From Soccer Fields to Nuclear Plants: How Ryan Bazil Found His Future in Drone Technology

"I never thought I'd be doing drone work," admits Ryan Bazil (’18), who graduated from Embry-Riddle with an Aeronautics degree. Today, he’s at the forefront of technology ensuring the safety and efficiency of nuclear facilities. His path to this role included stops at soccer fields and computer labs along the way.

Raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, Bazil’s early passion was soccer, and he was determined to pursue a career in the sport. "I was a soccer player my whole life," he reflects. However, his pragmatic father encouraged him to explore other options, prompting Bazil to consider a different future. That’s when he discovered a fascination with aviation.

By high school, Bazil had enrolled in the Boynton Aerospace Science Academy, a dual-enrollment program between Palm Beach County Schools and Embry-Riddle. The experience opened the door to a new world. "I fell in love with aviation," he says, noting that drones became a particular interest during his junior and senior years.

As a student on the Daytona Beach Campus, Bazil worked as an IT technician and played collegiate soccer, balancing academics, work and athletics. He couldn’t have imagined his future working in nuclear facilities, a job he describes as something "I've seen only in movies."

His current role as a nuclear innovation specialist for Florida Power & Light is groundbreaking. He is part of the nuclear division for parent company NextEra Energy, operating drones, robots and submersible technology. At St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant, one of four facilities he serves, Bazil is part of a team that uses advanced drone technology to maintain equipment and ensure the reliability of nuclear energy for millions of customers. By leveraging drones for inspections, the FPL team identifies potential issues before they escalate, significantly enhancing safety.

A Boy and His (Robotic) Dog

Bazil’s work isn’t limited to airborne technology. He also works with underwater drones that inspect intake canals and test water clarity. The goal is always to minimize human exposure to hazardous environments, whether through aerial, land-based or underwater technology.

FPL’s approach goes beyond routine maintenance. "We're the first ones in the industry to implement robotic dogs in a nuclear setting," Bazil states with pride. These quadrupedal robots from Boston Dynamics, called Spot, navigate complex terrain and test for radiation, reducing human exposure to dangerous conditions.

The utility also deploys a variety of drones for rapid damage assessment after severe weather events, a crucial capability in hurricane-prone Florida. "We're getting a lot of buy-in from the business," Bazil adds, emphasizing the hard-earned success of these innovations.

Working with drones at a nuclear site requires precision and adaptability. Bazil describes his work environment as both structured and unpredictable. "We don’t really have a structured schedule. When something goes wrong at the site, we go out to look at it and assess the damage." He compares it to firefighting with “a lot of desk work on the business side.” A workday could include deploying drones to inspect storm damage, assess pipe integrity or monitor potential hazards. The stakes are high, but Bazil thrives on the challenge: "I definitely love it. It's a good challenge."

AI Is Changing the Game

Technology has transformed drone operations in the past decade. Early models were difficult to control, but now, as Bazil explains, "they take off with the press of a button." Advances in AI have made drones safer and more efficient, but Bazil sees even more potential on the horizon. "The main goal right now," he shares, "is getting autonomy across all the sites so we don’t have to worry about traveling as much anymore."

Autonomous drone missions could revolutionize nuclear safety, reducing risks for engineers and operators and protecting the general public.

Beyond piloting drones, Bazil plays a key role in communication and strategy, liaising with engineers to understand and fulfill their needs. "The engineer tells me what we need to see, and I capture that," he says. This collaboration ensures the data collected is both useful and actionable, an essential part of maintaining safety around nuclear reactors.

His Personal Line of Sight

A lover of travel and photography, Bazil plans to expand his professional and personal horizons. Despite his demanding role, Bazil’s love for drones extends beyond work. He hopes to explore real estate photography and other drone-related ventures as hobbies. His long-term dreams are ambitious: "I want to live in Europe," he says.

For those considering a career in drones or AI innovation, his advice is straightforward: "LinkedIn has been my best friend for six years," he notes, underscoring the importance of networking. He encourages students to explore relevant courses and internships, emphasizing hands-on experience. For those unsure if working with drones is right for them, he highlights the field's versatility, with opportunities ranging from environmental monitoring to post-storm damage assessment.

Reflecting on his journey to date, Bazil recognizes the unexpected turns that led him here. What began as a side interest in drone videography evolved into a career at the intersection of aviation, innovation and nuclear safety. His story showcases the possibilities in drone technology — a field that, much like Bazil, has unlimited potential.