry‑Riddle / Bill Fredette-Huffman)During summer 2020, Jolliffe completed another GE internship, this time virtually. One year later, he began the first of three BMW internships in Greenville, South Carolina.
There, Jolliffe worked in the body shop (where vehicles are assembled and assessed) on quality engineering. His first rotation at BMW was project-based, with a focus on gaining an understanding of the manufacturing process and the duties of a quality engineer.
“After that, I came back to school for fall; then, in the spring I went back to BMW. I became a shadow of a full-time quality engineer and followed him in his day-to-day life,” Jolliffe shared, continuing about his latter rotations at BMW, “It was nice going back for the second rotation and especially the third rotation because they all knew me and I knew them. It’s less of learning processes and more starting to get the work done, so I’ve really enjoyed that.”
Between his second and third rotations at BMW, Jolliffe took on an internship at Fox Factory in California. At Fox, Jolliffe got a unique opportunity to combine his work with his passion; he was tasked with analyzing warranty submissions for mountain bike components, another aspect of quality engineering.
Jolliffe describes going from BMW to Fox as a change in pace, organization size and structure.
“Going from BMW, where there are 120-150 interns every rotation, to five with Fox, was a shock. The whole company is a lot closer,” Jolliffe shared, continuing, “At BMW, with such a big company, people work there because it’s work. At Fox, people work there because it’s their passion or their hobby... that’s what I felt and enjoyed. It’s just a completely different culture, going from such a large company to such a small company.”
Back at BMW for his third and most recent internship in fall 2022, Jolliffe worked on the online quality management system that keeps employees updated on happenings related to quality control within the body shop. This project gave Jolliffe the chance to connect with the vice president of the body shop and other organization leaders, as well as earned him a spot in a coveted BMW leadership program, for which seven interns were chosen.
Advantages from Internships
Internships provide valuable learning and networking opportunities seldom found elsewhere. Jolliffe’s experience has well-prepared him for a career in engineering and given him a competitive advantage over other graduates entering the workforce.
Jolliffe’s advice to students on their own journeys through higher education is something he has kept in mind throughout his own schooling: “No rush!”
- B.S. in Space Physics grad Jennifer James is pursuing her Ph.D. and hoping to one day train the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Space Physics Degree Has Alumna Set for a Stellar CareerB.S. in Space Physics grad Jennifer James is pursuing her Ph.D. and hoping to one day train the next generation of engineers and scientists.Almost from the moment she set foot on Embry‑Riddle’s Prescott Campus, Jennifer James (’22) was immersed in research. And she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
The unique hands-on experience offered to undergraduates at Embry‑Riddle helped James earn her bachelor’s degree in Space Physics, define her career goals and gain more than a few accolades, including being part of a team that had results of their examination of how gravity works at the quantum level published in the January 2023 Classical and Quantum Gravity Journal.
With her respected degree and plenty of practical knowledge, James has now moved on to a Ph.D. program in physics at Vanderbilt University, where she continues her research and one day hopes to become a professor who will train a new generation of scientists and engineers.
James took time out recently to reflect on her Embry‑Riddle journey and the future it has helped her reach.
Why did you choose Embry‑Riddle for your B.S. in Space Physics degree?
I didn’t really discover physics in depth until I took AP Physics my senior year. I was immediately fascinated by the science. It amazed me that we could describe the movement of large objects galaxies far away and how particles interact on a minute scale.
I saw that there was so much about our universe that I didn’t know about and wanted to discover all of it. I emailed my admissions counselor at Embry‑Riddle and said: “Please change my major to Space Physics!” I chose Embry‑Riddle initially for its aerospace engineering program until I did a campus visit. I met Dr. Darrel Smith of the Space Physics department, and he told me about the fascinating research happening in their program. From LIGO to theoretical physics, I was convinced I should continue my education with Embry‑Riddle.
What were some of the highlights of your Embry‑Riddle experience?
From research to social events, Embry‑Riddle was great. Because of the small class sizes, I felt that my Space Physics class was especially close-knit. Being a part of the Society of Physics Students also built camaraderie across space physics, astronomy and other majors. I was able to have professional rapport with my professors and meet with them when I needed advising.
One social experience I loved was painting “the rock” in front of the student union. It was a little past 1 a.m. when a group of us decided to paint the first-ever image of a black hole on it, a photo that had been taken the day before on April 10, 2019.
The next day at the spring semester finals breakfast, Dr. Frank Ayers, the previous chancellor at Embry‑Riddle Prescott, asked “who painted this?”
Our group answered “us…” with hesitation because only clubs were supposed to paint the rock. But a smile broke out on his face! He was ecstatic to see the artwork and we were glad the community could share such a groundbreaking event for humanity!
What work are you doing now as a graduate student?
I am currently a first year Ph.D. student in the physics program at Vanderbilt University. I was recruited for my undergraduate research I performed at Indiana University on the Majorana Detector through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates program, as well as my overall research experience with Professor Quentin Bailey at Embry‑Riddle.
The heavy-ion physics group at Vanderbilt now has me working on jet-substructure analysis using the super Pioneering High Energy Nuclear Ion eXperiment (sPHENIX) at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Lab. With this experiment, I will be measuring the modifications to the topology of jets and extracting information about the structure of Quark Gluon Plasma to quantify its transport properties.
Although my subfield of physics has changed, I still intend to stay on top of the work going on in theoretical gravitational physics. I’m labeled as an experimentalist now, but I still very much enjoy the theoretical side of all physics subfields.
I am currently a graduate teaching assistant and I teach two labs a week where I create my own lectures. I love teaching, and this opportunity has taught me a lot. I am also the graduate representative for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Division of Nuclear Physics. I aim to help create equal opportunity for graduate students of various backgrounds and identities as well as creating safe environments where they can thrive both in life and academics.
What is your ultimate career goal?
I want to earn a tenure professorship at an institution that has a high investment in heavy-ion collision studies. I would also be looking for opportunities to teach in programs that support underrepresented groups in STEM fields, such as bridge programs. Overall, I want to continue my research and teach the next generation of scientists and engineers!
How did Embry‑Riddle help you get to where you are now?
I think the small classes and personalized experience with faculty played a huge role in my successes thus far. I began my research with Dr. Bailey the second semester of my freshman year at Embry‑Riddle.
His guidance and patience taught me a lot about research strategies and how research plays out in the physics community. The most important takeaways I got were to be confident in my intuition and to ask a lot of questions. In undergrad and even grad school, you are there to learn. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions.
What would say to someone considering Embry‑Riddle for their undergraduate degree?
I may be biased, but I think Embry‑Riddle is a wonderful place to earn your degree. A lot of my success is attributed to the close-ties I had with faculty and classmates. Geographically, in Prescott there are cool hiking spots and being away from the city made me feel less stressed during my time there.
Anything else you would like to add?
Whether you want to reach for the sky in a Cessna 172 or search for gravitational waves, Embry‑Riddle can help you do both!
- Leah Smith has taken advantage of all the opportunities Embry‑Riddle has to offer.
Eagle Eyes Embry‑Riddle's Numerous OpportunitiesLeah Smith has taken advantage of all the opportunities Embry‑Riddle has to offer.Networking Opportunities
When opportunity knocks, Leah Smith (‘24) answers, and it’s what she appreciates most about her time at Embry‑Riddle. From career fairs, where the mechanical engineering major has met and interviewed with industry professionals, to internships, where she has gained real-world experience, she has created connections that will help guide her future.
“By attending these events, I’ve been able to build a really nice network and meet and experience people from different parts of industry and [hear] their stories and what inspired them, what they learned and how I [can] learn from them,” she explained.
Job Opportunities
Smith has also taken advantage of the job opportunities offered by student employment including being a resident advisor (RA), giving campus tours to visiting elementary school students and working for ERNIE, which she said have all been great ways to meet people.
“It’s really great working Preview Day and Open House where I get to meet all the new students, and I see how excited they are [and] what brought them here to the school.”
She has learned a lot working on campus and sees each position she has held as a chance to expand multiple aspects of her life.
“Through each job I meet more and more people,” she said, adding that each opportunity she had, “helped me move one step forward learning more about my career or just help my people skills.”
Research Opportunities
Smith has also taken advantage of the research opportunities available to her taking part in a project measuring air quality using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This multi-disciplinary team project enlisted the assistance of a student organization she founded called MOVE UAS (Mobility Virtual Environment) to track and monitor air quality in the local area using both drones and ground sampling stations on campus.
“Each team has a slightly different focus, but it’s all centered around air quality or just preservation of our natural resources,” she said.
The project received funding from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), Embry‑Riddle's SGA (Student Government Association) and the Office of Undergraduate Research, and the research group is headed to Washington, DC, later this year to present their findings to the EPA.
“Riddle offers those outlets to provide that funding so that we can keep going.”
Career Opportunities
Smith’s true passion is robotics, even competing in numerous competitions throughout high school. She would like to combine that passion with a career in the space industry.
“I wanted to have the focus of the robotics track that Riddle offers here,” she said. “I get be a part of every step of the design process and the assembly and testing.”
She recently made a trip to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, for the Embry‑Riddle JPL Academic Exchange where she toured various labs and attended seminars.
“Their current work and future projects were such an inspiration,” she said. “They are continuously pushing the limit on space missions and technology. I am so thankful for the COE (College of Engineering) sponsoring our trip out to the JPL where I was able to meet an incredible group of engineers and scientists.”
Smith is grateful for all the opportunities Embry‑Riddle offers and knows it will make a difference when she graduates.
“I have the freedom of what I want to do next and where I want to go.”
- For almost as long as she can remember, Kayla Taylor has been looking up.
M.S. in Aviation Grad Highlights the Work of Women in AstronomyFor almost as long as she can remember, Kayla Taylor has been looking up.Today, the kid who gazed at the stars whenever she could has leveraged her passion for space into two degrees from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and a collaboration with Dr. Ashley Lear from the school’s College of Arts & Sciences on a recently published paper that highlights the often overlooked work of women in astronomy.
“I was thrilled to see our work come to fruition,” said Kayla ('21, '23), who is a graduate teaching assistant in the School of Graduate Studies at the College of Aviation. “Recognizing the struggles that women in astronomy have overcome to receive proper recognition is critical if leaders in science want to promote an environment of inclusivity and diversity.”
An astronomer in the making
As a child growing up in Sarasota, Florida, Kayla’s love of all things space was fueled by her own curiosity and imagination along with Mary Pope Osbourne’s “Magic Tree House” series of adventure books for young people.
“I remember keeping a journal when I was in first grade with fun facts that I had learned about space during class or while I read her books,” Kayla said. “I also grew up going to summer camp in the mountains of North Carolina, where there is almost no light pollution. Seeing the stars without impediments helped reinforce my interest in space.”
That interest got another boost when her fifth-grade graduation trip to Kennedy Space Center just happened to coincide with the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour in May 2011, and she also worked as a high school intern at two different planetariums.
Why Choose Embry‑Riddle for Astronomy and Astrophysics?
Kayla picked Embry‑Riddle as the place to pursue her B.S. in Astronomy and Astrophysics, and she graduated summa cum laude in May 2021.
“I was impressed by the small class sizes and the unique curriculum that Embry‑Riddle's program offered, especially the Observational Astronomy course that allowed me to conduct research-grade observations on the 1-meter telescope on top of the College of Arts and Sciences building,” she said.
Faculty Connections at Embry‑Riddle Open the Door
Her decision to stay at Embry‑Riddle to earn her M.S. in Aviation was due in part to her experience at the school but also because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited Kayla’s opportunities for internships or research experiences during her junior year.“Staying at Embry‑Riddle for graduate school helped me finish research and reinforce connections I had already made with my undergraduate faculty,” she said.
Those faculty relationships were the genesis of the paper Kayla authored with Dr. Lear, which is titled “A woman ‘in the snow among the clocks and instruments’”: How Adrienne Rich reimagined the lives of women astronomers.”
“Our analysis expands upon the experiences of five female astronomers, one of whom is Jocelyn Bell Burnell,” said Kayla, who met with Burnell twice during the astronomer’s visit to the Daytona Beach Campus in early 2020.
“Hearing Burnell's experiences first-hand completely changed my outlook on what it meant to be a woman in science,” Kayla said. “As a female graduate student, Burnell was snubbed for a Nobel Prize for her graduate research, and hearing this story made me realize that I had to tell more people about how women in science have been treated improperly and inappropriately for so long.”
“In short, meeting Burnell was what sparked the idea for this research with Rich's poetry.”
A Personal Paper
M.S. in Aviation grad Kayla Taylor takes a break from her research with a walk on the beach. (Photo: Alyssa Shrock)Turning that idea into a finished and published paper, however, took dedication, time and effort.
“We began conducting a literature review in summer 2021, presented at an online conference in April 2022, presented at the International Astronautical Congress in September 2022 and submitted for publication in October 2022,” Kayla said. “We revised it in February and were notified of acceptance in March."
Beyond the practical experience and networking opportunities she got from working on the paper, one the biggest benefits was Kayla’s personal takeaway.
“Using Rich's metaphors to evaluate my own experiences helped me understand that I had unknowingly tolerated gender bias in various times throughout my life,” she said. “If Dr. Lear and I had not conducted and published our research in a way that raised awareness of sexism in astronomy, it is very possible that I would have gone on with my life and not been aware of instances of casual sexism that I experienced, and continue to experience, quite often.”
Ready for her next exploration
Although her list of accomplishments is long and distinguished, Kayla is far from finished. She is now working with Dr. Sara Langston on a policy paper to address the growing conflict between commercial satellite operators and astronomers over “dark” and “quiet” skies.
After working pretty much non-stop since 2017, Kayla is planning to take some time off this year to spend with her family. Then she’ll dive into her Ph.D. applications with an eye toward starting a doctoral program in fall 2024 as a prelude to her next destination.
“I aspire to work in a higher education setting that will allow me to work with subject matter experts outside of the physical sciences to make myself a more well-rounded researcher and individual,” she said. “The connections I've made as an undergrad in the College of Arts & Sciences and then transitioning into grad school in the College of Aviation have helped make me a skilled interdisciplinary researcher.”
What advantages does an Embry‑Riddle education offer?
With two respected Embry‑Riddle degrees in hand, Kayla had this to say to anyone considering the university as a place to pursue their own passions.
“I want to emphasize the quality of the general education courses that Embry‑Riddle offers,” she said. “I have become a better researcher because of the skills that were imparted to me during my gen eds, particularly my humanities and communication courses, at Embry‑Riddle.”
She added: “Students looking to pursue a degree at Embry‑Riddle will find there is a great support system to ensure they succeed and feel they are ready to enter the workforce or graduate school after graduation.”
- Pursuing a Master of Science in Safety Science at Embry‑Riddle helped Chris Riley launch a dream career at NASA.
Safety Science Degree Opens Door to Stellar Career at NASAPursuing a Master of Science in Safety Science at Embry‑Riddle helped Chris Riley launch a dream career at NASA.What began as a way to navigate a tough job market during the Great Recession helped pave the way to a dream career for Chris Riley (’10, ’13).
Riley, now a NASA Quality Engineer with the Safety and Mission Assurance directorate assigned to the Division directly supporting Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) at Kennedy Space Center, had dreamt of becoming an astronaut.
An injury from high school precluded military service as a career path to the astronaut corps. Inspired by the world of science fiction, such as “Star Trek,” engineering was Riley’s next option. The dream shifted to designing spacecraft and Riley planned to use the B.S. in Aerospace Engineering degree he earned at Embry‑Riddle’s Prescott Campus as a stepping stone to becoming a NASA engineer.
But the 2008 economic crisis and the resulting fallout forced a change in plans.
“Jobs disappeared,” Riley said. “I applied everywhere, with very few or no interviews, and even postings were just disappearing. It was a shocker because for me, nothing was materializing.”
By fall 2010, Riley had shifted his focus to master’s degree programs and began exploring his options. A pursuit for a master’s degree was not Riley’s mind nor in the short-term plan, but only for professional development. In consequence, Riley’s options were limited as most deadlines had passed and requirement could not be met in the allotted time.
The only option locally was the M.S. in Safety Science at Embry‑Riddle and that got his attention. The program touched aviation, which was his second passion, so Riley did some research by talking to students and faculty on campus and saw it as an opportunity.
Why choose a M.S. in Safety Science degree at Embry‑Riddle?
“At first, it provided a means to wait it out and see if the job market improved. Had an opportunity occurred and I was offered a position, I would’ve taken it and shelved the option of finishing up my master’s at a later date. That was my plan,” he said. “But as time wore on, I saw the opportunities dovetail out in front me such as adapting engineering principles, especially since I studied aerospace engineering and it seemed complementary with the subjects. Within a year I was thinking, ‘yeah, I want to continue. Let's see where it can take me.’”
Where it ended up taking him was the Kennedy Space Center. When he graduated in 2013, he was offered a job as a Safety Engineer with the prime contractor, A-P-T Research Inc, in the Safety and Mission Assurance Support Services (SMASS) II Contract.
His position was supporting Institutional Safety Division under the same directorate, as a NASA contractor. His duties were reviewing and assessing designs related to construction of facilities and infrastructure projects to ensure all safety requirements were reflected in the design of new and modified facilities and structures.
“It was the key to my career, or I should say the other half of the key to my career; the degrees complemented each other and enabled me more opportunities than I could fathom,” Riley said.
He transferred to two other divisions while remaining with the company. First, he served as a Quality Engineer in the Launch Services Division, interfacing with commercial launch providers such as SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Orbital-ATK (purchased by Northrop Grumman).
This was another step closer to his dream as it was more aligned with his career goals – human space exploration. His second transfer was to a position as a Safety Engineer in the current division with a twist: His role became dual functioning in the division for both Safety and Quality Engineering.
By this time, he has gained considerable amount experience and exposure with NASA, developed a reputation and earned recognition for his work. This became an asset for his selection to join NASA in 2018 in his present role.
“The job title doesn’t do it justice,” Riley said. “I am in safety and mission assurance, but as a quality engineer in my division, the exploration ground systems division, I became directly involved in the Artemis I launch vehicle ground processing. Early on, we were figuring out how to perform the tasks, since it was a new program. I've been up close and personal with [the rocket] and realizing that the amount of impact or contribution that I've had along with my colleagues, it's surreal.”
How Embry‑Riddle helped fuel a career
When he looks back on his start as a safety engineer, Riley has fond memories of his professors and peers at Embry‑Riddle.
“What stood out to me the most in the process was the flexibility that this program had in terms of the education,” he said. “You have free reign with the courses, but there are electives that you take to enhance your skillset and knowledge to address an issue or a passion of your choice. Each of the professors were very helpful, even when they were upfront with us that half what we learn comes from them with persistence, and the other half from ourselves in the research and courses we take in support of our Thesis or Graduate Research Project.”
What safety science facilities does Embry‑Riddle have?
Riley also has high regard for Embry‑Riddle’s facilities, which have grown substantially since he attended. They include Robertson Aircraft Accident Investigation Lab, the most comprehensive facility of its kind in North America, which offers re-creations of real aircraft accidents using customizable scenarios.
In addition, the Aviation Safety and Security Archives gives students the opportunity to explore historical documents that have shaped the aviation industry, while the Ergonomics and Motion Measurement Laboratory enables students to learn how physiology and movement influence workplace safety.
“The crash lab itself was amazing,” said Riley. “And the research material from the archives, some were original papers, not copies. Those were the main highlights that I found for myself.”
To anyone considering the Safety Science master’s program at Embry‑Riddle, Riley offers this advice:
“All degrees are just toolboxes with different skillsets, the challenge is not understanding the principles and concepts, but the application in the long-term. They should explore what the safety science program can do for them – does it align with my goals or passions of life? – and see if it gives them the flexibility to explore and dovetail out into a broader vocation, because that's what it did for me.”
“The Safety Science program provided avenues for me to incorporate aerospace engineering into various applications instead of being overly specialized; I became marketable which meant more opportunities, and not just in aviation or aerospace. If it's broad enough for their horizons, I say go for it."
Why choose a M.S. in Safety Science degree at Embry‑Riddle? “It pretty much was the key to my career, this degree complemented by Aerospace Engineering” Riley said.
- Samir Ahmed fulfilled his academic and professional dreams even before graduation.
Dream School
Embry‑Riddle was Samir Ahmed’s (‘23) dream school since he was in middle school.
“I knew it was big in aerospace, and that’s where I wanted to go,” said the aerospace engineering major.
Ahmed grew up with books on astronomy and space and remembers being fascinated watching NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity animation of the seven minutes of terror with his father.
“It’s just been a passion of mine,” he said.
Find Your Niche
Samir Ahmed ('23) sitting at mission control. (Photo: Samir Ahmed)
If you’re ever on campus looking for him, chances are he’s in the Experimental Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, or ERPL, where he’s been actively involved since his first couple of weeks as a student.
“Initially, I didn’t know what type of engineer I wanted to be,” he explained. “I just knew I wanted to be an aerospace engineer.”
Through his work at ERPL, he found what he calls his niche – propulsion engineering, a specialty in the field of aerospace engineering that involves the design of systems used to accelerate a type of aircraft into space. Typically, it either involves solid, liquid or hybrid propulsion. Ahmed primarily focuses on liquid propulsion.
The highlight of his work in the lab has been designing his own manufactured liquid engine – from the initial design sketches to submitting the plans for the parts to be produced.
“The day that all the hardware came in...picking it up...the hardware whose design I spent staring at for the past four months...seeing it in my hands...[I thought to myself], ‘I designed that,’” he said of the full circle moment.
ULA Internship
Ahmed believes it was his work with ERPL that helped him stand out and secure an internship with United Launch Alliance (ULA) as a propulsion test engineer intern working with the group responsible for engines, tanks and ground service equipment; essentially anything that connects fuel to the rocket.
The highlight of his experience with ULA was being able to sit in mission control and make a couple of callouts during one of the launches, which he had a hard time believing was happening.
“This only happens in the movies, and now I get to sit in one of the rooms,” he recalled thinking at the time.
Ahmed advises future and current students to, “find a niche and build your passion around that,” which is exactly what he did. “I was involved with the rocket lab, and that’s what got me my internship, and my internship got me my job.”
Dream Job
After graduation, Ahmed will be taking his ERPL and ULA experience with him to Huntsville, Alabama, where he will begin his professional career as a propulsion engineer for the combustion devices group at Blue Origin.
“I’m going to design rocket engines. That’s the niche I built my passion around,” he said excitedly. “To actually start as an entry level rocket design engineer with one of the biggest players in the aerospace industry is huge.”
- Jordan Garrett (’22) is preparing for the adventure of a lifetime before he travels to Japan for graduate school with a competitive scholarship.
Aviation Maintenance Alum to Study in Japan on ScholarshipJordan Garrett (’22) is preparing for the adventure of a lifetime before he travels to Japan for graduate school with a competitive scholarship.During his time at Embry‑Riddle, Jordan Garrett (’22) studied Aviation Maintenance Science (AMS). He was active with WIKD, the student-run radio station on the Daytona Beach Campus, the Japanese Student Association and the Cryptocurrency Club. Now, he’s preparing to earn his master’s degree from Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan.
Navy Opens Opportunity
Garrett says his interest in Japan and their culture began in middle school, and his dream of visiting came true when he joined the U.S. Navy in 2012. A classmate at the time told Garrett that he could see Japan by joining the Navy, so that’s what he did.
He served for six years as a fire controlman, performing maintenance on radar and computer systems. After the Navy helped him mature and introduced him to some useful technical skills, he decided he was ready to give college a second try. He found Embry‑Riddle in an online search of best schools for aviation maintenance.
“The more I looked into it, I found that Embry‑Riddle really was the best school for aviation, and I really wanted to get into the mechanics of aircrafts and how they work,” Garrett said.
Experiences at Embry‑Riddle
Being a few years older than the typical college student, Garrett was nervous that he wouldn’t have anything in common with other students when he started attending Embry‑Riddle. Luckily, that was not the case.
“It was very easy to make friends,” he said, “All the students at Embry‑Riddle are very similar-minded when it comes to pursuing an education and the pursuit of higher intellect.”
Jordan Garrett (center) preparing for WIKD’s 2021 Paint U event. (Photo: Jordan Garrett)
His interest in music led him to the WIKD 102.5 office on the first day of classes, where he signed up for training to participate in the student-run radio station. Shortly after, Garrett had a radio show featuring global alternative music and an improv podcast that he said was “known for being terrible.”
One of his favorite places on campus was a lounge in the AMS building where he would study with his fellow AMS classmates, eat lunch and just hang out. He was also secretary of the Japanese Student Association and founder and president of the Cryptocurrency Club.
The MEXT Scholarship
“During my final year [at Embry‑Riddle], I was trying to figure out how to get back over to Japan to be with my fiancé,” he said.
She had shown him a scholarship through the Japanese government that covers full tuition, so he applied.
“It turned out to be an extremely competitive process,” Garrett said. “I like to give her all the credit because she passed away shortly after I got the first interview, so she never found out the results.”
The MEXT Scholarship is awarded by the Japanese government’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. After a lengthy application and screening process that includes letters of recommendation and a comprehensive research proposal, Garrett finally received confirmation of his acceptance in February. The nine-month wait from his initial application in May 2022 wasn’t easy.
“The MEXT process is entirely non-transparent,” Garrett explained. “They don’t release any numbers, any part of the process at all. So basically, you apply and go based on previous applicants’ experiences and hope for the best.”
While studying at Tohoku University, Garrett will be a research assistant at the Takahashi-Karikawa Laboratory, working in aerospace resiliency with the main goal of studying how stress affects aviation mechanics, along with personnel safety and improvement of large-scale systems.
Embry‑Riddle’s Impact
“No one else does it like Embry‑Riddle,” Garrett said. “It gave me a love of education and aviation that I did not possess before going here. It’s because of that newfound interest in aviation that I decided to continue educating myself. And without the staff and students at the school, there’s no way I would have gotten as far as I did, especially during the hard times.”
His advice for current and future Embry‑Riddle students is simple: study.
“When I went to college the first time in 2009 to 2012, I didn’t study and that clearly didn’t work,” he said. “When I went back to school, I had to set study habits and if I hadn’t set those, I would not have graduated with the grades I did."
- Master of Business Administration in Aviation student April Bedunah’s internship with the U.S. House put her at the heart of aviation policy.
Aviation Business Student Lands Congressional InternshipMaster of Business Administration in Aviation student April Bedunah’s internship with the U.S. House put her at the heart of aviation policy.Whether she lands in the C-suite at Delta Air Lines or wins a seat in the U.S. Congress, April Bedunah (’23) is fueling her future success at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University.
The 32-year-old Boston resident is currently a customer service representative at Delta and pursuing her Master of Business Administration in Aviation through the Worldwide Campus. Her academic and professional journeys got a huge boost in 2023 when she started an internship with the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation.
“It helped that I have taken many opportunities as they have presented themselves during my career in aviation,” Bedunah said when recounting how she earned the elite internship, which runs through the spring. “The staff director appreciated the fact that I have a genuine passion for aviation, and a willingness to learn how legislative policy is made. When a person like me wears their heart on their sleeve for aviation as I do, it is hard to be told no when requesting an opportunity."
Fortunately for Bedunah, the answer was yes.
“This was an excellent opportunity to assist a student in contributing directly to the aviation industry,” remarked Rose Carlson, Associate Director of Worldwide Career Services. “Embry‑Riddle strives to ensure that students are both academically and industry career-ready to perform at the highest level.”
This was the second yes from Embry‑Riddle. Bedunah said she “had been aware of Embry‑Riddle since first working in the aviation industry.”
Why choose Embry‑Riddle?
She was told by an Eagle alumnus who flew as a Boeing 767 captain for FedEx that she could advance her career by getting her master’s through the Worldwide Campus, using the flexible online options that allow busy professionals such as Bedunah to learn on their own schedules. His suggestion was enough for her.
“It is well known in our industry that Embry‑Riddle is among the top-rated aeronautical universities in the nation,” Bedunah said. “To me, the choice in higher education institutions was a clear and an easy decision. I was going to become an Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University Eagle.”
In addition to earning a respected degree crafted with industry needs in mind, Bedunah knew that the strength of the school’s 155,000-strong alumni network and the industry connections of its faculty and career services team would also pay off for her – and the internship is a prime example. So far, her work with the subcommittee has been everything she hoped.
“I have had the pleasure of coming up with solutions to problems that I see in the realm of general aviation, and I am learning how to write legislative policy that will be incorporated into the 2023 FAA Reauthorization Bill,” she said. “One of the most memorable experiences was sitting in the beautiful gallery of the House Chamber, as the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure were purposing legislation to address the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) situation [in the wake of the Jan. 11 computer issue.]”
What can you do with a Master of Business Administration in Aviation degree?
Going forward, Bedunah is planning to build on her internship experience and leverage the strength of her degree to reach some very specific goals that are already in her sights.
“I want to become an executive at Delta,” she said. “I have gained priceless information from my professors and having this internship in Congress is incredible. I am networking with leaders of the world as well as in the aviation industry because of Embry‑Riddle. I am learning so much about law making that one day I can see myself running to become a member of the House of Representatives.”
Bedunah believes that anyone looking to launch or boost their aviation career should connect with Embry‑Riddle.
“You will be learning from the best,” she said. “Everyone that I have met so far who is an Eagle is exceptionally bright and talented. Collectively, we will use knowledge gained from Embry‑Riddle to help build a brighter and more robust aviation industry.”
- Katie Rolle (‘24) looks to apply her knowledge in mechanical engineering to combat climate change.
Eagle Looks to Make Environmental Impact with Mechanical EngineeringKatie Rolle (‘24) looks to apply her knowledge in mechanical engineering to combat climate change.Katie Rolle (‘24) is a Mechanical Engineering major who aspires to use her degree to fight climate change and develop strategies for sustainable energy in her field. A recent recipient of the Prescott Audubon Society’s 2023 Environmental Scholarship, Rolle plans to use the scholarship to take the place of her on-campus job so she can dedicate more time to leading the Alternative Energy Association Club.
Rolle defined conservation as “more than preserving nature... [It] is about taking action to reduce the interference of man with the natural world, not for the advantage of man, but instead for the sake of nature so that it can thrive undisturbed in its own order and beauty.”
“By earning a degree in mechanical engineering, I open the door for myself to progress numerous clean energy technologies,” she said. “Including wind, solar, geothermal, tidal energy, hydropower and nuclear energy.”
As a student at Embry‑Riddle's Prescott Campus, Katie feels she is exactly where she needs to be to turn her aspirations into reality.
Why did you decide to pursue a Mechanical Engineering major?
I chose mechanical engineering because I knew it would open many different doors for me in the field of energy production. While I knew I wanted to go into the energy field, I was not sure which sector. I hoped studying mechanical engineering would allow me to discover what I was interested in and work in a variety of fields. I chose mechanical over my other top two options, chemical and nuclear engineering, because it was broader. I did not want to narrow my scope so early in my post-secondary education.
How did you learn about Embry‑Riddle and what interested you about the Prescott Campus?
I learned about Embry‑Riddle first through athletics. I was searching for smaller schools in the southwestern region of the US that had competitive women’s volleyball teams. I wanted to move somewhere with more sunshine than my home city of Missoula, Montana. I was looking for small schools because I wanted a strong relationship with my professors and peers. Going to a school where academics were strongly valued by the student body was very important to me. I also knew I wanted to study engineering, so this narrowed my search as well.
I remember first looking at the Embry‑Riddle athletics website and seeing the volleyball team was undefeated in [their] conference for two seasons, and that piqued my interest. After looking into the school even more, I saw that it was a very competitive engineering school.
What has your experience at Embry‑Riddle been like?
My time at Embry‑Riddle has been the most challenging, humbling and rewarding time of my life. College has been a true test of work-life balance. The amount I have learned about myself and the world around me is immeasurable. Embry‑Riddle is a unique place because of the passion its students have for what they want to do, whether that be flying airplanes, building rockets, or anything else.
I have been able to find people here that match both my academic and social motivations. I have also met some incredible professors that would do anything for their students.How do you envision using mechanical engineering to make a positive impact on the environment?
Conservation is about reducing our impact on the environment and allowing it to thrive on its own. The benefit of this is twofold: first, the environment is able to thrive the way it was intended to; and secondly, we get to see it and enjoy it. This is important to me because I care about preserving not just the planet but the people on the planet. Without a healthy ecosystem where people and nature can live harmoniously together, life on Earth is not going to last.
There are many ways that I could have chosen to make an impact in environmental conservation. I chose mechanical engineering because I want to work on reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of the energy sector. The energy sector is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, alongside agriculture. By studying mechanical engineering, I can work in a variety of alternative and renewable energy technologies. I am most interested in nuclear energy, and I hope to share with others how important using nuclear energy is to reducing human’s carbon footprint.
How did you join the Alternative Energy Association (AEA) on campus?
One of my teammates who was also studying ME-Energy told me about AEA back in the spring of 2020. I honestly was not a very active member when I first joined, busy with school and volleyball. It wasn’t until I realized if I did not step up into a leadership position, the organization would potentially die.
I decided to run for president and was elected in the spring of 2022. I restructured the format of our meetings to make them more social and educational. When I started, we probably had 8 to 10 active members and now we have upwards of 20 people at every meeting. It’s a positive community, everyone is very accepting. We pride ourselves in being an inclusive club, not exclusive. We encourage people to come when they can but there is no expectation or requirement of our members, so they can be as involved as they want to be.
What are your aspirations for the future, after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to continue working in the nuclear energy industry. This summer, I will be working at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station outside of Phoenix where I hope to gain a better understanding of the industry to aid my decision in attending graduate school or not.
To Rolle, the most important key to her success has been the support she receives from family and friends.
“I would not be where I am without the people that have helped me get here,” she said. “I need a lot of support from my friends and family to do what I do. If I did not have these people to turn to, I would not be able to do any of these things."
Her best advice to new students: don't lose sight of your values.
“Remember what is important to you and what you value,” she said. “Let that be your drive. Equally important is to surround yourself with people who support you, and that you support in return. College is not easy, especially when you’re getting an engineering degree at Embry‑Riddle. There will be times when you feel like you can’t do it anymore, so when those moments happen, remember why you are here and turn to the people who are going through it with you.”
- Elena Djudaric is a first-generation college student studying Aerospace Engineering on the Astronautics track, while being active in several clubs.
Aerospace Engineering Student Finds Success Through SupportElena Djudaric is a first-generation college student studying Aerospace Engineering on the Astronautics track, while being active in several clubs.Elena Djudaric (’23) is studying Aerospace Engineering on the Astronautics track with a minor in Human Factors. The passionate student is active in several groups on campus, serving as a drummer for the Pep Band, Professional Engagement Chair for the Society of Women Engineers and President of the First-Generation Students Association.
Discovering Embry‑Riddle
As an Orlando, Florida, native, Elena Djudaric grew up watching rocket launches just a short distance away on the Space Coast. She and her family happened upon Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University while searching for colleges near her hometown. She knew she wanted to study Aerospace Engineering, so it was a bonus to have a university with a highly ranked aerospace program only a short drive away. She was also drawn in by the small class sizes and opportunities available to her at the university.
“I admired a smaller classroom size as I felt that I would make better connections with the professors and students around me,” she said. “As first gen and an only child, there was a lot to learn early on about the education system and how I could have equal opportunity to achieve higher education.”
While she was deciding which college she wanted to attend, Djudaric was contacted by the Embry‑Riddle Discover Scholars Program for first-generation college students. This program runs for three days before orientation to ease students into the Daytona Beach Campus by participating in activities and workshops, plus meeting with an upper-class peer mentor. After going through the program as a freshman, she became a peer mentor to incoming students and later became a team lead, organizing the events, workshops and trips.
“Little did I know that my experience in this program would give me leadership opportunities and confidence in networking each academic year,” she said. “It makes me very proud to see where each year’s group of students shine throughout campus and in their own individual involvement.”
Campus Involvement
During the school year, the First-Generation Students Association supports these same students with aid and resources. Djudaric is currently the president of the student-run organization.
She is also part of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), where she serves as the Professional Engagement Chair. She says that one of her favorite parts of SWE is the annual National Conference.
“Many of our members, including myself, have received internship or full-time offers from huge companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman,” she added.
In summer 2023, she will be interning in Denver, Colorado, with Lockheed Martin Space as a quality engineer—an internship she secured at the last SWE conference. She’s hoping to turn this summer internship into a full-time position with the company after she graduates in December.
Djudaric is passionate not only about engineering, but also about music. She has played the cello, guitar and several percussion instruments. Currently, she plays the bass drums with the Pep Band at basketball and volleyball games and other events.
“I’m thankful to the Embry‑Riddle Pep Band for providing a community of like-minded peers who also support each other and their love for music,” she said.
The Importance of Support
Djudaric’s support system has been a massive help in getting her where she is now at Embry‑Riddle. From the Discover Scholars Program leaders to her fellow students within her organizations, she is proud of what they have helped her accomplish.
“My family is what inspires me every day to be my best self. They have worked tirelessly to invest in my future, and I know I've made them very proud. While there is a tremendous amount of pressure for first-gen students like me, I cannot express enough about how continuous support can go a long way,” she said.
Her advice to those who follow her?
She said, “Say yes to opportunities, as you never know where they may lead you. Take the time to reflect on how far you have already come. I hope that some will remember my story and go out and achieve dreams of their own."
- Global Security & Intelligence Studies major Grace Brown loves to sing Embry‑Riddle's praises when speaking with prospective students.
Global Security & Intelligence Studies: Bragging RightsGlobal Security & Intelligence Studies major Grace Brown loves to sing Embry‑Riddle's praises when speaking with prospective students.Global Security & Intelligence Studies major Grace Brown (‘24) loves to sing Embry‑Riddle's praises when speaking with prospective students.
As a student ambassador giving tours on Embry‑Riddle's Prescott Campus, one of the most common questions Brown gets asked from prospective students is what she likes best about the university.
“I really like getting to brag about my school,” she said. “I think that Embry‑Riddle is really special.”
She spoke about the uniqueness of the campus and how what you experience here is unlike anything you’ll see at other colleges and universities.
“I don’t know where else you’re going to have kids get up out of class when you hear a jet flying by, but it happens pretty regularly,” Brown said excitedly. “Or when we hear one fly by the library, and everyone runs to the windows to try to see it.”
She also appreciates the smaller campus community surrounded by some of the most majestic views nature can offer.
“I think it’s really nice that everywhere I walk around campus, I’m going to see someone I know,” adding, “I like the Prescott area in general, too. It’s gorgeous.”
Global Security & Intelligence Studies Program
It’s not just the campus that makes Brown proud of being an Eagle. She thoroughly enjoys being fully engaged in her studies and learning different aspects of the security and intelligence field from her professors. From her more formative classes, where she got “a nice overview of the security and intelligence community,” to her more advanced courses, Brown feels she’s getting immersive college experience.
“I really like my emergency management and contingency planning class,” she said. “[We had] people from Coconino County emergency management come talk to us about what they do on a day-to-day basis and how they prep for emergencies, including how to assemble an emergency operations center,” something she sees as a potential career path.
Brown also works remotely as an intern in Global Security Services for Collins Aerospace, where her duties include creating foreign travel briefings as well as working on an ex-pat database used to create contingency plans should an emergency arise in their country of residence.
The SGA Way
Her most rewarding college experience thus far has been her role in the Student Government Association (SGA) where she was recently elected president.
“It’s been really rewarding to be able to get concerns from students and bring them to the right person, whether that be staff or faculty, and see the actual impact [it makes].”
Brown has two pieces of important advice for future Eagles, the first of which is to try everything at least once.
“There’s been a lot of stuff in college I didn’t think I’d enjoy, and it ended up being a really good decision,” she said, referring to getting involved in SGA. “It’s been a major part of my college career.”
Her second piece of advice is to be flexible.
“Be okay with plans changing in what you originally thought they were going to be, because I'm on a completely different path than I was when I [first] got to Embry‑Riddle, and I’m really happy with how it’s turned out.”
- Whether it’s giving campus tours to prospective students or teaching math to children in Zambia, Jack Frankie (‘25) is always willing to lend a helping hand. Now, he is serving humanity with a helping paw.
Aviation Business Administration Student Takes a Paws for a CauseWhether it’s giving campus tours to prospective students or teaching math to children in Zambia, Jack Frankie (‘25) is always willing to lend a helping hand. Now, he is serving humanity with a helping paw.
The Aviation Business Administration major has taken on the challenge of training a guide dog for Southeastern Guide Dog Foundation, an organization that has been breeding and training guide, service and companion dogs for veterans with disabilities, people with vision loss and children with significant challenges since 1982.
Despite the 10-to-11-month commitment and not having any prior dog training experience, Frankie wasn’t deterred.
”I am in no way a certified dog trainer,” he admitted. “[I am providing] basic training all the way up to intermediate/high level. I’m just giving him the experiences to be able to then [move on] for an additional four months with a professional trainer.”
Dogs are initially screened for their trainers based on temperament. For Frankie, it was important he be paired with a dog who could not only handle the hustle and bustle of a busy college campus, but also be able to stay quiet and calm in a classroom setting.Meet Harrison
Enter Harrison, a five-month-old yellow Labrador retriever who has already become somewhat of a celebrity on campus. Guide and service dogs in-training were once a common sight at Embry‑Riddle; however, the advent of COVID-19 saw those numbers drop drastically, something Frankie hopes to change leading by example.
Because Harrison is in training, he is granted all the rights and allowances that an already certified guide dog has. This means wherever Frankie goes, Harrison is allowed to be; from the supermarket to church to campus events, he is always by Frankie’s side. He’s even been to court – the basketball court, that is – to watch our very own Eagles play.
A day in the life of Frankie and Harrison, who live together in a campus dormitory, typically begins with breakfast and a quick potty break for Harrison, who then patiently waits in his crate for Frankie to get ready.
“The crate is his home,” he said. “He loves to hang out there.”
Frankie said he has to set aside about 45 extra minutes to get ready in the morning to account for making sure Harrison’s needs are attended to, which can be a challenge.
“If I’m in a rush to go to class, I have to take into account that I still have to take care of him,” he said.
The pair then head to work at the student union, where Frankie is a campus tour guide, or to the student leadership suite where he’s a student assistant. They then head to class where Harrison can usually be found resting underneath Frankie’s seat. Once classes are done for the day, it’s Harrison’s turn to go to school.
“Puppy kindergarten” includes teaching basic commands (sit, stay, lie down), as well as pad training, which consists of Harrison following directions with his front paws on a pad. This teaches him proper body positioning which will help him when he moves onto more advanced training.
Frankie is also working with Harrison on his street smarts. As a guide dog in training, Harrison will be responsible for the safety of his handler, which includes navigating both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. He is learning to feel specific textures on the sidewalk that indicate they are at a crosswalk.
“When he feels that, he is supposed to know to sit down,” explained Frankie. “That way he’ll alert the handler and eventually sense if it’s safe to cross.”
Every other weekend, Frankie and Harrison meet up with other trainers where they go on excursions to places like malls, parks and other types of open settings. This gives both the pups and their trainers some much-needed interaction.
However, Frankie described every day as an excursion, even the simple task of walking from the dormitory to class. He described how the sights and sounds in a simple walk can prove to be a distraction for a dog Harrison’s age, but that he is getting better at maintaining his focus.Frankie & Harrison's Journey
Frankie knows his time with Harrison is limited but feels the whole experience will be worth it in the end.
“Yeah, I'll be sad to see him go,” Frankie admitted. “But knowing what he’s going to do, I think it’ll be pretty easy.”
He will also get the opportunity to see his hard work with Harrison come to fruition at the end of the dog’s training journey.
“I get invited to graduation from the academy to get to see him graduate from full training, and I get to see him work with his owner for the first day,” he said.
As for who will get to make Harrison a member of their family, that has yet to be determined; but experts at Southeastern Guide Dog Foundation will evaluate the qualities of both the dog and veteran to be able make the perfect match.
What if Harrison doesn’t make the cut as a guide dog? Southeastern Guide Dogs will find another way he can be of service, albeit for therapy, bomb or drug-sniffing, search and rescue or something else.
“They have all these different avenues they can try to repurpose the dog for,” explained Frankie. “We won’t know for another four or five months if [Harrison] is still on that track.”
Until then, Frankie is focused on both himself and Harrison getting through the rest of the semester and looking forward to training the dog in a different setting, possibly at an internship.
“It’ll be a bit different than a college campus, but I think he’ll do well wherever we end up.” - UAS student Adrian Bates-Domingo's (‘22, ‘23) participation in Embry‑Riddle's summer programs gave him field experience he couldn’t get anywhere else.
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS): I Know What You Flew Last SummerUAS student Adrian Bates-Domingo's (‘22, ‘23) participation in Embry‑Riddle's summer programs gave him field experience he couldn’t get anywhere else. Adrian Bates-Domingo (‘22, ‘23) had always been intrigued watching his friends fly drones on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where he grew up and when he discovered he could turn his interest into a career, he set his sights on a college that would prepare him for that.
Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University ticked all the boxes, including the school’s reputation for innovation, the strength of the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) program and the more intimate class sizes.
“For me, having that small classroom size to speak with professors and get a little more personal with your classmates, that really helped me throughout my degree program,” he said.UAS Summer Programs
Bates-Domingo has gained vast and valuable experience taking part in various summer programs that Embry‑Riddle offers UAS students, applying what he learned in the classroom to a variety of unique, once-in-a-lifetime research projects.
In addition to participating in the Turtle Tech project, which uses drones to track nesting habits of sea turtles, and spending a summer in New Mexico and Arizona mapping ancient cities using UAS technology, he has also contributed to prescribed fire research. The project consisted of flying drones over a controlled fire to collect data from the smoke and air particles.
“We would actually use that data to give to the firefighters and other emergency responders to help better predict fires,” he explained; in turn, helping them learn how to fight fires more efficiently.
Bates-Domingo also spent a summer in Oklahoma being what he described as a “post-damage tornado chaser,” where he would use drones to survey tornado-affected areas and assess damage.
He credits these hands-on summer opportunities for the confidence he has gained in preparing for his future.
“That jumpstarted me into showing that I am capable of being in the more senior projects with the university,” he said. “Each trip has benefited me immediately the following semesters.”
He’s even been able to tap into his artistic side on these trips filming several drone missions, a skill he developed recording his brother’s surf sessions on Oahu.
Dr. Dan Macchiarella, professor in the Aeronautical Science Department, praised him for his ability to document these important moments in UAS research. “[He’s} an excellent UAS operator and artistically creates video from drone footage,” he commented. “His work is amazing and world class!”
Using UAS to Help the Environment
In the short term, after graduation, Bates-Domingo looks to break into the UAS industry through the many connections he has made networking during his time at Embry‑Riddle. And he is willing to go anywhere his career takes him.
“I want to explore and see the world,” he said. “I want to travel. I want to see different places.”
Long-term, Bates-Domingo has lofty goals of making a difference in the ever-evolving landscape of UAS.
“My long-term goal is to be a UAS or drone consultant, and I know that only comes with experience, trust in the industry and who you know,” Bates-Domingo said. He added, “I want to fly an aircraft for a research project because that's what I’ve been doing here at Riddle.”
At the core of his professional goals is highlighting the importance of sustainability and environmental research. As the great nephew of lifeguard and surfing legend Eddie Aikau, he comes from a storied bloodline that understands the importance of community outreach and ocean education. His mother and stepfather are heavily involved in community and environmental efforts in Hawaii and have passed that passion onto their son.
“These great examples set by my parents have led me to wanting to use my degree in unmanned systems in the industry of environment and sustainability in wildlife research,” he said.
Bates-Domingo feels Embry‑Riddle's UAS program stands out from programs at other institutions.
“For research, hands-on opportunities and the general experience of how an operation goes, as well as getting a footstep in the industry, I feel like Embry‑Riddle is a great place for that,” he concluded. - With an Aeronautics Degree from Embry‑Riddle, this pilot is getting closer to his goal of a career on the flight deck.
Where Are They Now?With an Aeronautics Degree from Embry‑Riddle, this pilot is getting closer to his goal of a career on the flight deck.Aeronautics Degree Helps Him Chart a Course Toward Success
For Juan Andres Mesa Sanchez (’21), earning his B.S. in Aeronautics from Embry‑Riddle’s Worldwide Campus was a giant leap toward his goal of becoming a professional pilot, a journey that was originally showcased in this 2020 story in the Embry‑Riddle Newsroom.
We recently caught up with Juan to see how his aviation career journey is progressing and how his degree is helping him.
How did choosing an Embry‑Riddle aviation degree advance your career?
When my family and I moved to the United States from Colombia nearly a decade ago, many people told me about Embry Riddle's world-class curriculums for aspiring leaders in the aviation industry. As a young adult, I encountered aviation professionals who unanimously advised I should attend the university for its experience, resources and ability to produce exceptional graduates that are well-versed in all things related to aviation.
What next steps are you taking now in your aviation career?
Being the first pilot in my family has made my career path one that I had to discover on my own. With the help and support of the mentors that I have had throughout this journey, I am now in a position where I am completing my training and all the required certifications that I need to meet FAA regulations for flight time and experience.
How is your aviation degree helping you take those steps?
My aviation degree has taught me about key aspects of the industry, such as safety, management and an advanced comprehension of aeronautics. It has also helped me to look at the “bigger picture” and also to analyze, understand and apply the details and parts of what make that big picture.
B.S. in Aeronautics graduate Juan Andres Mesa Sanchez at the controls of an aircraft. (Photo: Juan Andres Mesa Sanchez)What are your aviation career goals?
Being part of the aviation community has always been a dream, but in all honesty becoming a professional aviator is my ultimate career goal. I want to be a leader who pursues new, cutting-edge discoveries that positively impact the aviation industry. Additionally, I want to continue to grow my set of transferable skills that I have built through the years to make myself a valuable asset to future employers.
How is an Embry‑Riddle aviation degree helping you reach that goal?
Embry‑Riddle’s unique ability to provide an unmatched educational experience has made the steps needed to achieve my dream both realistic and efficient. Embry‑Riddle offered me a variety of opportunities in a comfortable learning environment. Especially for a non-traditional student, Embry‑Riddle provided demanding, challenging and rewarding academic experiences while still allowing me the flexibility to work my education into my everyday life. Throughout the curriculum, I continued to develop a strong work ethic and critical thinking skills, along with better time management and the ability to adapt. These aspects of Embry‑Riddle are what was necessary for me to continue growing personally and professionally.
What advice would you give someone considering Embry‑Riddle’s aviation degree programs?
Aviation is a field of endless opportunities. Any goal one sets in this industry is achievable with dedication and skill, and Embry‑Riddle provides a wealth of resources and experienced educators to help their students in this pursuit. As someone who grew up an ocean away in a country where dreams like mine are much less realistic, I can attest to how impactful this institution can be in helping someone make their dreams a reality.
- Jorge Canido has big dreams in the aviation industry. With ideas that could transform the world of aeronautics, he decided to pursue not one but two master’s degrees from Embry‑Riddle.
Graduate Student Has High Hopes for the Future of AviationJorge Canido has big dreams in the aviation industry. With ideas that could transform the world of aeronautics, he decided to pursue not one but two master’s degrees from Embry‑Riddle. Although he hails from Bolivia, Canido (‘22, ‘24) attended a German school, where he learned both German and English in addition to his native language of Spanish. Now, he works for a German company based in Miami, Florida, where he speaks the language among his coworkers daily.Emphasis on Education
On top of his full-time job, Canido recently completed his M.S. in Management Information Systems and is currently earning his MBA in Aviation.
About his decision to pursue additional schooling, Canido said he values education. He also considers the affordability of the Embry‑Riddle Worldwide programs and the ability to complete them on his schedule to be major bonuses.
“I have learned a lot of project management skills... It’s the future, project management,” he remarked. “If we want to be in high positions, we have to know effective communication methods, how to manage teams and how to be a resilient leader.”
Transforming the World of Aviation
Canido has taken notice of an untapped market for more efficient commercial flights in South America and wants to be the one to revolutionize it. His goal: to launch his own airline.
His dreams do not stop there. Canido is passionate about increasing accessibility in the world of air travel as well. He wrote his thesis on the topic and credits the inspiration behind his ideas to his best friend, who has ALS (a disease that weakens muscles and motor neurons) and now uses a wheelchair.
“We assume everyone is abled and can get from point A to point B; however, there are people with physical disabilities that don’t have that opportunity,” Jorge shared, continuing, “I think airlines have taken too long to accommodate this type of passenger; if airlines just relied on data, trained their personnel and kept everyone informed, they could significantly improve the travel experience of physically disabled passengers.”
Canido shared that his friend is too nervous to fly because she is concerned about her wheelchair being broken. Data shows that more than one in every 100 wheelchairs packed in the cargo area of domestic flights are damaged, delayed, or lost. * Canido’s friend confided that if something happened to her wheelchair, she would feel like her legs were broken and that she had lost her freedom.
To Shape an Industry
As Canido completes his degree, he will continue to push for his goals to become reality. He understands the importance of strengthening your education and shared his thoughts on why it is relevant to do so in today’s world.
“Learning about current topics at a deep level is so necessary if you want to become the next Steve Jobs, to shape an industry, or to have an impact in the work that you do.”
- M.S. in Leadership student Nick Jacobs looked to the skies for a career change chasing his childhood dream.
M.S. in Leadership: Embry‑Riddle's Next AviatorM.S. in Leadership student Nick Jacobs looked to the skies for a career change chasing his childhood dream.For M.S. in Leadership student Nick Jacobs (‘23), switching his career trajectory was a daunting prospect, but he knew he had to pursue his dream.
“I had a long career in law enforcement, and I decided that I wanted to make a change and chase a childhood dream,” he said.
That turning point came while he was working with the federal air marshals' program as a firearms instructor training pilots, one of whom pulled him aside to tell him he was wasting his talent and should pursue becoming a pilot. That pilot ended up paying for his Discovery flight, also known as an introductory flight, which paved the way for Jacobs to take the first steps in fulfilling his dream.
“I ended up leaving being a police officer and going to flight training,” he said.
And just where did this dream of becoming a pilot come from?
“Watching Top Gun, I’m not even joking,” Jacobs said with a chuckle. “Fast jets. The uniform. The patches. The sounds. Everything.”
The Start of His Aviation Journey
Jacobs began his career in aviation as a security compliance officer for Spirit Airlines, where he gets to blend both his detective and aviation skills. However, he admitted to being nervous and scared about leaving a career he loved.
“You get comfortable, especially if you’re good at it,” he explained. “You have that sense of purpose; you’re helping someone. Going into the corporate world is very different.”
But Jacobs knew he made the right choice.
“Probably the scariest, but I would say the best decision I’ve ever made in my life,” he said confidently.
He also knew that merely working in the aviation industry wasn’t enough for him to fulfill his pilot dreams; that in order to advance, he needed to further his education.
“I was looking to get the biggest return on investment for a master’s program, and I needed to gain a little more experience when it came to management and people skills,” he admitted.
Jacobs took several factors into consideration when choosing the right graduate school, one being the school’s reputation in the aviation sector.
“I’m already in the aviation industry working here at Spirit, so I know the strength that the Embry‑Riddle alumni network has,” he stated.
Jacobs is currently taking his last class for his online master’s degree program before he begins his Capstone project. One of the highlights of his experience has been learning from industry experts. He praised his professors saying, “They’ve been CEOs. They’ve been CFOs. They’ve been in operations. They’ve been change managers. They’ve been all those things we talk about in class, and they can give their own personal story on those things to see how we can apply it.”
Jacobs has also taken full advantage of the vast networking opportunities that have presented themselves during his time at Embry‑Riddle both in and out of the virtual classroom.
“That’s the whole point of graduate school; it’s to build that network if you haven’t already, and if you have that network, you continue it,” he said. “You’re going to run into these people. You never know, especially in the aviation community. It’s so large but it’s so small.”
Even before he walks across the stage to receive his diploma, Jacobs is already applying what he’s learned in his courses.
“I wouldn’t have been able to make some of the tactical and strategic decisions that I’ve made over the last year plus without this program,” he reflects. “I have learned the big picture decisions that managers make, and I didn’t have an understanding of that before.”
Family Support
Jacobs includes his children among his biggest cheerleaders on this journey.
“My kids are a good support system because they want to sit next to me and do their homework, and I actually get to try out some of the leadership stuff with my son,” he said intently. “He plays lacrosse, and he’s at that level now where he doesn’t really need me to hold his hand when it comes to coaching. It’s more a thing of, ‘okay, you’re the leader of the team. How are you going to figure this out? How are you going to motivate these other [kids] to do what you need them to do and win the game?’”
What would be his dream job?
“I’d like to be either the director of operations or chief pilot for a large corporate flight department.” Not forgetting his most important role as a dad, he added, “And I’d also like to coach lacrosse on the side.”
While he works full-time and attends classes, Jacobs is only able to fly enough to keep his pilot’s license current but has plans once his studies conclude.
“After I finish my master’s program here at Embry‑Riddle, I will go back to flying fulltime,” he said excitedly.
- Volusia County students pose around the Embry‑Riddle seal after the workshop led by the Society of Women Engineers Collegiate Section. (Photo: Embry‑Riddle / Sergio Carli)
Engineering Students Host Girls in STEM WorkshopStudents from the Society of Women Engineers Collegiate Section hosted a STEM workshop for elementary school girls.
Nearly 200 girls from Volusia County recently enjoyed a day filled with discovery courtesy of the Society of Women Engineers Collegiate Section Collegiate Section at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus.
The “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Workshop” on Feb. 11 was organized and hosted by Embry‑Riddle students, part of a larger ongoing effort by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) to get young girls excited about and involved in STEM.
Although fun was at the top of the agenda, the true focus wasn’t lost on those who attended.
“It made me feel like girls can have science and math jobs, too,” said Arden Emers, a fourth-grade student from Spruce Creek Elementary. “I like that everyone at the camp was kind and encouraged girls to be more confident about themselves."
Addressing a shortage of women in STEM
That confidence was boosted by the Embry‑Riddle chapter’s 43 student volunteers, who served as role models and mentors as they guided the third, fourth and fifth grade girls through activities that included papermaking and building a roller coaster for marbles along with creating airplane launchers, “binary” bracelets and biodomes [self-contained, self-sustaining, human-made environments].
“It felt great,” said Carly McDonald (’24), who was part of the student committee that planned the day. McDonald, an Aerospace Engineering major, designed the airplane launching event, which involved paper aircraft, rubber bands, pencils and plenty of ingenuity.
“I want them to go in engineering,” said McDonald, who wrote a blog post about the event. “I feel like they're going to be the next generation of Embry‑Riddle students, the future leaders in engineering. And I want to see them down the line when I'm working in the industry, and they come in as an intern or maybe a new hire, and they can say something like, ‘Hey, I was at that workshop, and this is why I'm an engineer.’"
Each event challenged the girls to work together – often with others they didn’t know – to surmount obstacles and devise solutions.
“It fostered teamwork skills, which will be extremely valuable as they continue to grow up,” said Claudia Ehringer Lucas, assistant professor of Engineering and the faculty advisor for STEM Outreach and the student SWE chapter.
Teamwork and help from their female guides enabled the girls to create cool things to take home and offered motivation for potential future projects.
“My favorite activity was making the roller coaster because it inspired me to make another roller coaster at home with LEGOS,” said 10-year-old Angelina Brack, a fifth-grade student at Cypress Creek Elementary.
The biodome, or “cool plants in a bottle,” was a major highlight for Florida Virtual School student Madison Garcia, a 9-year-old from Daytona Beach.
“My favorite part was learning about plants, especially the redwood trees,” Madison said.
Third-grader Valentina Brack, an 8-year-old from Cypress Creek Elementary, said her favorite activity was using “beads to create bracelets with coding.”
The 186 female students from private, public and home schools around the county were accompanied by a contingent of interested parents, which brought home another key objective of the event.
“Parent involvement is so important,” Ehringer Lucas said. “By registering their child, they took the first step, and they are encouraging their daughters to learn from new environments and experiences.”
Vanessa Emers, Arden’s mom, is a teacher who gave the event high marks.
“I love that this was not only a learning experience in educational topics but also a day of discovery and character building,” said Emers, a Port Orange resident. “My daughter couldn't wait to share how much she learned. She beamed with confidence and enthusiasm at the end of the day.”
What does it mean to be a woman in STEM?
Instilling enthusiasm for STEM and building the confidence to pursue it were among the objectives of the workshop, which reflected the overarching mission of SWE to give women engineers a unique place and voice in the engineering industry.
The success of this year’s event showcased how Embry‑Riddle students are empowered to share their own experience and knowledge in a way that makes a direct impact on generations that will follow them to college and beyond. It is among the many opportunities Eagles are offered to build practical experience and shape the future even before they earn their degrees.
“I felt proud that of all the work that the entire committee had put in, it resulted in a really successful event,” McDonald said. “All the children seemed to be happy to participate, and so I was glad that they were immersing themselves like I would've at that age.”
The event also helped directly dispel some of the myths about women in STEM.
“This workshop represented a wonderful opportunity for young girls to first begin to explore career paths and interests in areas that have long been considered unusual for females to participate in,” Ehringer Lucas said. “I am very proud of all the young women and girls who took part in this important event, both as young students engaging in new hands-on activities and as the volunteers guiding them.”
- Embry‑Riddle offers Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) students opportunities to participate in innovative and impactful research opportunities.
UAS: Boldly Going Where No Drone Has Gone BeforeEmbry‑Riddle offers Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) students opportunities to participate in innovative and impactful research opportunities.Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) major Jose Cabrera’s (‘22, ‘24) reason for choosing to attend Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University was simple.
“Embry‑Riddle is the premier aeronautical university in the world.”
And why UAS?
“UAS is the next frontier, and I want to leave my mark in the industry, whether it's research, building UAS or developing the next generation of UAS technology,“ he said.
Cabrera has made effective and impactful use of his time at Embry‑Riddle, leading a number of cutting-edge research projects whose foundations in UAS technology are catapulting the field into the future.
UAS Research Opportunities
He was the team lead for a research project that explored how weather predictions affect flying small, un-crewed aircraft systems (sUAS) in populated areas, the goal being to test UAS delivery potential along simulated delivery routes.
UAS student Jose Cabrera ('22, '24) standing beside his peers and colleagues holding an uncrewed aircraft system used to observe endangered sea turtle behavior. (Photo: Jose Cabrera)"Micro weather forecasting is essential for paving the way for drone delivery and air taxis,” Cabrera explained. “Soon, hundreds of aircraft will fly low in heavily populated areas, so this research is vital to the success of this new industry."
Extreme weather has a dramatic effect on the farming industry, and UAS technology is empowering farmers to help recover from and reduce the effects of extreme weather by using drones to survey land complement supply satellite imagery, giving farmers helpful information they can use to minimize damage to crops in the future. It was a project near and dear to Cabrera’s heart because the research took place in Puerto Rico, reminding him of his roots.
“My grandparents came from the farms of Puerto Rico for a better life in the United States,” he conveyed. “The happiness I feel to see the beautiful landscape and give back to the community my grandparents were a part of is breathtaking and fills me with pride."
Cabrera also led research efforts for the Turtle Tech project, tracking endangered sea turtle behavior off the coast of Florida, as well as prescribed fire research which consisted of flying drones over controlled burns collecting atmospheric data which he said will “have a big effect on not only public safety, but also make it safer for firefighters that put their lives on the line every day.”
Additionally, Cabrera has lent his voice as a Bird Strike Committee speaker discussing “how UAS technologies could be safely and effectively applied to identify hazardous wildlife species to aviation operations as well as potential wildlife hazard attractants within the airport jurisdiction.”
With all this experience under his belt, Cabrera plans on using his skills and knowledge for the greater good.
“I love solving problems, so I think that is how I would use [UAS], whether it is research or development,” he stated. “I will use the skills learned here to help the UAS and aerospace industries and humankind as a whole.”
- Embry‑Riddle's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) degree program offers students opportunities to apply this newer technology in innovative ways.
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems: Opportunity is in the AirEmbry‑Riddle's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) degree program offers students opportunities to apply this newer technology in innovative ways.Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University's Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) bachelor’s degree program, the first accredited UAS program in the country, offers unique and exciting opportunities in a rapidly growing and evolving field. Students learn from professors who are industry pioneers, top in their field and who understand the direction the industry is headed.
“A lot of people have said we’re at the Wright Brothers’ age of UAS,” said UAS major John Christensen (‘24). “When you think of flying practically, there are barriers that man can’t really pass when it comes to flight. That’s not the same for autonomous flying or uncrewed flying. There’s going to be a lot of discoveries, a lot of new doors that are going to be opened on the UAS front and I want to be a part of that.”
UAS major Michael D'Alonzo ('23) has used drones to investigate the damaging impact Hurricane Ian has had on the local community of Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo: Micahel D'Alonzo)Students can get involved in important research using UAS technology and Michael D’Alonzo (‘23) appreciates how the program is focused on “giving students opportunities out of the classroom.” He took part in a project surveying and assessing storm damage to a Daytona Beach church after Hurricane Ian ripped through Florida.
The project consisted of flying uncrewed autonomous vehicles (UAVs) over the structure, taking pictures of different sections at various angles. D’Alonzo then created a presentation using the photos to help brief church leaders.
Christensen is a pilot for the Turtle Tech project, which uses drones to track the nesting habits of endangered sea turtles. Not only has he gained valuable experience, but he has made important connections with industry giants who attend launch events, such as Raytheon, Northrop Grumman and Censys—the latter of which made the Sentaero uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) used in the project.
UAS Tech Club
Christensen enhances his UAS experience as president of the UAS Tech Club where he plans missions for its members, which includes everything from surveying to mapping. He also educates members on how UAS can be integrated in business.
“There’s a whole business side where it’s being applied, and it’s attracting more people to the UAS degree and showing the opportunities that will be opening up in the next few years in the field,” he stated.
As a past president of the UAS Tech Club, D’Alonzo was described as a “super student leader” by Dr. Dan Macchiarella, aeronautical science professor, who “enabled students to get valuable UAS experience with the club while working with students from a variety of degree programs.”
Creating Unique UAS Opportunities
The program has created unique opportunities for students, such as a trip to Arizona and New Mexico in summer 2022 to work with archaeologists mapping out ancient cities. In summer 2023, the program will take Christensen to Argentina, where he will earn nine credits flying UAVs at high altitude in the Andes Mountains. He will also have the chance to learn their aviation laws and teach local pilots who want to know how UAS is applied outside of recreational activities.
“I think Riddle has done a really good job of opening a lot of those worldwide opportunities,” he said.
“It’s something that not a lot of colleges offer,” D’Alonzo states about the uniqueness of the UAS program. “This is a really good spot to be.”
Christensen knows he made the right decision choosing Embry‑Riddle and appreciates everything the UAS program has afforded him. He knows he will graduate prepared to make an impact.
- Internships are an integral piece of education for students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and students are given unique resources and opportunities to get the best internships for them.
The Value of Internships in CollegeInternships are an integral piece of education for students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and students are given unique resources and opportunities to get the best internships for them.College graduates entering the workforce with a bachelor’s degree have the fresh knowledge and education that employers appreciate, but even entry-level jobs today often require a year or more of experience in the field. How can students earn that experience while studying full-time? Internships!
Internships for college students can be paid or unpaid, but always pay in valuable work experience and often college credit. Through Embry‑Riddle’s Career Services, students can use the Handshake platform to find internships or co-ops that may be right for them.
In an internship, students will gain important mentoring and supervision from their company’s employees, often working in positions shadowing others as trainees or assistants. They can take place over the summer or during a regular school semester, and range in length from a few weeks to a full year.
Our past and present students have held a vast range of internships across all disciplines in a variety of settings:
- Gabriella Reece (’23) completed a summer internship assisting with autopsies for a county medical examiner’s office as a Forensic Biology major.
- Avery Katz (’21) interned on Capitol Hill with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee while studying Homeland Security.
- Janessa Sloane (’23) held a summer internship with the Society of Physics Students national internship program as a Space Physics student.
Gaining hands-on experience in a toxicology lab or bumping elbows with national legislators can be the gateway to expanding one’s network or step toward landing a job after graduation. Students are sometimes hired into full-time roles by the companies with which they have interned.
We have a fantastic track record with our student interns and dozens of companies bring their recruitment searches to our on-campus job fairs. Opportunity awaits the students at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University.
- Letsy Gonzalez (‘23), president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), reveals what makes the Prescott Campus community so special.
Eagle Finds Familia Away from Home at Embry‑RiddleLetsy Gonzalez (‘23), president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), reveals what makes the Prescott Campus community so special.Letsy Dayana Gonzalez is a senior majoring in Software Engineering with minors in Systems Engineering and Cyber Security & Intelligence. Gonzalez is also president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), an organization focused on empowering the Hispanic community and making a global impact through STEM.
“SHPE changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development,” Gonzalez said. “SHPE’s vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians and engineers.”
The Prescott SHPE Chapter was recently awarded a National Chapter of the Year Award for their success in spreading the organization's mission in their community. Gonzalez believes the group’s emphasis on the four core values of Familia, Service, Education and Resilience is the key to their success.
What led the Prescott Chapter to be nominated for the SHPE National Chapter of the Year award?
“SHPE’s National Chapter Award is the highest honor that can be bestowed to a chapter. This accolade is given to a chapter in recognition of the role it plays as SHPE’s North Star. This chapter has reached a very high degree of excellence in showing all four of SHPE’s core values: Familia, Service, Education and Resilience. They have continuously led and executed life-changing services and programs for the people in their community and serve as a model for the rest of the SHPE Familia. As a chapter, we were able to grow in various aspects of the organization which allowed us to develop into the chapter we are today.”
How did you first hear about the SHPE and how did you join?
“Being a first-generation college student, I was looking for clubs or organizations where I was able to make friends as well as get to know people that might have similar interests. SHPE is a familia away from home, somewhere where you can grow as an individual as well as professionally to get you ready for the real world. Plus, you do not have to be an engineer to join or be Hispanic. It is open to everyone to join.”
What did it mean to the SHPE Prescott Chapter to win this award?
“Being able to add another award for our SHPE Prescott Chapter was an amazing feeling. Being such a small campus and chapter compared to other universities, it was always something we would have never thought we would get. But after hard work and dedication from our board and our members, we were able to accomplish it. By adding the SHPE National Chapter Award we were able to acknowledge that all our hard work was completely worth it. Now we just strive to do our best each year.”
What led you to major in Software Engineering?
“When I was accepted to go to Embry‑Riddle I was planning on majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Then in my sophomore year I noticed that I had more of an interest in software and coding. So, I decided to change my major and have had such an amazing time learning more about what Software Engineering consists of and how I can apply this at my job.”
What has it been like as a student at Embry‑Riddle's Prescott Campus?
“Pursuing a degree in engineering as a young female here at the Prescott Campus is great because we also have other young females in our class. Due to the Software Engineering program being small, you can get to know your classmates pretty well, which isn't something seen in bigger universities.”
What advice would you give to new students looking to join a club or organization on campus?
“I know that it is scary to get out of one's comfort zone. But once you do you can see how you grow in so many aspects and begin to blossom and take roles you never thought you would have done. Clubs and organizations are a great way to do that, which is what breaks the ice and might even encourage you to take a lead role in bigger projects.”
Gonzalez has a bright future ahead as she prepares to graduate in the spring. After participating in an internship with Northrop Grumman for the past three years, she has secured a full-time position with the aerospace and defense company as a Modeling, Simulation and Analysis Engineer. She also aspires to continue her education by pursuing a graduate degree in the future. Yet, thanks to her experience with Embry‑Riddle and SHPE, she feels prepared for new challenges and opportunities.
“I have learned so much being with SHPE here at Embry‑Riddle,” she said. “Thanks to the leadership experience within SHPE Prescott chapter and the work experience I have gained, taking a leadership role within my capstone group as a Test Lead Engineer was a smooth transition and nevertheless an opportunity to grow.”
- JaciLynn Poteet (’21) once felt like she was behind all her classmates, but now she’s ensuring rocket launch safety.
Aerospace Engineering Graduate Ensures Safety for FAAJaciLynn Poteet (’21) once felt like she was behind all her classmates, but now she’s ensuring rocket launch safety.Discovering ERAU Summer Camp
Growing up in a small town with a three-digit population in rural Arizona didn’t present JaciLynn Poteet with many diverse opportunities for growth. Playing in the dirt throughout her childhood, she had imagined she’d grow up to work in construction like most people around her did. Poteet knew she enjoyed math and science, but after attending an Embry‑Riddle summer camp in high school, she had a newfound interest.
“I knew I wanted to be an engineer after I realized I couldn’t be the next Taylor Swift,” Poteet said. Instead of becoming an international popstar, she was inspired by the professors at the summer camp and ultimately chose to earn her B.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Embry‑Riddle.
Poteet in front of the Falcon 9 booster after completing an inspection at SpaceX Headquarters. (Photo: JaciLynn Poteet)After graduating in May 2021—it was a virtual ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic—she was nervous about starting her career with no internships under her belt.
“I felt really behind all my peers,” she said.
Up until that point, her resume was made up of grocery store jobs that ended up working to her advantage during her job search. The customer service experience and interpersonal skills she gained working in retail translated to the communication that’s necessary in her current job.
Working for the FAA
Poteet works as a Commercial Space Transportation Safety Inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Her job is to ensure launch operators are in compliance with federal regulations and licenses. She said this is “something I didn’t think I would be anything close to doing until much later in my career.”
Though her job involves a lot of paperwork, it has taken her to New Zealand, which Poteet recounted as a great feat against her own fears and anxiety. But she’s not letting impostor syndrome or doubts get in her way.
“Being a woman in the field, I do a lot of second guessing,” she said. An estimated 11% of aerospace engineers are women, but women like Poteet are shrinking the gap.
No Fear as an Aerospace Engineer
She’s proud of the hard work she’s put in over the years. “Overcoming the fears that I’ve had—not only professionally, but just as a person—I’ve been really proud of that recently, and just enduring some of the hardships of life while still graduating and getting myself to where I am now,” Poteet said.
If landing a job at the FAA with grocery store experience and a bachelor’s degree has taught Poteet anything, it’s to leverage yourself and believe in your own potential.
“Focus on the experience that you do have and how you can make that work for you professionally, instead of focusing on the experience that you don’t have,” she said. “I didn’t apply for a lot of jobs that I was probably more qualified for than I believed.”
- When it comes to taking her aviation career to a new level, Anastasia-Andreaa Panaitescu (’24) is definitely hitting the high notes.
Embry-Riddle Aviation Degree is Music to Her EarsWhen it comes to taking her aviation career to a new level, Anastasia-Andreaa Panaitescu (’24) is definitely hitting the high notes.The 23-year-old Romanian native is an accomplished singer and performer who fell in love with aviation as a young girl and now has herself on course to earn a Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University to go along with her bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest.
“My brother is a civil aviation captain,” Anastasia said. “He instilled in me a love for this field.Since then, I started to be interested and listen carefully to any information related to aviation. With the passing of the years, it became a passion that’s defined my life.”
Anastasia is currently studying online through the Worldwide Campus but exploring the option of studying abroad in the U.S. She said Embry‑Riddle was an easy choice for her advanced aviation degree.
“It became apparent quite quickly that Embry‑Riddle is the most prestigious university in the world in the field of aviation,” she said. “Likewise, it has kept abreast of the current and future needs of the industry. The outstanding career opportunities offered after completing my studies at Embry‑Riddle convinced me that this university was the best choice.”
Anastasia’s degree journey is off to a great start. She says that so far, Embry‑Riddle has been “the best and most transforming academic experience of my life.”
“The core values of the American educational system encourage and stimulate performance, research, qualitative individual and team effort, gender equality and multicultural diversity,” she said. “These values, which are fundamental for me, help foster my ability to receive and give back while having the opportunity of both personal and professional development in an environment of academic integrity.”
Anastasia is now investing the same energy into aviation as she did into her career as a teenage singer, when she represented Romania as part of the Children Forever vocal group. She performed all over Europe and eventually took on the role of organizer and teacher for the younger vocalists.
“The group helped me to discover the importance of teamwork,” she said. “In music, everyone's effort is vital towards a common magical goal: to make the public feel what you feel. Having this engrained at such young age through this wonderful art form was very enriching and satisfying.”
The lessons have served her well. Anastasia was among the key organizers of the 2021 Air Navigation Convention, an international event that brings aviation professionals together with students to strengthen the link between generations and help students launch their professional careers.
She is also among the pioneering members of #AviAll, an association of equity advocates across aviation who share a common vision and are working to making the industry as diverse and inclusive as possible.
Wherever she lands when her degree journey is complete, Anastasia is excited about the potential for her aviation career and confident that Embry‑Riddle will help her make the most of it.
- Embry‑Riddle senior Isabella Novo (‘23) has always wanted to become an astronaut. Now, after landing a position at NASA, she is one step closer to that dream coming true.
Embry‑Riddle Student is Sure to Shine at NASA: Isabella NovoEmbry‑Riddle senior Isabella Novo (‘23) has always wanted to become an astronaut. Now, after landing a position at NASA, she is one step closer to that dream coming true.The day Isabella Novo applied to attend Embry‑Riddle was also the day she first heard of it. But as someone who has dreamed of floating amongst the stars since childhood, she was immediately drawn to the curriculum, like-minded students and the campus’ proximity to the space coast in Florida.
“It’s not too big and it’s not too small. I’m surrounded by the most brilliant student body,” she shared. “When I leave here, I’m so desensitized to the fact that everyone here just talks about things like propulsion, math, aeronautics and everything. I don’t think I’d find this experience anywhere else... I don’t think I’ve seen as advanced of a student body as the brains here.”
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
On top of her dedication to university coursework in Computational Mathematics, Novo became a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Today, she is secretary of the on-campus organization. Her drive to succeed and enthusiasm are what got her there.
“Before becoming secretary, I had another position. I threw myself into it! The first meeting I went to, I rose my hand and I applied for the position. Honestly, SHPE has been the greatest experience I have had on campus,” she gushed. “I’ve met the greatest friends, I’ve excelled professionally, academically and socially... Honestly, I owe all the internships, all the job offers and the current job I have now to SHPE.”
Near the end of 2022, Novo attended the SHPE convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is an opportunity for members to meet and potentially interview with over 200 STEM-oriented companies. Of 41 Embry‑Riddle attendees, 93% took part in at least one interview at the conference. Novo left the convention with six job offers, all from top organizations. From NASA, she got something else: an opportunity to fly to Houston for a second interview. “Leaving out of there, 10-year-old me was like, ‘Whaaat, that’s incredible, finally,’” she remembered.
Career Building at NASA
After two more “grueling” interviews, NASA offered her the position. Thinking back, Novo said, “When they told me, I was able to sit back and look at all the hardships I went through and overcame and saw this was the fruits of my labor... I think that day I didn’t even do anything crazy. I just… simmered and sat with my emotions. I was just like ‘let me soak up this moment.’”
At NASA, Novo will be working on the life support system for the International Space Station. But her final goal is still the same: to become an astronaut. "That's my long-term goal,” she shared. “I’ve always had an issue, where I can see very far in the future and I can see right now, but I can’t see anything that’s in the middle. But now that I have this position, I can see what’s in the middle.”
The Key to Success at Embry‑Riddle
Novo’s advice to other college students pertains to confidence, open-mindedness and getting out of your comfort zone.
“Do not compare yourself to other people… I found that comparing myself to other people only brought my self-esteem down. I just needed to look inward and think okay, what can I learn? Not what am I good at. How can I propel myself forward and just throw myself out there?” she said.
“Literally throw yourself out there. Join organizations, put yourself in uncomfortable situations, don’t ever cut yourself short… It’s going to look like you hit a rock wall, but there’s always more room, there’s always another corner somewhere else.”
- This Embry‑Riddle Worldwide student is making a difference in the lives of others through aviation.
Eagle Spreads the Joy of AviationThis Embry‑Riddle Worldwide student is making a difference in the lives of others through aviation.Early Love for Aviation
Based in Hawaii, Nobi Buntin is a self-described overachiever and multitasker who has pivoted her life and career several times but has never forgotten a passion for flight that began in childhood.
“I took my first airplane ride when I was seven,” Buntin recalled. “I had a blast and immediately wanted to become a pilot.”
However, she knew her family did not have the finances for flight training, so her dream was put on hold. That didn’t stop her from making the most of flights, as she helped the flight attendants with service and enjoyed sitting in the flight deck with the captains.
“I was a little flight attendant at the age of 10,” Buntin said.
Years later, she worked as a flight attendant until an injury forced her to stop. After a couple of years of rehabilitation, Buntin decided she wanted to get back in the sky and pursue her long-shelved dream of becoming a pilot. With the support of her husband and three children, she started her flight training in 2016.
Aloha Aviators
When COVID-19 struck the Hawaiian Islands in 2020, shipments of goods were not making it beyond Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. Buntin saw a need and founded Aloha Aviators, a non-profit organization. She and others worked to sew and distribute face masks to healthcare workers and ensured the outer islands received supplies and produce, along with food for animals in shelters.
As the pandemic wound down, Aloha Aviators pivoted to serving homeless youth on the Big Island of Hawaii, donating money and flight time to keep teens out of trouble.
Buntin wants to spread the word about the joy of aviation as much as possible. She invites mentees with her on Aloha Aviators missions to give them experience in a plane and determine if aviation is for them. She informs them about scholarships and lends as much help as she can. She even promotes Embry‑Riddle and tells others about her positive experience with the university.
Education Meets Aviation
Attending Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University was an easy decision for Buntin.
“It’s the Harvard of aviation,” she said. She started taking courses online in 2019, studying Aeronautics with a minor in Human Resources.
She tells others in aviation about what Embry‑Riddle has to offer: “Not a lot of people realize that credits can be transferred from FAA certificates that you earn.”
Before flying, she was an educator for 35 years, even opening her own preschool and kindergarten. Now a flight instructor, she hasn’t lost that enthusiasm for teaching. She’s mentored dozens of students, from high school to college to working for major airlines, and they keep in touch with her to share their successes.
“I love when I’ve been able to connect with my mentees, and they write me or call me to tell me ‘I got this check ride,’ or ‘I passed this exam.’ When they check back in with me, I think that’s my proud moment, where I’ve been able to connect and foster the next generation. They’re excited and happy for what I’ve shared with them.”
It’s so meaningful when somebody thinks of you that highly, but I’m just being me and I enjoy helping people and I don’t think much of it.
She explained the burnout that can happen along the journey of flight training, but noted that another aspect of Aloha Aviators that makes the work meaningful is “bringing back the joy and helping people realize why they started the journey in the first place.”
Her main piece of advice for future aviators is to surround yourself with people who are going to be honest with you and share not only successes, but failures.
Buntin was also adamant about not losing the passion for aviation. “Go out for joyrides now and then, and don’t be too focused on getting things done, because you got to have fun.”
- Long Beach, California, native Giselle Angulo discovered her passion for flight through a desire to travel the world. Now, with the Boeing Scholars program, she’s training to become a pilot and diversifying the field of aviation.
Boeing Scholar's Passion for Travel Gives Her WingsLong Beach, California, native Giselle Angulo discovered her passion for flight through a desire to travel the world. Now, with the Boeing Scholars program, she’s training to become a pilot and diversifying the field of aviation.Angulo, a graduate of Long Beach Polytechnic High School and a Latina first-generation college student, is among The Boeing Company’s 2022 class of scholars supported by $3 million endowment to expand and diversify the aviation workforce. Before applying for the Boeing Scholars program, Angulo had only become interested in the aviation industry during her junior year of high school before learning about Embry‑Riddle.
What began your interest in flight?
I wasn't sure what I wanted to pursue a career in, so I started researching jobs that would allow me to travel often. Being a pilot stood out to me. I wondered why I had never thought to become a pilot before and I came to the conclusion that there aren't enough women in this field.
What motivated you to become a pilot?
While I was talking to a teacher about my plan to become a pilot, he put me in contact with one of his students that had the same interest. He told me that he would be doing his degree in aeronautical science, so I learned about it and thought it would be the best option for me as well.
I wanted to become a pilot because I thought it'd be exciting to be one a few women in aviation. When I began my flight training, I realized that I enjoy flying and learning more and more about airplanes and how they operate under different conditions.
How did you learn about Embry‑Riddle's Prescott, Arizona, Campus?
I learned about Embry‑Riddle from my search of good schools to pursue a degree in aviation. I decided to come to the Prescott Campus because it is the one closest to home.
How does it feel to be a Boeing Scholar?
I am one of about 24 Boeing Scholars attending the Prescott campus. After talking to Kevin Hewerdine, Prescott Campus’ Executive Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development, I learned that the goal is to encourage more pilots in the field so that Boeing may have people flying more of their planes in the future. It feels like an honor to be working with Boeing. When I told my family about the scholarship, my dad was extremely proud of me to have landed a scholarship with such a big company like Boeing.
What has your Embry‑Riddle experience been like so far?
Riddle has been a great learning experience. Coming with no knowledge of the aviation field, I am proud of my progress within my classes and with my flight training. I am excited to earn my Private Pilot Certificate so that I can take my parents on a flight with me as the pilot.
As a first-year flight student, have you had any opportunities to fly?
I started my flight training in the middle of October, so I've gotten to fly a few times. My instructor tells me that I am making good progress given that I only started flying here at Riddle. It's a bit stressful trying to remember everything that goes into flying, but overall, it's pretty fun.
What are your future aspirations in flight?
I plan on being a Certified Flight Instructor here at Riddle for a couple years and then going to the airlines. I'm not sure which one yet, I just know that my ultimate goal is to go overseas. I am a first generation Hispanic, so eventually I'd like to fly to Mexico.
What advice would you have to high school students interested in aviation?
My advice would be to review documents such as SOPA (Standard Operating Procedures Amplifier), PIM (Procedures Information Manual) and know a bit about aviation if you don't already. It's certainly possible to learn everything you need to know at Riddle, though!
- The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) selected two Embry‑Riddle students and one faculty member to participate in the inaugural Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) program.
Team Selected to Engage with Washington Policymakers on ResearchThe Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) selected two Embry‑Riddle students and one faculty member to participate in the inaugural Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) program.Congratulations to Clarissa Pavao ('23), Space Physics; Amanda Zhu ('23), Aviation Business Administration; and Dr. Noel D. Richardson, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy.
The three will work together to communicate the importance of undergraduate research, scholarship and the creative inquiry experience.
“The goal is to get undergraduate researchers in front of policymakers and to impact and engage with organizations such as the National Science Foundation and others,” said Richardson.
Scholars Transforming Through Research
Space Physics student Clarissa Pavao ('23) at the Prescott, Arizona campus. (Photo: Embry‑Riddle / Connor McShane)
This six-month program kicked off with a two-day training session in Washington D.C. where scholars learned how to develop policy briefs.
“They train you how to write it, what goes into it, how to make it work for different audiences,” said Richardson.
Over the next several months, the team will work to define and refine their project, with the help of periodic online STR mentoring sessions before pitching to policymakers at a Virtual Spring Showcase in April 2023. There are 75 teams participating in the program, representing 62 institutions from 28 states.
“The Washington trip was one of the best academic trips I have ever experienced. This is such a wonderful opportunity. We met a lot of researchers from various universities and learned how to influence the world and help more people through research,” said Zhu.
The Embry‑Riddle Advantage
“The experience was really eye-opening. I had no idea other universities in the U.S. don’t have the access to undergraduate research funding like we do here,” said Pavao. “At Embry‑Riddle, students can apply for their own research funding (with a research mentor). Elsewhere, most students must rely on their mentor to apply for external grants that are usually very competitive, and funding is very limited for most of them.”
“We want to work on ways of bolstering undergraduate research through national funding mandates like the recently passed CHIPS act,” said Richardson. Specifically, the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 has language in Section 10312 to “provide students with hands-on training and research experiences” and to “develop and scale up successful models for providing students with hands-on course-based research experiences.”
Although the CHIPS act was passed into law in August 2022, funding has not yet been allocated to specific projects creating an opportunity to advocate for more course-based, undergraduate research.
Advocating for Undergraduate Research
“I found the CUR program to be extremely helpful. We learned how to write policies for congressional members, and we learned how to contact those members and pitch our policies. This opportunity was so enlightening and super fun to meet new people and talk about everyone’s different research projects,” said Pavao.
“We are excited to be a part of the inaugural CUR STR program as it expands our ability to advocate for undergraduate research and scholarly and creative inquiry (URSCI) within our community and at the national and international levels. It also gives our students an opportunity to take a leadership role in this process,” said Dr. Anne Boettcher, Assistant Dean of Researcher, Undergraduate Research Institute.
- Boeing Scholar Samuel Low is on his way to fulfilling his childhood dream thanks to The Boeing Company.
Aeronautical Science Major and Boeing Scholar’s Airfield of DreamsBoeing Scholar Samuel Low is on his way to fulfilling his childhood dream thanks to The Boeing Company.Since he was young, Aeronautical Science major and Boeing Scholar Samuel Low (‘25) has been fascinated with flying and dreamed of becoming a pilot.
“I’ve always had a childlike fascination with many things surrounding aviation, whether that’s walking through the flight operations building and seeing flight instructors with their students, or seeing pilots walk through terminals at an airport,” he said.
When weighing his options about which college to attend, Low was looking for a highly recognized flight program close to his home state of California and chose Embry‑Riddle's Prescott Campus for not just the quality of its program, but small class sizes as well.
Boeing Scholar
Low was selected to be a Boeing Scholar, which is an initiative developed by The Boeing Company available to underrepresented minority students who express interest in aeronautical science and aviation maintenance science. Being chosen for the program came as a welcome surprise to Low.
“It meant a lot to me knowing that one of the most recognizable companies not only in aviation, but also on the global stage, recognized me and was willing to invest in my future,” he said.
And Low appreciates the financial burden that has been lifted because of Boeing’s generosity.
“The scholarship itself has been tremendously helpful in supporting me financially,” he stated. “I’ve also been told that I might be able to go down to the Boeing facility in Mesa, and I’m super excited for that!”
Classes Take Flight
Low enjoys the freedom and flexibility that college has to offer and likes that he can dedicate his time to subject matter he’s excited about, “rather than just working mindlessly to earn a grade in a class that I am not too passionate about.”
He is particularly enjoying his flight physiology class because his instructor has a lifetime of flight experience and teaches in a way that makes learning fun.
“The course content also explains a lot of questions I’ve always had about flight and the human body,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed doing cross country flight plans into different airports.”
Low has some great advice if you’re thinking of embarking on a career in aviation.
“I would say that it is important to monitor the way you compare yourself to others,” advises Low. “While comparing yourself to others isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it can challenge you to better yourself, it often leads to negative thought cycles that I’ve fallen victim to countless times. Looking up to people should be something that inspires you to work harder rather than becoming bitter or making up excuses.”
Low plans to one day be a captain for a major airline or “even fly private jets around the world.”
“Envisioning what my future could be constantly inspires me to continue putting in hard work to get closer and closer to my goals,” he said.
- A scholarship from Boeing aids this aerospace and occupational safety student in reaching her goals at Embry‑Riddle.
Boeing Scholar Program Helps an Eagle Prepare for TakeoffA scholarship from Boeing aids this aerospace and occupational safety student in reaching her goals at Embry‑Riddle.Meet Odalis Bonilla: Embry‑Riddle first-year student, Aerospace and Occupational Safety major and Boeing Scholar. She was selected as one of 15 Embry‑Riddle students to receive scholarship funds and additional career-boosting opportunities with the conglomerate, which is among the largest global aerospace manufacturers in the world.
Bonilla (’25) is a member of several organizations: AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association), Dancing Eagles, Latino Pilots Association, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and Women in Aviation International. The future aviator is not only interested in flight; she also has a motorcycle license!
In an initiative to grow the number of women and people of color in the aviation workforce, The Boeing Company’s $3 million contribution gives scholarships to a select few Embry‑Riddle students pursuing flight and aircraft maintenance.
“I could not be more grateful for the opportunity I was given,” Bonilla said about being chosen for the prestigious scholarship.
Where are you from? What was it like growing up?
I moved around a lot growing up. I was born in Houston, Texas, but finished middle school and high school in Asheville, North Carolina. Growing up was chaotic and a constant cycle of change. I had to learn to adapt and live in the moment instead of always anticipating the bad. I am extremely grateful for my parents and siblings. I’ve made it this far because of their support.
What interested you most about Embry‑Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus?
I fell in love with the campus when I toured Embry‑Riddle as a senior in high school. I loved the idea of being so close to the beach while having the airport view from dorms or while studying. I had also heard excellent things about their programs.
What drew you to study Aerospace and Occupational Safety?
I really love flying and it is my dream to be an airline pilot, however, I feel it is important to have a backup plan. If for whatever reason in the future I become medically grounded, I still have a career to pursue. It also serves as more in-depth knowledge of accident prevention.
How will the Boeing Scholar program benefit you?
I hope to learn even more from those who have already been in my shoes. A lot of Boeing employees and leaders have gone through experiences that are valuable. I enjoy hearing stories on projects they've helped with or how they've learned to move past their mistakes and forward.
I have already been given great opportunities such as the opportunity to visit the Boeing facility in Charleston, South Carolina, and the ability to network with Boeing employees.
How is Embry‑Riddle preparing you for the future?
Classes make me dig deeper into scenarios and ensure we think outside the box. They allow room for error and correct us without being demeaning.
What is your favorite Embry‑Riddle experience so far?
The connections I have made. I have met some amazing people and I get inspired hearing their stories.
I have really enjoyed my current classes. The professors are very patient when we need help and I know I have resources, so I don’t fall behind.
What’s it like living on the Daytona Beach Campus?
I love how I am getting to meet and live with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I have become really close with my suitemates and roommate.
What are your plans after you graduate?
After graduation, I plan on working as a CFI until I have enough hours to work as an airline pilot.
Do you have any advice for future Embry‑Riddle students?
My advice for future students is to learn to put themselves out there. Socializing can be very intimidating the first couple of days, but everyone is in the same position. Just be yourself and have fun!
- M.S. in Human Security & Resilience student Kaitlynn Stookey is already applying her classroom lessons to real world problems.
M.S. in Human Security & Resilience Degree Already Paying Off for Grad StudentM.S. in Human Security & Resilience student Kaitlynn Stookey is already applying her classroom lessons to real world problems.While Kaitlynn Stookey (’23) is pursuing her M.S. in Human Security & Resilience with an eye toward the future, the lessons she’s learning in the graduate degree program are also making a profound difference for her right now.
Stookey is a Civilian Program Manager for the United States Air Force stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, working in the Foreign Military Sales sector. Her job involves building relationships with international partners that focus on building the capacity of their military defense with programs and services that also aid in U.S. national security.
She says the real-time, real-life scenarios she is exposed to in her Embry‑Riddle classes are complementing her direct daily experience.
“The program has given me a deeper awareness of the multifaceted, complex and interwoven layers that impact security and resilience,” Stookey said. “It has also equipped me with useful methods and practices to implement within my work area.”
What is a Human Security & Resilience Degree at Embry‑Riddle?
Embry‑Riddle’s Worldwide Campus created its unique program in Human Security & Resilience for students who want to focus on the ability of populations to withstand and recover from internal and external shocks that range from extreme weather to terrorism and armed conflict, among other challenges.
The 30-credit online program is offered through the Department of Security and Emergency Services in the College of Arts and Sciences and tailored to recent graduates and working professionals who want to advance their careers in this complex specialty.
Graduates of the Human Security & Resilience master's program are equipped to seek solutions that not only ensure safety after a catastrophe but also help to identify and prevent future incidences.
Relevant Lessons for Real Life
Students benefit from being part of a cutting-edge program whose curriculum is designed to align with current events and security practices, policy and law.
Stookey says she feels “an obligation to make a difference as I further understand current events and global issues in more depth. The degree program is providing me with tools to be more effective and I am eager to share this knowledge in the field.”
At Embry‑Riddle, students like Stookey have the opportunity to learn key concepts from military officers, scholars, historians and professionals with experience in defense, environmental security, population health, international business, political science, humanitarian law and other relevant disciplines.
Objectives for graduates include understanding the driving factors behind global, regional and national trends, learning about the challenges of recovery and conducting research and analyzing statistics with an emphasis on studying stressors that disrupt daily life.
Where Can You Work With a Degree in Human Security?
The program can help open career paths to positions with local, state and federal governments, along with a number of non-governmental organizations and other groups dedicated to disaster relief and prevention.
As she prepares for graduation, Stookey has her sights set on a federal government job and she says the classes have already made a major impact on her.
“I now have a different worldview and personal perspective about life, and I owe that to this program,” Stookey said.
- Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University is widely known for the quality of its faculty and the real-world experience they bring into their classrooms and labs. Our students learn from the best and brightest in the field and gain insight into the intricacies of the industry before ever entering the workforce.
Embry-Riddle Professors Use Expertise to Prepare StudentsEmbry‑Riddle Aeronautical University is widely known for the quality of its faculty and the real-world experience they bring into their classrooms and labs. Our students learn from the best and brightest in the field and gain insight into the intricacies of the industry before ever entering the workforce. While Embry‑Riddle’s curriculum teaches the skills and knowledge needed for success in the industry, our faculty also impart first-hand knowledge from their time in the field. This transfer of knowledge allows our graduates to be prepared for the real-life scenarios they’ll experience in their jobs. Three Embry‑Riddle professors share how they use their professional expertise to prepare students for their careers.
Dr. Ilhan Akbas, assistant professor of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, has eight years of experience in both the defense and software industries and uses it to narrow down course content and provide examples for a more realistic work environment.
“My professional experiences help me both understand students’ view of industry and explain the specific skills needed for jobs,” shared Dr. Akbas. “The electrical engineering and computer science faculty are very active in research projects and industry collaboration. The department also has good relations with the industry, which leads to various internship opportunities.”
Those industry connections are essential for understanding the professions students are interested in exploring. Dr. Akbas encourages having a variety of connections within a particular industry for a broader view of the field. He also stressed the importance of mentorships for academic and professional guidance.
Dr. Kaela Martin, associate professor of Aerospace Engineering, brings extensive research experience to Embry‑Riddle's College of Engineering. She has published studies in publications such as “Acta Astronautica” and “International Journal of Engineering Education.”
“Embry‑Riddle faculty are really invested in their students and chose the job because they are passionate about teaching and developing students,” said Dr. Martin. “The Undergraduate Research Institute (URI) offers many opportunities for students to be mentored by faculty working on research projects including funded ones. Both the College of Engineering and URI also help with travel costs for students to present their research at conferences and learn about cutting-edge research in the field they are studying.”
Additionally, Embry‑Riddle’s faculty often develop partnerships with industry that allow them to further enhance their curriculum and the student experience.
“I was fortunate to work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for three summers through a visiting faculty program,” she said. “I worked in the systems engineering department, which helped me to better incorporate systems engineering into my senior design projects.”
Dr. Jennah Perry, department chair of Applied Aviation Sciences, has nearly a decade as a Flight Services Specialist for Lockheed Martin. She invites full-time industry professionals into the classroom as guest lecturers as a way to expose students to the realities of the air traffic management (ATM) profession and hiring process.
“Students benefit by gaining real-world industry knowledge and experiences as part of their curriculum,” she explains.
Our faculty are passionate about teaching and guiding students on their journey to professional success, offering new opportunities for them to learn and grow through student competitions, career mentoring and participating in state-of-the-art projects.
“The faculty at Embry‑Riddle are unique as each professor brings a different background and skill set to the classroom,” Dr. Perry stated.
Bringing that unique background and industry experience into the classrooms and labs ensures our graduates are soaring ahead of the flock.
“Students are successful because the students we have are driven, ambitious and motivated, and faculty care about their success and see it through,” shared Dr. Perry. - Aerospace Engineering major Jarred Jordan has become an award-winning student thanks to the opportunities Embry‑Riddle offers.
Aerospace Engineering Major Finds the Right Trajectory to Boost SuccessAerospace Engineering major Jarred Jordan has become an award-winning student thanks to the opportunities Embry‑Riddle offers. With his sights set squarely on space, Jarred Jordan (’23) expected to find out-of-this-world opportunities when he began his pursuit of a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus.
Jordan has gotten plenty of opportunities, but it’s what he has done with them that really make the senior student a standout.Becoming an Award-Winning Student
This year, Jordan earned two top-flight awards by being named Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher of the Year for the Daytona Beach Campus and then winning an Astronaut Scholar Award from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
As he enters the home stretch for his undergraduate studies, Jordan is sometimes amazed what he has learned, what he has done and who he has met.
“I've had experience that I never thought I would have,” he said. “I was 19 and I was handling spacecraft hardware that was going to the moon, of all things. You have to step back and think about what you're doing and how crazy it is at a certain point.”
Crazy good, that is. In addition to his academic achievements, Jordan has established himself as a researcher, a key member of several groundbreaking teams working on projects destined for space and a mainstay in the Space Technologies Lab, which is located in the MicaPlex at the southeastern edge of campus and run by Dr. Troy Henderson.
“That's been the most influential part of my time here,” Jordan said. “I was actually able to author my own paper for the first time over the past couple months. That was fun since I was presenting that research at the recent AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. So, it's a great lab, there are great people, and you get to work with really cool equipment.”
What is the Astronaut Scholar Award?
Jordan’s work helped him become the second Embry‑Riddle student to earn the Astronaut Scholar Award. The prestigious honor provides financial assistance and, perhaps more importantly, a chance to make key connections in the burgeoning space industry.
“I actually knew Grace Robertson (the first astronaut scholar in 2021), and we worked together on a few projects,” Jordan said. “She told me to apply, and I was there when they came to present her award. I was able to talk with people from the foundation and I thought, ‘all right. These people seem pretty cool.’”
Jordan credits Dr. Brittany Davis, Embry‑Riddle’s director of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships, for “getting me to that next stage of actually getting the scholarship.”
“Being an [Astronaut Scholar], you join this community,” he said. “You get to meet all these really important people in the industry, connections, you can't put a price on.”
Behind the accolades are, of course, years of hard work and dedication. Jordan was an integral part of the EagleCam project, which is set to snap the first-ever third-person photo of the Intuitive Machines Nova C lunar lander touching down on the Moon.
“I got involved with that pretty much as soon as I got into the lab because I had prior experience on my own with electronics and that realm,” Jordan said. “And that's what they needed at the time. I actually walked in the day we got hardware. So, it was really perfect timing.”
Real Time Real Experience
He’s also part of the team working to help capture images and video of the first commercial spacewalk being planned for the Polaris Dawn mission, led by Embry‑Riddle alum Jared Isaacman (’11). The project is dubbed LLAMAS, which Jordan says stands for “Literally Looking At More Astronauts in Space.”
“We’re in a joint relationship with the Polaris Dawn crew and engineers at SpaceX,” he said. “We have this little triangle of groups, and we all work together.”
For LLAMAS, Jordan is serving as the structural design lead, stepping away for his usual work with electronics and software.
“We have a good group,” he said. “It's coming along very well. It's definitely been a lot of fun.”
Going forward, Jordan says his ultimate career goal is to work on spacecraft propulsion systems with a potential pitstop in graduate school first. For now, Jordan is grateful for the opportunities he is enjoying thanks to Embry‑Riddle.
“I'm definitely looking forward to working more through the end of my senior year in the Space Technologies Lab, doing more publications and getting more research going,” he said. “I'm working on some more papers right now with the other lab members and we have the EagleCam launch coming up, so we're looking forward to that. And then the LLAMAS project, which will likely happen around the same time. So just a lot of anticipation for some amazing stuff coming up.”
- From a platoon sergeant in the United States Marine Corps to NASA’s Business Pathways Intern, Jetro Gallo is on a mission to achieve his next goal thanks to the opportunities he found at Embry‑Riddle.
Marines to MBAFrom a platoon sergeant in the United States Marine Corps to NASA’s Business Pathways Intern, Jetro Gallo is on a mission to achieve his next goal thanks to the opportunities he found at Embry‑Riddle. While deployed in Romania with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in 2017, Jetro “Jet” Gallo (’22, ’24) began taking courses part-time to earn his Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management through Embry‑Riddle Worldwide. For the Philippines native, this wasn’t always the plan.
“I was born in a town called Panabo and I moved to the states with my family in 2001 to Las Vegas, Nevada where I grew up,” said Gallo. “While my peers ended up in hospitality, I wanted to make a change for myself in the Marine Corps. Originally, I wanted to be an Aviation Mechanic, but the Marine Corps had other plans for me.”
Completing a Degree while Deployed
The flexibility of Embry‑Riddle's Worldwide degree programs was especially helpful for Gallo while assigned to the 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines as a Supply Chief, noting the unique locations he and his platoon would be assigned to. After being in active duty with the USMC from 2014 until 2018, Gallo closed his military career and transferred to Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus as a full-time student, entering the Combined Pathways Program to obtain a B.S. in Aviation Business Administration, with a focus in Supply Chain Management, and an MBA in Aviation Management.
Interning with NASA
According to Gallo, while adapting to civilian life was difficult at first, the connections made with fellow students and faculty helped him tremendously. These, along with his time in the service, have been pivotal experiences guiding Gallo to where he is today — serving in his second rotation as a NASA Business Pathways Intern.
“The person who has influenced me the most is my research advisor, Dr. Janet Tinoco,” said Gallo. “I never thought I could be a candidate within the NASA-type realm, but she encouraged me. I’m grateful there are professors here that push me because sometimes I don’t know my own potential.”
During his first rotation with NASA in 2021, Gallo interned as a Contract Specialist under the International Space Station Procurement Office and was responsible for assisting with the pre-award, negotiation and award, administration and closeout of NASA contracts. Last summer, Gallo also served as a Resource Analyst for NASA’s Missions Support Resource Office (Center Operations Directorate) by assisting decision-making processes for customer’s financial budgets, statements, reports and overall program/project plans.
Opportunities to Grow
Since interning with NASA, Gallo has gained invaluable experience prior to graduating and attributes the success in his role to foundational business courses and research opportunities completed through Embry‑Riddle's David B. O’Maley College of Business. Following graduation, Gallo hopes to continue his career with NASA and eventually open his own consulting firm to help major companies navigate “the other side of government.”
While reflecting on his time here, Gallo shared one more profound experience magnifying his appreciation for his professors and peers at Embry‑Riddle.
“In 2019, my mother actually passed away — that was a difficult time for me,” said Gallo. “I informed my professors of what took place, and they were there for me. I really appreciate this university … they were able to get me through such a hard period of my life.” - Alumna Alyssa DeCarlis reviewed an extensive list of graduate programs before deciding that Embry‑Riddle was the right choice to further her education.
Graduate Student Made the Right Choice Choosing Embry‑RiddleAlumna Alyssa DeCarlis reviewed an extensive list of graduate programs before deciding that Embry‑Riddle was the right choice to further her education.“I decided Embry‑Riddle would be the best fit for me in regard to working full time, getting a degree from a well-known school and choosing a program that would help me excel in my career,” Alyssa DeCarlis ('22) said.
From Class Knowledge to Real World Applications
As a senior cyber engineering planner at Lockheed Martin, DeCarlis employs her project management skills gained in the M.S. in Project Management program to manage contracts, support resource management and planning, create cost estimates and manage risk and opportunities.
“Overall, I really enjoy my job, and I feel like it was all possible through the education I obtained through my master’s program.“ She added, “The program is well known in the aeronautics and defense industry, and it was an easy decision."
Career Boost
In 2019, DeCarlis changed careers from corporate retail management to aerospace and defense and knew she needed a professional boost from a reputable master’s program.
“I knew immediately that I wanted to get into program/project management in the defense world based on the nature of the industry and job,” she said. “I loved that program management was ever-changing, fast-paced, high profile and rewarding if successful. I knew that getting my master’s in Project Management from Embry‑Riddle would make me extremely competitive against other candidates that had more industry experience.”
DeCarlis enjoyed the ease of online classes and access to materials, which made it easier to balance being a full-time student and employee with her hectic schedule. She found exceptional value in the courses she took, one of which allowed students to build a hypothetical business from the ground up, and she applies what she learned to her current job.
“I learned a ton about launching new ideas, how to properly target different markets, strategizing in areas like resource management, supply chain management, financial management and human resources management,” she explained. “That simulation really put things into perspective for me. I still use those concepts to this day.“
From Master’s Student to Master of Her Trade
Upon graduation, DeCarlis took her Project Management Professional (PMP) exam and passed with ease, which granted her new opportunities at Lockheed Martin.
“This made me feel like a true ‘master of the trade,’ as the PMP pass rate on the first try is around 30%,” she explained. “I have also been able to secure a sizeable promotion along with getting further opportunities within my organization.“
What is DeCarlis’ advice for those on the fence about pursuing a master’s education?
“Getting started is the hardest part,” she said. “I always told myself that I will never regret getting my master’s; however, there’s a high chance that I will regret not getting my master’s.”
- Mechanical Engineering grad Brady Slaughter attended Embry‑Riddle in the footsteps of his grandfather, who graduated in 1961.
Mechanical Engineering Grad’s Embry‑Riddle Degree Was a Family AffairMechanical Engineering grad Brady Slaughter attended Embry‑Riddle in the footsteps of his grandfather, who graduated in 1961.
When Brady Slaughter (’21) graduated from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University with his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, it helped him launch the career he had always dreamed about.
It also helped deepen his connection with his grandfather, Bob Slaughter, who graduated from Embry‑Riddle in 1961 when the university was building its reputation as an aviation education powerhouse from a site near Miami International Airport.
His Grandfather’s Journey at Embry‑Riddle
Bob, now 82, earned his Airframe & Powerplant license and gained a skillset that saw him through a stint in the U.S. Air Force, helped him earn his commercial pilot’s license and then land a job as a maintenance technician at National Airlines, one of the dominant carriers in Miami during the 1960s and 70s.
“I went to National Airlines because they had an opening, and out of all the people who applied, I was the only one qualified because I had my degree from Embry‑Riddle, the A&P license,” Bob said.
Bob stayed with National after the airline merged with Pan Am, which itself went under in 1991. He continued working as a maintenance technician for several carriers before retiring from AirTran (now part of Southwest) in 2007.
Along with the way, Bob said he worked on aircraft ranging from “Lockheed Electras to DC-10s and 717s, 727s, 737s, 747s, 757s, everything. I worked on them all.”
Like Grandfather, Like Grandson
Although Brady was aware of his grandad’s aviation career, it was until after he had chosen to attend Embry‑Riddle that he found out Bob was an alum. That the two shared a love for the inner workings of machines was more or less a given.
“I think I knew I wanted to be an engineer since middle school after I found out what engineers did,” Brady said. “And then I saw Riddle that they had aerospace and mechanical and everything else. And they had EcoCAR and all that stuff, so I was like, ‘Yeah!’”
Brady’s dad Brian Slaughter, a veteran now serving in the Army Reserves as a Colonel and Brigade Commander, is a Senior Supply Chain Strategy and Capture Manager with General Dynamics Mission Systems. Because Brian didn’t use his G.I. Bill benefits, he passed them along to his son.
“I was able to use the full benefits and the Yellow Ribbon scholarship to go to Riddle and get a good engineering degree out of it,” Brady said.
He also got a great career, accepting a full-time job offer he received from Oshkosh Corporation in Wisconsin the month before he graduated. After nearly a year at the renowned maker of specialty trucks and access equipment, Brady is one happy Embry‑Riddle alum.
“I love it,” he said of his job. “The team is awesome; the company puts employees first and it shows with how long they've been there [since 1917]. It’s basically the perfect company to work for and be there for a long time.”
Enjoying Aviation’s Premier Event
Living and working in the city that hosts EAA AirVenture, one of the world’s premier aviation events, also gave Brady a chance to invite his grandparents up to attend the 2022 show. Bob, who sported an Embry‑Riddle T-shirt, went to an alumni event with Brady and spent the rest of the day immersed in all things aviation.
“My grandparents really enjoyed the airshow events and alum event, along with me showing them where I work just east of the airport and some of the trucks I work on,” Brady said. “I think that brings it even more full circle.”
While Bob spent his career working on aircraft, Brady’s focus is closer to the ground. He was immediately attracted to the EcoCAR project at Embry‑Riddle, which is aimed at developing new technology for more efficient and eco-friendly ground vehicles.
“EcoCAR is focused on now and the future engineering stuff with hybrid technology and all that stuff,” said Brady, who worked with the EcoCAR team as his senior capstone project. “Being able to supply the engineering aspects within the group, that definitely helped me in getting this job.”
He also credits his two internships, including one last summer with a different division of Oshkosh Corporation, with paving a smoother path for his career to follow.
Grandad Bob is thrilled his grandson has graduated from his alma mater.
“Everybody here is totally proud of Brady and his accomplishments and everything he did, and Embry‑Riddle was the right place just for him to complete his education,” Bob said. “And it turned out to be a good move.”
- Aviation Business Administration Ph.D. candidate Ben Gonzalez is now working on his fourth degree from Embry‑Riddle.
For Aviation Business Administration Student, Success is a Matter of DegreesAviation Business Administration Ph.D. candidate Ben Gonzalez is now working on his fourth degree from Embry‑Riddle.When he left the U.S. Air Force in 2014 after serving for 23 years and rising to the rank of major, Ben Gonzalez (’19, ’20, ’22) set his sights on similar success in his civilian career.
Gonzalez turned to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus, the acknowledged leader in helping veterans make the transition from service to civilian, to ensure he had the knowledge, the practical experience and the right degrees he needed to reach the lofty leadership goals he set for himself.
Why Study Business at Embry‑Riddle?
Gonzalez’s hard work on the job and in school has paid off, and he was recently named among 27 recipients of the 2022 Employee Veteran Leadership Award from G.I. Jobs Magazine, which recognizes veterans for the “positive impact they are having on the organizations that employ them” and “the extra effort they extend not only in their regular job responsibilities but in ways that are not expected.”
To complement his success as Senior Program Manager at L3Harris Technologies, Gonzalez has also built an impressive academic resume at Embry‑Riddle’s Worldwide College of Business, earning a B.S. and M.S. in Project Management in 2019 and 2020, followed by his M.S. in Management in 2022. He took advantage of Worldwide’s flexible learning options to finish his classes while he continued building his career.
“[Embry‑Riddle] provides an avenue to the work-life-study balance and helped me continue my studies on a constant schedule at my pace,” Gonzalez said. “The courses for working professionals [use] a syllabus that is formatted to deliver the correct instruction for the correct allotted timeframe for each course.”
Why Veterans Choose The Worldwide Campus College of Business
Noting that U.S. News & World Report has again ranked Embry‑Riddle’s online bachelor’s programs for military veterans best in the United States, Worldwide College of Business Dean Maneesh Sharma remarked: “We highly value our veteran students and are proud to provide them with highly dedicated and caring professors and industry-aligned curriculum to help them achieve success in their chosen careers. We are grateful to our veteran students for choosing Embry‑Riddle and sharing in our joint passion for excellence.”
Gonzalez is topping off his academic journey at the university by starting the Ph.D. in Aviation Business Administration program offered through Embry‑Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus.
“I have chosen to continue seeking higher education in order to gain more knowledge about new business models that can bring value to the company and organization,” he said.
After a military career working with cutting-edge aircraft that included the F-15, F-16, F-22 and A-10, Gonzalez is now in charge of Programmed Depot Maintenance for U.S. aircraft sold to foreign countries. He leads a team of experts tasked with delivering maintenance “in a cost-efficient and timely manner.”
A Solid Plan for Future Success
Looking ahead, Gonzalez is aiming for an executive leadership role at L3Harris that also would allow him to “provide mentorship to those employees who are seeking to improve themselves” and “share what I have learned in order to raise the value of the departments, sectors or segment of the company.”
Looking back, Gonzalez has nothing but gratitude for the solid career foundation Embry‑Riddle is helping him construct, and he is especially grateful to the university’s expert faculty team.
Their instruction, guidance and willingness to help their students goes above and beyond their normal duty,” he said. “Everyone that I have met from the university has always been ready to help out with any questions or concerns that I may have.”
- Electrical Engineering senior Drew Yoshida spent summer 2022 getting a huge head start on his career, thanks to an internship at Honeywell Aerospace.
From Hawaii to HoneywellElectrical Engineering senior Drew Yoshida spent summer 2022 getting a huge head start on his career, thanks to an internship at Honeywell Aerospace.Yoshida joined several other Embry‑Riddle students who were tasked by Honeywell with designing a Bluetooth interface panel for aircraft.
Besides the vital hands-on experience that will help him stand out in the job market, the internship also gave Yoshida the chance to learn firsthand about the intricacies of teamwork.
“I learned that everyone has different ideas, backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses,” said Yoshida. “It's important to know them and play to our strengths and find a way to make up for the weaknesses.”
The Design Process
NXP Microprocessor Evaluation Boards (Photo: Drew Yoshida)
Yoshida and the other selected students began meeting together virtually in January to think through the design elements for the Bluetooth module.
“We used a lot of time to research,” Yoshida said. “It helped speed up the process as far as picking which parts we were going to use, and now we're experimenting and trying to understand what each part does and how to use it for our product.”
Yoshida has enjoyed working with actual hardware. Currently, they are investigating potential chip sets that solve this problem, working on a microprocessor and using Bluetooth module evaluation boards.
Once the summer internship is complete, Yoshida will return to Embry‑Riddle and finish the task as his senior capstone project.
Applying New Knowledge at Embry‑Riddle
“I am excited to work on this as my senior design project because I'll be able to learn about modern technology like Bluetooth and get to help create a new product for a big company,” he said. “I also get the opportunity to learn about the design process.”
Originally from Aiea, Hawaii, Yoshida chose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Embry‑Riddle because of the university’s focus on hands-on learning and class sizes which allow him to strengthen his relationships with professors.
“My professors challenge me to attempt the problem and figure out the solution to it,” he said. “Problem-solving and understanding why something is wrong is a very good skill to have.”
Campus Involvement and Internship Advice
Yoshida participates in the Hawaii Club and has served as its president for three years. He’s also involved in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and mentorship programs through The Boeing Company and Honeywell Aerospace.
“IEEE is a club that'll help me for my professional career with valuable knowledge and listening to past experiences that will help me grow as an electrical engineer.”
When asked what advice he has for students considering whether to apply for an internship, Yoshida said: “Do it! It's an experience you won't regret because it's completely different from school, and it'll help you understand what you want to do as a career. Go into an internship expecting to not know anything because it'll feel like that. Applying what you learn from school to your internship is a new feeling, and it'll take some time to get used to.”
- B.S. in Aeronautics grad Pedro Najera turned to Embry‑Riddle when he wanted to transition from a military to civilian career.
Aeronautics Grad Finds Knowledge Networks and ConfidenceB.S. in Aeronautics grad Pedro Najera turned to Embry‑Riddle when he wanted to transition from a military to civilian career.Originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico, Pedro Najera (‘21) was always fascinated with aviation. It was this fascination that eventually led him to a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics at the Embry‑Riddle Worldwide Campus.
“With Embry‑Riddle the leading university in aeronautics, I knew it was the place for me,” said Najera. “When I finally decided to start taking college classes and choose a career path, Embry‑Riddle was at the top of my list.”
What is a B.S. in Aeronautics at Embry‑Riddle?
The B.S. in Aeronautics is designed specifically for students who work, have worked or want to work in aviation-related careers. For students with existing aviation-related knowledge and skills, this degree acknowledges a student's valuable acquired experience through the award of advanced standing prior-learning credit and then builds on those skills and knowledge.
Najera was active-duty Navy during his undergraduate education. While juggling his family, work and classes was difficult at first, he eventually learned how to find a healthy balance.
“My time at Embry‑Riddle taught me to prioritize,” Najera said. “I worked full-time and took classes part-time, and on top of that, I had a family that I wanted to spend time with. I had to make sure that I spent my time wisely so that I could finish all my homework each week, excel in my job and still be a father and a husband.”
A Flexible Program for Transitioning Veterans
His experience allowed him to continue working and still gain the fundamental concepts to continue excelling in his education. The faculty and staff helped to create an environment that fostered continued learning with the flexibility to still maintain shifting priorities.
“All the staff that I have worked with at Embry‑Riddle have been great,” he said. “Anytime I had an issue either with homework, registering for classes, or financial aid, the list is endless; whomever I spoke with was always polite and helpful.”
Crossing the SkillBridge at Embry‑Riddle
A year after graduating, Najera returned to Embry‑Riddle for a Part 65 AMTP SkillBridge program. This nine-week course was one of his favorite experiences at Embry‑Riddle. The program instructor, Kevin Beatty, is a veteran and helped to guide Najera in his civilian transition.
“I was able to relate with him and gain confidence in my decision to separate from the military,” Najera said. “He understood the challenges of transitioning from active duty to civilian life. I admire his teaching style and his tenacity to ensure that everyone in the class grasped the concepts.”
Even now, Najera continues to see the benefits of his Embry‑Riddle education.
“It has helped me tremendously,” he said. “An array of alumni networks has opened for me both in my workplace and virtually.”
Najera is currently working as an Aviation Maintenance Technician at Falcon Aviation Services, Inc. and plans to eventually return to Embry‑Riddle to get his master’s degree.
“Many of my current co-workers are Embry‑Riddle alumni and being a graduate may have even helped me get my current job,” Najera said. “I know that it will help me in the future.”
- Katharine Larsen earned her B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Embry‑Riddle and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in the school’s renowned program.
For Aerospace Engineering Student, Embry‑Riddle is the Right Place to Start and FinishKatharine Larsen earned her B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Embry‑Riddle and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in the school’s renowned program.
The way Katharine Larsen (’21,’22, ’25) sees it, one great experience at Embry‑Riddle deserved two more.
After earning her B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Larsen embarked on the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering program, where she is already seeing the impact her research is having on the graduate school experience.
“Embry‑Riddle offers incredible resources for research and higher education,” she said.
Why Study Aerospace Engineering at Embry‑Riddle?
Larsen’s research, which involves using “machine learning techniques to predict warhead fragmentation in-flight behavior from static data, a much cheaper and safer alternative to real tests,” earned her a Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship, which is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and awarded to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students pursuing STEM degrees.
Recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends and are guaranteed a position with the DoD upon graduating. Larsen says her research interests align with the DoD and plans to work with the agency after graduation.
Embry‑Riddle’s engineering department has supported Larsen by helping her find additional opportunities to fund her research.
“If you find an advisor that is interested in your research idea, they might be able to help you secure funding for projects,” she said.
Resources That Fuel Success
Larsen took advantage of resources offered by the Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships, such as writing clinics and one-on-one advising. The office also helps students apply for grants and fellowships.
She credits Embry‑Riddle for helping her get as far as she has and knows it will continue to impact her career well into the future, thanks to the personal, educational and professional connections she could not have made anywhere else.
“I am truly grateful for all the people I have met, and I look forward to meeting many more people during the rest of my graduate degree studies,” she said.
Larsen encourages prospective students to think hard about what they want to do after receiving their bachelor's degree and says graduate school may help guide them in the right direction if they’re unsure about their next move.
“Graduate school is a great opportunity to further one’s professional skillset and personal marketability,” she said, “In order to be successful in the graduate program, you must hold yourself to a higher standard which, in turn, sets you apart from the crowd.”
What is a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Embry‑Riddle?
Once Larsen completes the master’s program, she is planning to continue her studies with Embry‑Riddle by pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering.
This degree program allows highly motivated students with a strong science and engineering background to conduct research and coursework in the areas of aerospace structures, propulsion and aerodynamic systems, while earning their doctoral degree.
Admission to the program is reserved for candidates at the bachelor and master’s levels, with high academic achievement and a desire to advance their career through scientific inquiry and knowledge discovery in areas related to aerospace engineering.
Program coursework focuses on cutting-edge research and development. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs designed specifically for instruction and research in aerodynamics, propulsion, dynamics, control, structures and materials.
- NASA astronaut Terry Virts earned his M.S. in Aeronautics at Embry‑Riddle before sharing his love of spaceflight with others.
Embry‑Riddle Astronaut Shares His Love of Spaceflight With the WorldNASA astronaut Terry Virts earned his M.S. in Aeronautics at Embry‑Riddle before sharing his love of spaceflight with others.
Terry Virts ('97) wants people to know what the world looks like from 250 miles high.
Virts, a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter pilot who went on to fly the Space Shuttle, command the International Space Station and complete three spacewalks, is using words, film and pictures to amaze the earthbound and inspire future space explorers in the same way he was inspired by a book about the Apollo program.
A veteran of 45 combat missions in the 1990s — including one where he helped his wingman glide to a safe landing after engine failure over hostile territory — Virts earned his Master of Science in Aeronautics degree at Embry‑Riddle, became a test pilot for the Air Force and set his sights on the stars.
An Astronaut Author
Virts, who retired from NASA in 2016, has written a book of 51 essays about spaceflight called How to Astronaut, a book he hoped would “make people laugh and say ‘wow’; a book that is accessible to everyone, not just space nerds.” He also had his photos from orbit published in a National Geographic book titled View from Above and helped shoot the popular IMAX film called A Beautiful Planet, which puts viewers into an astronaut’s space boots.
“I wanted to share the beauty of our planet and galaxy and stories from my missions with everyone,” Virts said of his creative pursuits, adding, “and also stories from my missions, to make a ‘spaceflight in a book.’”
By writing How to Astronaut, Virts said he aimed to put “spaceflight in a book” and create “something that will make people laugh and say ‘wow.’ It’s a book that is accessible to everyone, not just space nerds.”
Why Earn a Master’s Degree at Embry‑Riddle?
Virts said he chose Embry Riddle’s for his master’s degree because of the university’s excellent reputation in aeronautics, and he was able to complete his studies while he was on active duty and based in Germany.
A native of Maryland, Virts credits Embry‑Riddle with preparing him for test pilot school because he had been away from academic settings for some time between graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989 and starting his master’s program.
His educational experience helped him move up in the Air Force and paved the way for his selection as an astronaut. Chosen for the program in 2000, he flew millions of miles aboard the shuttle and the ISS and logged more than 19 hours walking in space.
On one trip, he brought along an Embry‑Riddle banner to show his Eagle pride on orbit. After Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played Spock on the original “Star Trek,” died in 2015, Virts honored him by giving the Vulcan salute (“Live Long and Prosper”) as the ISS passed over Boston, the actor’s hometown.
Sharing Spaceflight With Everyone
In 2019, Virts was among a group of pilots who made the fastest circumnavigation of Earth via both geographic poles in an aircraft, and he also directed his first film, entitled One More Orbit. Today, he continues his career as an author, director, public speaker and business consultant.
In 2023, Virts released a children’s book called The Astronaut’s Guide to Leaving the Planet, which he hopes will help inspire a new generation of explorers.
“[I] wanted to write something for kids, because reading a book about Apollo is what inspired me to become an astronaut.”
Get inspired to explore the extraordinary! Apply at Embry‑Riddle today.
- Safety Science student Piper Forcier wants to use her Embry‑Riddle degree to help prevent future aviation accidents.
Safety Science Student’s Passion for Aviation is No AccidentSafety Science student Piper Forcier wants to use her Embry‑Riddle degree to help prevent future aviation accidents.When Piper Forcier (’21) came to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, she had her sights set on becoming a pilot. But her real passion for aviation put her on a path that led away from the flight deck and toward making transportation safer by investigating accidents and working to ensure they don’t happen again.
Forcier said she could not have picked a better place to pursue that passion.
Why Embry‑Riddle is the Right Place to Study Safety Science
“I knew [the Prescott Campus] had an aircraft crash laboratory, so I decided to focus on aviation safety,” said Forcier, who holds a B.S. in Aeronautics with a safety minor and is now pursuing her M.S. in Safety Science. “I chose safety science because aircraft crash investigations always interested me. I knew there would be much to learn, and the instructors at Embry‑Riddle are extremely knowledgeable.”
At the Prescott Campus, students in safety science programs learn with faculty experts in the Robertson Aircraft Accident Investigation Lab, a.k.a. “the Crash Lab,” a comprehensive facility that offers re-creations of real aircraft accidents using customizable scenarios.
In addition, the Aviation Safety and Security Archives give students the opportunity to explore historical documents that have shaped the aviation industry, while the Ergonomics and Motion Measurement Laboratory highlights how physiology and movement influence workplace safety.
What Kind of Research Opportunities Does Embry‑Riddle Offer?
Beyond leading-edge labs and resources, Embry‑Riddle’s program also provided Forcier with the opportunity to gain vital practical experience. During an internship with the National Transportation Safety Board, she and fellow student Eli Murphy were asked to create an interactive 3D model of the wreckage of TWA Flight 800, which crashed in 1996 off Long Island, New York, after vapors in a fuel tank exploded.
“The NTSB tasked [us] with creating a deliverable for accident investigation students using FARO LiDAR software and data of the TWA 800 crash,” said Forcier. “However, they were unable to obtain that data for us, so they gave us FARO data for a Prime Air wreckage they had. We created a fly-through video of the wreckage in the hangar and wrote a brief report about how technologies such as FARO could be used in accident investigation and education for future investigators.”
High-end experiences such as