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!

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!

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.

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 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!

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a prestigious engineering institution best known for our highly ranked Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.

With several established undergraduate engineering programs within our Daytona Beach Campus College of Engineering, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science will introduce a new program in the fall 2024 semester – the Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. The program will offer tracks in Aerospace Systems and Enterprise Systems.

What is systems engineering?

Systems engineering utilizes the practice of systems thinking – viewing large systems and projects in their entirety and understanding how all the parts work together.

Embry-Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering teaches students decision-making skills crucial for optimizing engineering resources, particularly in aerospace and aviation. Students also gain the technical background and skills needed to communicate across engineering disciplines.

By graduation, students will be ready to design, model and analyze large systems, address dynamic challenges and drive technological advancement in industries like aerospace and defense.

What do systems engineers do?

A systems engineer’s day-to-day relies heavily on communication with other engineers, specialists and stakeholders within their organization.

In the workplace, systems engineers must consider how the components of a system work together and make decisions based on what they see and what obstacles they anticipate. Some of these duties include system design, development, testing and integration, human-machine interaction, risk analysis and system optimization.

Systems engineers must consider several aspects of the systems they are working on. What is the system’s purpose? What requirements must be met? What are the potential risks? Then, they must verify and validate the system requirements and see the project through, acting as project managers.

At Embry-Riddle, students work hands-on with real-world systems from the start, meaning graduates will be ready to hit the ground running once they’re in the workplace.

Where do systems engineers work?

Systems engineering is a relatively versatile field of work – systems engineers work in many major industries, including aerospace, defense, manufacturing, telecommunications and transportation. Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, The Boeing Company and Blue Origin are just a few companies that often hire Embry-Riddle graduates, including systems engineers.

Systems engineers are also likely to find work in contracting roles within both the private and public sectors.

What skills does a systems engineer have?

Systems engineering is an inherently interdisciplinary practice, bringing together math, science and engineering principles. Successful students will demonstrate persistence, focus and an ability to work with abstract concepts.

This program is for those who want to learn about engineering applications across a range of disciplines while addressing system-level modeling, analysis and operations. Teamwork and communication are also key skills that systems engineers must have.

Additionally, systems engineering offers space for career growth and quick advancement into leadership and managerial roles.

How much do systems engineers get paid?

According to Salary.com, entry-level systems engineers with a bachelor’s degree earn a median salary of $77,823 in the U.S.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University also offers a Master of Science in Systems Engineering. With a graduate degree and/or years of experience, systems engineers’ salaries soar into six-figure territory.

Is the field of systems engineering seeing growth?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fields like industrial engineering, civil engineering and mechanical engineering are expecting 5-12% growth over the next several years, which is much faster than average.

The aerospace industry has a great need for systems engineers who specialize in the design of complex aerospace systems, human-machine systems, uncrewed system ground control and more.

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 Cathon

Ashley 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 Lavold

Grace 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 Lucas

Maegan 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 Muehlbauer

Reagan 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 Thorpe

Ashlyn 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 Winkel

Cami 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”