The Society of Women Engineers at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus is dedicated to the equal opportunity of women in the engineering workplace, as well as promoting the study of engineering.

SWE Looks Back at a Year of Empowering Women and Creating Communities

The Society of Women Engineers Collegiate Section at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus is dedicated to the equal opportunity of women in the engineering workplace, as well as promoting the study of engineering.

The SWE section at Embry-Riddle offers opportunities for members to network with professionals, attend conferences, participate in outreach events, develop leadership skills and socialize with other women in engineering.

During the 2023-24 academic year, SWE members organized, hosted and participated in various events that showcased their commitment to the future of women in STEM. Recruitment Chair Megan Chann compiled this look at what SWE has been up to recently.

How Does SWE Support Women in Engineering?

During Women’s History Month, SWE celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of women in STEM fields, promoting gender equity and awareness of the critical role women play in these industries.

SWE members are all smiles as they get set for a General Meeting.

Our Campus Events Committee organized a “Walk Through Women’s History Month” tabling event on International Women's Day, March 8, where we partnered with 13 other student groups to showcase educational displays dedicated to influential women in STEM.

This initiative aimed to raise awareness about gender equity and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of women in STEM throughout history. Moreover, this program involved SWE members participating in various activities throughout that month, demonstrating our commitment to empowering women and promoting diversity in STEM.

On March 20, members dressed in purple and white, symbols of loyalty, dignity and justice, to make a statement and raise awareness. We also collaborated with Pratt & Whitney to host a Women Empowerment/Resume workshop on March 27, while our joint effort with student organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers in painting the Spirit Rock also helped raise awareness and promote inclusivity.

These events embody SWE's values of integrity, inclusivity, trust and professional excellence. By celebrating Women's History Month, we honor women's achievements in STEM and inspire future generations to pursue careers in these fields, contributing to greater diversity and inclusion.

SWE Gives Girls the Gift of STEM

To lead into Women’s History Month, SWE hosted its biggest outreach event on February 17 at the Daytona Beach Campus, with 40 volunteers and seven SWE committee members dedicating their time to lead the “Introduce a Girl to Engineering” Workshop (IGEW).

The event brought over 140 third- through fifth-grade girls from around Volusia County to campus to engage in hands-on engineering activities.

Activities ranged from building marshmallow towers to learning about boat physics, and all of them helped demonstrate the practical applications of engineering in a relatable and enjoyable way.

As the sole funder of this event, SWE provided money for essentials such as IGEW T-shirts and lunch for all volunteers and participants, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved.

The IGEW event aligns with SWE's mission to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM by sharing knowledge and resources while contributing to advancing educational equity and fostering a sense of belonging among underrepresented groups in STEM.

Katie Swenson, who is graduating in 2024 with her B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, served as SWE’s 2023-24 President.

“Being SWE president has been my favorite role at Embry-Riddle,” Katie said. “It helped me foster a community that allowed women to be heard and take steps in their journey in STEM. Not only were we able to reach college students, but elementary students as well. Leading the planning of IGEW was my favorite part of this year. I got to work with an amazing committee that worked tirelessly to ensure IGEW was special for everyone. Watching each girl learn and develop a lifelong love for learning was so special, and I hope they understand that they're capable of great things.”

How Else Does SWE Impact the Community?

SWE’s outreach work didn’t stop there. We also participated in the STEM Fair, a platform to engage and inspire over 120 local children by inviting them onto campus to explore the wonders of STEM. Through various activities displayed by SWE and other student organizations and research projects from students and professors, the STEM Fair provided an interactive experience, sparking inspiration among the community.

We also were involved in a tabling event for the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, which enables students to talk directly to ISS astronauts. This was in addition to our participation in the Museum of Arts & Sciences “Space Day” and several visits to local schools that helped increase awareness of STEM opportunities for girls.

Does SWE Help Members Make Professional Connections?

Beyond our advocacy work, SWE also provides direct connections to some of the world’s top employers and helps members build professional networks and direct connections to industry leaders.

This year, SWE was involved in the Lockheed Martin Mentorship Program, Pratt & Whitney resume workshops and networking events, an American Airlines networking event and the Society of Women Engineers’ WE23 event in Los Angeles. A total of 37 SWE members were part of these events, securing 90 job interviews and landing 27 employment offers.

“SWE hosted several impactful professional events, each contributing to my personal and professional growth,” said Ashley Cathon, a rising junior majoring in Aerospace Engineering who will serve as SWE’s 2024-25 Professional Development Chair. “Among these events, WE23 was particularly instrumental in growing myself professionally because it allowed me to receive 12 internship offers for summer 2024, which I am immensely thankful for. Additionally, the Pratt & Whitney resume workshops and Lockheed Martin Mentorship Program that SWE coordinated were valuable for providing me with direction in selecting a suitable internship and understanding corporate expectations. As Professional Development Chair, I am committed to expanding our outreach by inviting more companies to campus to discuss internship opportunities and to offer resume support and interview preparation workshops. I look forward to witnessing further growth in SWE!”

SWE Keeps the Focus on the Future

SWE is also deeply involved on the Daytona Beach Campus, and our “SWEek” recruitment events include an open house, field day and fun activities such as karaoke and DIY sugar scrub and mask making.

We also visited EGR 101 classrooms and were part of the Registered Student Organization Showcase and E-Week, among other campus events. In addition, we registered two “SWENext” clubs in the Daytona area, forming connections with younger girls interested in engineering/science and competitions and paving the way for many opportunities in the future.

During the past academic year, we had eight fundraisers, including bake, slime and plant sales, along with raffles featuring prizes such as LEGO bouquets and model planes. We even designed new merchandise, giving our members another opportunity to represent SWE.

Altogether, we made over $2,500 on fundraising this year, not including corporate donations.

The social aspect of SWE is addressed too, and we routinely get together for things such as Ice Cream Karaoke, Starbucks Wednesdays, ice skating and Women in Aviation International Karaoke Night. We also hold a yearly banquet to celebrate our accomplishments and each other.

In addition to their work in class, on campus and in the community, SWE members also know how to enjoy themselves as they do here during a recent Ice Cream and Karaoke event.

While SWE members are dedicated to the mission no matter what, it is nice to see our section and members singled out for recognition among the many outstanding students and groups at Embry-Riddle.

This year, we were honored to earn the IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy) award in addition to being acknowledged with the Community Building, the Eagle Service and the Exceptional Eagle awards, along with being named an Outstanding Diversity Program.

On top of that, SWE members also stood out by earning individual accolades:

The Ascending Eagle - Ashley Cathon
Eagle Service Awards - Katie Swenson, Logan Price
Academic Excellence Award - Lynn Boudani
Elite Eagle - Jessica Sammons
Outstanding Advisor - Professor Claudia Ehringer Lucas

The SWE members who are graduating this year look back fondly on wonderful memories of the experiences and opportunities that their membership in the section offered.

“I joined SWE four years ago, and I wouldn’t change a thing!” said Esh Bhargava, who graduated with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and served as SWE’s 2021-22 Secretary and 2022-23 Vice President. “I will always be grateful for the professional engagement and development resources SWE provided me. The organization gave me the confidence to attend career fairs and apply for internships and, eventually, full-time jobs. More importantly, the students provided an open and safe social outlet to get to know each other and make some lifelong friends even though we were freshmen. I cherish every memory made laughing, studying and traveling with other members.”

Carly McDonald earned her B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and served as SWE’s 2023-24 Professional Engagement Chair.

"I joined SWE as a freshman and immediately got involved,” Carly said. “I did a lot of planning and behind-the-scenes work for the Lockheed Martin Mentorship Program, the American Airlines event and the Pratt & Whitney events, and I've seen firsthand how valuable SWE is. Most companies I worked with actively reached out and wanted to work with us. I've also had the opportunity to meet amazing people, from other students to industry leaders. I've noticed that during my four years here, everyone in SWE genuinely cares about helping each other, and it's nice to have someone willing to help."

This has been an outstanding year for SWE, and as we say goodbye to some of our senior leaders, we’re also looking for committed young women to join SWE for the upcoming 2024-25 year.

If you love STEM and want to inspire young girls to follow in your footsteps, get involved in helping SWE empower women and create communities.

Learn more about becoming part of SWE at Embry-Riddle!

While earning her degree in Forensic Psychology, Alexandra Houston has gotten involved in crucial research on Embry-Riddle's Prescott Campus.

Navigating Neurodiversity and Law Enforcement

While earning her degree in Forensic Psychology, Alexandra Houston has gotten involved in crucial research on Embry-Riddle's Prescott Campus.

Alexandra Houston (’25) is a student researcher at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, earning her B.S. in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Cyber Intelligence and Security. Drawn to her program because of a deep interest in the human brain, Houston explained that beginning her degree at Embry-Riddle was an easy decision.

“Embry-Riddle was the obvious choice for me because of its prestige, the majors it offers and how driven the student population is,” she shared.

Since arriving on the Prescott Campus, Houston has immersed herself in organizations and academic experiences that only deepen her passion for her field.

“I am very involved on campus as the secretary for Psi Chi (Psychology Honors Society) and Beta Eta (Forensic Honors Society),” she said. “I have had the opportunity to connect with people in my major, perform organizational tasks and expand the volunteer outreach for both of these societies on campus.”

Research Experience at Embry-Riddle

In addition to her involvement in honors societies, Houston is a research assistant through the Undergraduate Research Institute, participating in research that studies law enforcement interactions with people on the autism spectrum.

“We focus on learning from existing encounters, as well as current autism and law enforcement training manuals, to develop comprehensive training options for both law enforcement officers and autistic people,” she explained.

Houston completed her research while working alongside her classmate, Alexus Marquez, and under Dr. Diana Orem, assistant professor of Forensic Psychology, and Dr. John Woodman, assistant professor of Psychology.

The team spent six months collecting data by analyzing current training manuals, identifying where these trainings were successful or fell short and applying best practices to facilitate an improved training program.

“This data was referenced to benefit the creation of Dr. Diana Orem’s autism and law enforcement training, which has been administered to local law enforcement and received overwhelmingly positive feedback,” Houston shared.

Houston and her fellow researchers were invited to attend the October 2023 Philanthropy Expo on campus, where they shared their research with university donors and other attendees.

“The assistant dean of research, Dr. Anne Boettcher, guided us through the URI experience and notified us of the Philanthropy Expo. We were eager to present our findings as we connected with the very people that help fund our projects,” Houston recalled of the experience.

APSAC’s Annual Colloquium

While attending the Expo, Houston and Marquez were introduced to Sue Hardie, a member of the board of directors at the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC).

“We spoke about how the goals of her organization aligned with our own. Mrs. Hardie encouraged us to submit our work to APSAC’s 31^st Annual Colloquium where researchers and professionals come together to share their expertise,” Houston shared. “Our presentation was accepted, and we are so grateful for our connection with Mrs. Hardie through the URI!”

She spoke more about the upcoming colloquium in New Orleans, Louisiana, expressing her excitement to share their research with a wider audience.

“It has been so rewarding to work hard toward something bigger than myself as we attempt to aid the autism spectrum community. Now, we get to showcase our efforts to people just as passionate about helping others within their communities,” she said. “I am looking forward to connecting with other researchers, as well as listening to their valuable professional experiences!”

Bridging Gaps in Training

Houston continued, explaining the value of researching the interactions between law enforcement and individuals on the autism spectrum.

“Research suggests that autistic individuals are more likely to encounter law enforcement than neurotypical [people]. Although they are more likely to encounter this population, large gaps in officer training are becoming apparent as they are often unstandardized, inconsistent and lack data to track efficacy,” she explained.

“Providing data to reveal gaps and improve training characteristics has the potential to reduce violence and stigma, allow standards to adapt to the current training needs and ensure the protection and well-being of officers and autistic people.”

Houston spoke to her own interest and motivation to pursue research in this area, citing the pressing need for better treatment of those within the autism spectrum community.

“I am very dedicated in doing whatever I can do to protect, support and increase awareness toward the autism community as they do not deserve the struggles they are subjected to,” she said.

Other On-Campus Involvement

In addition to her work in research on campus, Houston is an athlete on the women’s soccer team, something else she says was a driving factor in her decision to attend Embry-Riddle.

“The accomplishments of the players and coaching staff made my decision to attend Embry-Riddle even easier,” she remembered.

“I... have had the absolute pleasure to play with my best friends.”

Outside of student-athlete activities, Houston is a teaching assistant for Dr. Orem, a role that has allowed her to not only gain additional experience in her research, but practice other skills such as outreach, communication and event planning.

“I always value her experience and mentorship!”

In addition to finding inspiration through her professors and peers, Houston says her family inspires her to continue to work hard and achieve her goals.

“My goals for the future include participating in another URI this spring and summer,” she shared. “It will also be focused on autism interaction with law enforcement as we plan to investigate how and when encounters end negatively.”

Tips for Success

Reflecting on her Embry-Riddle experience so far, Houston recommends that incoming students take time to focus on developing time management skills to ease the transition from high school to college.

“My advice for future students would be to develop good time management as quickly as possible,” she said.

Imagine having a support network for every essay, speech, research project or presentation. The Virtual Communication Lab is your secret weapon for conquering communication challenges.

VECTOR’s Virtual Communication Lab

Imagine having a support network for every essay, speech, research project or presentation. The Virtual Communication Lab is your secret weapon for conquering communication challenges.

Embry-Riddle is committed to providing our students with the tools they need to succeed throughout their college career and beyond with the help of our faculty, librarians, tutors and advisors.

Embry-Riddle Worldwide brings a quality education to your fingertips, wherever you are. We make distance learning feel closer with the Virtual Environment for Communication: Teaching, Outreach and Research (VECTOR).

VECTOR Perks

Operating within the College of Arts and Sciences, VECTOR’s mission is to support students’ written, spoken, visual and digital communication skills. VECTOR’s Virtual Communication Lab (VCL) empowers students and enhances their educational experience through tutoring, workshops and access to valuable online resources.

Available for Worldwide students of any major, as well as Daytona Beach and Prescott students taking online Worldwide courses, the VCL provides the support you need when you need it.

Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your presentation skills or seeking guidance on a research paper, the VCL is your go-to resource for making your ideas shine. We are dedicated to empowering students in all forms of communication – written, spoken, visual and digital – across all Worldwide courses.

Need assistance with a communication project? Our team of communication consultants stand ready to guide you through any stage of the composing process. From refining your essay topic to rehearsing your presentation delivery, we’ve got you covered. All services are completely free.

The VCL also offers engaging workshops and an extensive library of online resources. Whether you’re seeking tips on APA formatting, gaining confidence when presenting or learning how to ethically use Generative AI tools in your communication projects, the VCL provides valuable resources available anytime, anywhere.

Proven Results

Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what Worldwide students around the globe have to say about their positive experiences with the VCL:

"My consultant was simply amazing!"
"I live in Australia and can connect with tutors at decent times! They are friendly and professional."
"My tutor was exceptional in her ability and professionalism. I thank her greatly for her assistance."
"My consultant was very helpful in explaining a literature review and how to structure one to support my research correctly."

With VECTOR’s Virtual Communication Lab, Embry‑Riddle students are not just learning – they’re soaring to new heights in communication excellence. 95% of students have said they would revisit the VCL for a tutoring appointment or recommend the VCL to their peers. 98% of students express more confidence in their communication skills after attending a VCL workshop.

Are you ready to experience the Embry‑Riddle advantage? Apply today and let us help you achieve great things.

Current Embry‑Riddle Worldwide students can access the VCL on ERNIE and schedule an appointment to meet with a consultant on Zoom.

Embry‑Riddle equips students with skills necessary for flying drones and handling autonomous systems through the Residency Program.

Setting Course: Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Residency Program

Embry‑Riddle equips students with skills necessary for flying drones and handling autonomous systems through the Residency Program.

The Future Is Now for Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems

Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems are changing the way we live, work and play. To thrive in this environment, organizational leaders must understand the potential, as well as the challenges, presented by this innovative and rapidly changing technology.

Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University prepares students to develop and apply the advanced technologies necessary to support the dynamic needs of the industry and help guide the policies and regulation that govern this emerging and growing field through courses offered in the Bachelor of Science in Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems, Master of Science in Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems and the Residency Program.

The Residency Program

Embry‑Riddle Worldwide Campus Department of Flight is preparing the next generation of pilots and engineers for the future of aviation through an established program called the Residency Program. The Residency Program, UNSY 435 and UNSY 520, is an elite program to train professional drone pilots to the highest industry standards. The program schedules the residency over a weekend, twice each year — once in December and once in May — travel is required as it is hosted in Daytona Beach, Florida, at the Worldwide Headquarters.

The Residency Program offers opportunities to connect with other like-minded students, faculty and professionals to form valuable networks and complete Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications. Students are engaged in group projects and exercises, encouraging collaboration between faculty and instructors in a face-to-face environment — which enhances the retention of online course material and boosts confidence in the ability to operate uncrewed systems. The program exposes students to diverse systems that they may have never encountered before and gain a unique hands-on experience with advanced technologies that are readily available to them. that they may have never encountered before and gain a unique hands-on experience with advanced technologies that are readily available to them.

Residency Program Testimonials

"During my time at the Residency Program, I acquired hands-on expertise in drone operations and had the opportunity to complete the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Trusted Operator certification. The environment fostered valuable connections: enabling me to bond with peers and professors. Engaging with other students working on diverse small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) projects was incredibly enlightening and the network has been pivotal in shaping my path forward in the Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems (UAS) industry." - Michael Rigby (’23)

"The Residency Program really expanded my knowledge of sUAS operations and built up my confidence, which has already benefited me professionally. The Residency was outstanding from a technical and operational aspect. I got to know my colleagues, my Embry‑Riddle professors and sUAS professionals from industry and government sectors face-to-face... It was also a great networking opportunity." - Deborah Steckley (’96, ’25)

Careers in Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems

The job opportunities in the field of uncrewed systems are exciting and plentiful. By 2025, more than 100,000 jobs are projected in the uncrewed aircraft systems field alone, according to the Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International. Graduates may find careers using uncrewed systems for videography, completing vital research in environments that humans can’t reach, using technology to aid wildlife conservation, using the Agricultural Drone Certification; (Part 137) that can be used for agricultural spraying and so much more.

Notable Careers in Uncrewed Systems

Accident Investigator
Aviation Safety Inspector - Airworthiness/Manufacturing
Field Service Engineer
Intelligence (Sensor Data) Analyst
Program Manager
Systems Engineer
Systems Integration & Configuration Technician
Test and Evaluation Pilot
Remote Sensing Technologist

If you're passionate about technology and want to be a part of an exciting and innovative field, then our programs in Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems are the right choice! With the benefits and comprehensive training Embry‑Riddle offers, you'll be positioned to succeed in the industry for years to come.

Apply now and become a leader in the growing field of uncrewed and autonomous systems!

Embry‑Riddle’s unique Bachelor of Science in Communication blends essential communication skills with a foundation in STEM.

What Makes Embry‑Riddle’s Communication Program Stand Out?

Embry‑Riddle’s unique Bachelor of Science in Communication blends essential communication skills with a foundation in STEM.

What is the Bachelor of Science in Communication?

If you’re seeking a communication degree program, a STEM university may not be the first place you’d look. However, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a well-rounded Bachelor of Science in Communication program designed for students with science-based communication goals.

This degree blends the art of communication with a foundation in the sciences of aviation, aerospace and technology that Embry-Riddle is known for. Students develop their written, verbal, visual and digital communication skills to communicate complex information in ways audiences can easily understand.

Students become well-versed in journalism, new media and professional writing and speaking in our dynamic curriculum covering news writing, public relations, science and technology communication and beyond.

This degree and its expert faculty are available both on our residential Daytona Beach Campus and online with our Worldwide Campus.

Why study Communication at Embry-Riddle?

The core communication courses in this program include topics on new media, communication theory, news writing, multimedia production and communication ethics, just like a communication program at any other university.

Unlike any other university, Embry-Riddle students also take a selection of classes to fulfill their aerospace, science and technology foundation. Ranging from aeronautics and environmental science to spaceflight and meteorology, Communication students are able to craft a study plan to fit their career and professional goals.

Our Daytona Beach Campus is home to an award-winning student news broadcast and newspaper. Students of any discipline are welcome to join, but these groups are particularly beneficial for Communication students interested in news media or broadcast meteorology.

Studying Communication with Worldwide means having a quality education at your fingertips, anywhere in the world. This degree program is perfect for first-time students and working professionals alike.

What can I do with a communication degree?

The B.S. in Communication will prepare you for jobs in mass media, public relations and beyond. Upon graduation, this degree program will transform you into an expert communicator, ready for a communication-based role in any industry, especially science or aerospace.

Some of these career paths include:

Broadcast media
Crisis communication
Internal organization communications
Public relations
Scientific research writer
Speech writing
Sports writing
Technical writing

Our alumni have worked or interned for companies including:

Blue Origin
Boeing
Delta Air Lines
Lockheed-Martin
NASA
TV stations, newspapers and magazines

How much can I make with a communication degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for media and communications workers is approximately $66,240, as of May 2022. There are expected to be about 114,300 annual job openings in the media and communications field over the next decade.

Public relations specialists earn a median salary of $67,440. A job in public relations can include writing press releases and speeches, helping clients communicate with the public and other tasks to maintain an organization’s public identity.

Technical writers do a variety of work communicating complex or technical information to audiences in a clear manner. Examples include journal articles, operating manuals, grant proposals and how-to guides. Technical writers make a median of $79,960 a year and growth over the next decade is anticipated to be 7%, which is faster than average.

New analysts, reporters and journalists’ median annual pay is $55,960. Journalists and reporters keep the public informed about current events and other important news across an assortment of media. They research, write and report for newspapers, websites, magazines, television or radio.

How do I get started?

Learn more about Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and start your application today!

Why study Communication at Embry‑Riddle?

The core communication courses in this program include topics on new media, communication theory, news writing, multimedia production and communication ethics, just like a communication program at any other university.

Unlike any other university, Embry‑Riddle students also take a selection of classes to fulfill their aerospace, science and technology foundation. Ranging from aeronautics and environmental science to spaceflight and meteorology, Communication students are able to craft a study plan to fit their career and professional goals.

Our Daytona Beach Campus is home to an award-winning student news broadcast and newspaper. Students of any discipline are welcome to join, but these groups are particularly beneficial for Communication students interested in news media or broadcast meteorology.

Studying Communication with Worldwide means having a quality education at your fingertips, anywhere in the world. This degree program is perfect for first-time students and working professionals alike.

What can I do with a communication degree?

The B.S. in Communication will prepare you for jobs in mass media, public relations and beyond. Upon graduation, this degree program will transform you into an expert communicator, ready for a communication-based role in any industry, especially science or aerospace.

Some of these career paths include:

Broadcast media
Crisis communication
Internal organization communications
Public relations
Scientific research writer
Speech writing
Sports writing
Technical writing

Our alumni have worked or interned for companies including:

Blue Origin
Boeing
Delta Air Lines
Lockheed-Martin
NASA
TV stations, newspapers and magazines

How much can I make with a communication degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for media and communications workers is approximately $66,240, as of May 2022. There are expected to be about 114,300 annual job openings in the media and communications field over the next decade.

Public relations specialists earn a median salary of $67,440. A job in public relations can include writing press releases and speeches, helping clients communicate with the public and other tasks to maintain an organization’s public identity.

Technical writers do a variety of work communicating complex or technical information to audiences in a clear manner. Examples include journal articles, operating manuals, grant proposals and how-to guides. Technical writers make a median of $79,960 a year and growth over the next decade is anticipated to be 7%, which is faster than average.

New analysts, reporters and journalists’ median annual pay is $55,960. Journalists and reporters keep the public informed about current events and other important news across an assortment of media. They research, write and report for newspapers, websites, magazines, television or radio.

How do I get started?

Learn more about Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, and start your application today!

By conducting applied biological research on bed bugs, Raelyn Yoshioka is learning fundamental skills that will aid her in her future career.

Applied Biology Student Uses Research to Propel into a Future in Medicine

By conducting applied biological research on bed bugs, Raelyn Yoshioka is learning fundamental skills that will aid her in her future career.

Dreams of Becoming a Doctor

In high school, Raelyn Yoshioka (’25) was initially uncertain of what she wanted to study in college— believing that her dream of becoming a doctor was “unattainable.”

“I am very indecisive and was unsure of what I wanted to pursue,” recalled Yoshioka. “I was always interested in becoming a doctor because everyone looks up to doctors. I thought that was a dream that was unattainable, until I realized it wasn’t. I realized that if I really wanted to become a doctor, I just needed to put in extra work to study.”

Yoshioka’s journey to Embry-Riddle was aided by the Prescott Campus’ Academic Advising team, who provide guidance to students in planning and achieving their educational and professional goals.

“At first, I was going to study Forensic Biology, but then I found an interest in environmental science,” Yoshioka said. “My Academic Advisor, Kai Lee, told me I should switch majors to Applied Biology if I wanted to look more into environmental science. I had taken an AP environmental class in high school that I fell in love with. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into studying biology at an aeronautical university.”

Applied Science at Embry-Riddle

Embry-Riddle offers a diverse array of advanced applied science degrees with many opportunities for students to explore their own undergraduate research projects. While some degrees focus on aviation and aerospace specifically, core principles learned in any science degree can be applied to a host of industries.

“My favorite thing about my major is how small the class sizes are and how personal you get with the professors because you have the same professor for multiple classes,” Yoshioka said. “You also have the same classmates and you build a community.”

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology is housed within the Department of Biology and Chemistry at the Prescott Campus’ College of Arts and Sciences and focuses on giving students hands-on access to cutting-edge labs and facilities guided by experienced faculty. The program offers 20 hours of open electives, which encourages students to explore concentrations that suit their interests, such as health science, ecology, wildlife science or forensics.

“The most exciting thing about applied biology is that you learn a little bit about all the sciences,” Yoshioka said. “You don’t only take biology classes. We are also required to take chemistry classes, physics classes and much more.”

Raelyn Yoshioka standing in one of Embry-Riddle’s Bio Labs at the Prescott Campus. (Photo: Connor McShane)

Exposure to Undergraduate Research

Yoshioka recently completed an undergraduate research project alongside Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Corraine McNeill, investigating the nesting habits and fabric preferences of cimex lectularius—commonly known as bed bugs.

“I knew Dr. McNeill from Bio 121. I instantly fell in love with her as a person and a teacher,” said Yoshioka. “She was just so loving, caring and passionate about her job that it made you passionate about what she was teaching. I knew that she wanted to do research, so I went up to her one day after class and asked if I could join her and that’s how we got the ball rolling.”

Their research team applied for and was awarded a grant from the Undergraduate Research Institute, a department on the Prescott Campus that seeks to promote research, scholarly and creative activities at the undergraduate level.

“My teacher had a previous student test [bed bugs] for fabric preferences; however, COVID happened and the research had to stop. So, I basically picked up where the previous student had left off.”

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Together with Dr. McNeill and her lab partner, Yoshioka began researching which fabrics bed bugs favor. Their research could reveal the pest’s nesting preferences and lead to ways to combat infestations without the use of harmful chemicals.

“We can apply these results by gearing bed bug traps towards the fabrics they like or do the opposite and use less of the fabrics they prefer,” explained Yoshioka.

“This way of a ‘bed bug’ trap would be very efficient and not chemical based, which is better for human health because some of the pesticides they use may be toxic and it is not efficient because the exterminators could miss a spot in the house.”

The research entailed running experiments to see if the gender, life-stage, nutritional status or aggregation of the insects played a role in determining which of four fabrics the specimens preferred; 100% cotton, fleece, knit and microfiber.

“The process has been grueling,” Yoshioka admitted. “There is a lot that goes into running the experiments, outreach and putting together the final report. On top of that, you are also trying to balance schoolwork, sports and have a social life.”

The result? Females and males have differing opinions on what makes for ideal bedding.

“We concluded that female bed bugs significantly prefer cotton over male bed bugs and males significantly prefer microfiber over females,” Yoshioka concluded.

“Bed bugs may choose a certain fabric because cotton and knit are smoother than fleece, providing enough traction for bed bugs to grasp on. Fleece is looser and more tangled in nature and may not give enough traction for bed bugs to move on or through it. Males are also not able to climb as well and are smaller in size. Engorged bugs are heavier and slower, thus making it harder for them to move through thicker material such as fleece.”

Entering the Medical Field

Now that Yoshioka’s role in researching bed bug preferences has concluded, she has begun considering future areas to explore with undergraduate research.

“I hope that someone else may continue [the bed bug research] and hopefully get published one day. I do have other plans for research with another professor and group,” she said. “It will be focused on helping astronauts stay fit in space and not come back to Earth with muscle atrophy.”Undergraduate research can be a rewarding but time-consuming endeavor— and Yoshioka has advice for future students who may be interested in undertaking research of their own when they arrive at Embry-Riddle.

“Know what you want to do research in or have an idea of what you are interested in and passionate about,” she advised. “You don’t want to get stuck with research that you are not enjoying. I wish I knew how much prep time you needed to put into research. It’s not just like another class where you go to lectures and maybe a lab. You must carve out of your own time to run the experiments.”

“The value of participating in undergraduate research is just getting exposure to research and to know if it is something that you are interested in,” she added.

Exposure to research is preparing Yoshioka for her future dream job as a surgeon— a profession she once believed was ‘unattainable.’ Yoshioka’s successes in the classroom, in the lab and on the field with Embry-Riddle's Women’s Soccer Team have inspired her to consider sports medicine as her ultimate destination.

“My aspirations for the future are to go to medical school and become a surgeon because I want to help people live their best lives and continue to do things that they love to do,” she said. “I am leaning toward orthopedic and sports med because I got the opportunity to shadow an orthopedic surgeon and he deals with a lot of my soccer teammates’ injuries. It is very inspiring to see him help my teammates get back to doing what they love.”