Anna Miller Builds Bridges Between Pilots and Tech at FAA NextGen

“At FAA NextGen, I’ve seen simulations that will guide thousands of planes in the sky, reshaping how we travel for decades to come,” says Anna Miller (’23), a graduate student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Her role at the forefront of airspace modernization is possible thanks to a partnership between the university and FAA that creates unique opportunities for students to engage directly with industry experts focused on innovation.

The Next Generation Air Transportation System, known as FAA NextGen, is a program by the Federal Aviation Administration to modernize U.S. airspace with advanced technologies, improving safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Located near Daytona Beach International Airport, adjacent to campus, the Florida Test Bed is operated by the university under an agreement with the FAA.

For Anna, who combines a lifelong passion for aviation with a business-focused mindset, working at the Test Bed is the culmination of years of hard work, academic achievement and an eagerness to seize every opportunity.

From Running Trails to Airspace Simulations

Anna’s fascination with aviation began in childhood. “The highlight of any trip for me was going to the airport—watching people, observing the operations, and just soaking in the atmosphere,” she recalls. While her family was less enthused about airport visits, she saw them as a world of endless possibilities. This curiosity led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle, where she added three minors—business administration, finance, and meteorology—to broaden her understanding of the industry.

An athletics scholarship lessened some of the financial stress and paid personal dividends. As a member of Embry-Riddle’s cross-country team, she developed time management and resilience. “Balancing running, flight training, and academics taught me how to prioritize and get the most out of every experience,” she says. After earning her bachelor’s degree, Anna is completing her Master of Business Administration in Aviation, focused on airport management. She is also well on her way to becoming a certified flight instructor.

Pioneering the Future at FAA NextGen

The Florida Test Bed has become a transformative part of Anna’s graduate experience. As a research hub for testing and refining aviation technologies, the facility allows students like Anna to work directly with FAA officials, industry leaders, and Embry-Riddle faculty on projects that will shape the future of air travel.

“We’re developing and testing tools that could fundamentally change the industry,” Anna explains. “It’s like working in a highly advanced simulation, but the stakes are real.”

Anna’s role bridges technical development and business strategy, driving innovation on both fronts. One standout project involved multi-regional trajectory-based operations, which enable real-time adjustments to flight paths, optimizing airspace usage and reducing delays. “We got to see our simulations interact with an actual plane flying international routes,” she says.

During the flight of a newly manufactured Boeing, not yet delivered to an airline, Anna got to witness air traffic management technologies on a pristine platform. During the long haul from Seattle to Singapore, Anna found herself in a room buzzing with activity. NASA engineers monitored data streams, Boeing representatives refined system inputs, and FAA officials strategized future applications. International regulators, including Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau, shared insights, while the plane’s pilots provided a firsthand perspective. “It was inspiring to see experts from around the world collaborating, with every voice—including mine—helping shape the project’s success,” Anna says.

Bridging Knowledge Gaps

Stepping into the technical world of NextGen was initially intimidating for Anna. “I come from a non-technical background, so sitting in meetings full of acronyms was overwhelming at first,” she admits. Over two years, however, she’s gained a deeper understanding by working on software architecture diagrams and collaborating with subject matter experts. “It’s like a language immersion course,” she says. “I can now sit in a meeting and truly understand what’s happening.”

She is particularly fascinated by how modern technologies build on legacy systems. “It’s like comparing the original iPhone to what we have now,” Anna explains. “The systems may look the same on the outside, but under the surface, the capabilities are completely different.”

Her work at NextGen has also inspired her to encourage others to get involved. “I’ve seen classmates join NextGen after hearing about my experience, and they’ve all found it incredibly rewarding,” she says. “It’s a hidden gem on campus that more students should know about.”

The Future Is Cleared for Takeoff

For Anna, every success at FAA NextGen isn’t just a professional achievement—it’s a step closer to making the skies safer and more efficient for everyone. She is particularly proud of her work on air traffic management. “Our trajectory-based operations project is going to revolutionize air traffic management,” she explains. “It will increase efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and improve safety.”

With more than 5,000 planes in the air over the United States at any given time, innovations like trajectory-based operations are essential for managing the growing complexity of air travel. Anna’s work contributes to the systems that will keep this network running smoothly and safely for decades to come.

Her ultimate goal is to become a pilot for United Airlines, an aspiration rooted in her Chicago upbringing. “United has always been part of my life, and it feels like home,” she says. While her MBAA provides a backup plan for a career in airline management, Anna remains focused on flying. “Flying passengers is more personal than flying cargo. It’s about connecting with people and impacting lives.”