Kenley Zeruto’s Journey in Computational Mathematics and Data Science at Embry-Riddle

When Kenley Zeruto (’25, ’26) arrived at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she realized she excelled in mathematics and enjoyed tackling challenging problems.

“I was drawn to problem solving and breaking down complex concepts into logical steps,” she said. “That confidence in mathematics encouraged me to pursue Computational Mathematics and Data Science, combining theory with practical application through coding and modeling.”

Enrolled in an accelerated master’s program, Kenley will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics and a Master of Science in Data Science in just five years.

Benefits of Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach

The warm climate and strong combination of academics and athletics brought Kenley to Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus. As a student athlete, she wanted a rigorous STEM program where she could also compete.

“I originally came for the balance of school and athletics, but I gained research opportunities, internships, leadership roles and a close-knit academic community that invests in student success,” Kenley said. “Being able to grow while pursuing demanding degrees in Computational Mathematics and Data Science made my time at Embry-Riddle personally meaningful and academically transformative.”

Kenley’s sister, Alexa Zeruto (’24), also attended Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach. “Having my sister on campus and the lacrosse team made the experience even more special. She gave me a sense of familiarity as I transitioned into college life,” she shared.

Importance of a Support System

The support Kenley received from faculty and coaches on campus has been one of the most impactful parts of her personal and professional growth.

“My coaches, Christina Nikolai and Haley Cummins, have consistently supported my goals on and off the field,” Kenley said. “They emphasize mental health, accountability and long-term development, which has helped me build resilience and confidence not just as an athlete, but as a leader and future professional.”

Dr. Hong Liu played a key role in guiding Kenley's data science career, fostering critical thinking, research and practical application of analytics. His mentorship inspired Kenley to go beyond coursework and fully embrace her identity as a data scientist.

Embry-Riddle’s student community also provided strong support.

“We push each other to succeed, celebrate each other’s accomplishments and step up during challenging times,” she said. “The culture of collaboration and encouragement has helped me grow in ways far beyond the classroom.”

Significance of Undergraduate and Graduate Research

For her undergraduate senior capstone project, Kenley analyzed athlete performance and wellness data to evaluate how sleep, fatigue, stress and soreness affect readiness and performance.

“We cleaned and modeled the data using statistical methods and machine learning techniques to identify patterns and build predictive insights,” she said. “As a former NCAA athlete, this project was especially meaningful because it combined my passion for sports with my technical background in mathematics and data science.”

Kenley's graduate research focuses on aviation safety analytics, analyzing FAA-reported data on uncrewed aerial system incidents.

“I’m proud of successfully balancing college athletics with undergraduate and graduate work — all while building incredible friendships along the way,” she reflected. “From leading on the field and contributing in research to completing internships, I’ve been able to grow academically and personally at the same time.”

Kenley’s Key Takeaways

Facing challenges reminds Kenley why she is pursuing tough programs and strengthens her resolve, while her support system motivates her to push through even when she’s overwhelmed.

“My parents have modeled hard work, integrity and perseverance in everything they do, and that example has shaped the way I approach both academics and life,” Kenley said. “Their belief in me has given me the confidence to set — and achieve — ambitious goals.”

Kenley has learned one life lesson that will stay with her.

“One of the biggest things I have learned is that everything is earned, not given,” she said. “If you want something, work hard for it, no matter how long it takes. Anything is possible if you put in the time and effort.”

Wise Words and Life Lessons

Kenley believes growth stems from curiosity and initiative.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out for help because that’s when growth happens,” she shared. “Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Everyone progresses at a different pace, so stay consistent, stay curious and put in the effort.”

Data Science Opportunities Abound

Kenley’s background as a collegiate athlete and her expertise in data science drive her interest in sports analytics.

“My goal is to build a career where I can use data to drive meaningful decisions in high-performance environments,” she said. “Whether soon or later in my career, I would love to combine my background as a collegiate with my skills in data science to help teams optimize performance and strategy.”

Data science offers diverse career opportunities, with demand across industries such as sports, aviation and healthcare. Kenley is graduating with flexible, transferable skills that make her valuable in numerous fields.

“One of the things I love most is the versatility — data scientists and analysts are needed in nearly every industry,” Kenley said.