Boeing Scholar Sets Her Sight on a Future in Mechanical Engineering

While Chyra Parson (’25) didn’t always know what her career path would be during high school, the Jacksonville, Florida, native has always been a very hands-on learner and loved anything that involved problem solving.

Eventually, she realized that mechanical engineering would be a good place to explore her true passions and started taking classes like calculus to help prepare for the future.

After an admissions representative from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University visited her high school, she started researching and determined that Embry-Riddle’s B.S. in Mechanical Engineering was the right choice for her.

“I chose Embry-Riddle because I found out about all the opportunities I could receive that would place me in my career field,” she said.

What is a Mechanical Engineering Degree at Embry-Riddle?

This degree program prepares graduates for a wide variety of engineering careers in fields such as aerospace, robotics, energy, automotive, biomedical and manufacturing.

Because mechanical engineering is the broadest of engineering professions, a degree in this discipline opens a world of opportunity. The demand for mechanical engineers is high and demand typically remains stable despite fluctuations in the global economy.

The Mechanical Engineering degree also builds on the success of Embry-Riddle’s highly acclaimed Aerospace Engineering program, so students benefit from the same resources and professional networking opportunities.

How Does the Boeing Scholar Program Work?

With a scholarship from The Boeing Company to help her, Parson is paving the way for a successful future every day.

As a Boeing Scholar, she has had the opportunity to meet several Boeing executives and plans to tour the Boeing site at the Kennedy Space Center this spring.

"To be a Boeing Scholar means that you have the determination to use your talents to create and invent for the betterment of future generations,” said Parson.

One of her biggest inspirations to pursue a STEM education was Katherine Johnson – the NASA research mathematician whose work helped put astronauts in space.

Johnson’s many notable accomplishments included performing trajectory analysis for Alan Shepard’s May 1961 Freedom 7 mission – the country’s first human spaceflight — and for John Glenn’s flight aboard Friendship 7 in February 1962, when he became the first American to orbit the Earth.

She also did critical work calculating rendezvous paths during the Apollo lunar landing program.

“Her calculations for the task group were very significant to space exploration in the United States,” said Parson.

The Future is Looking Up

Like Johnson, Parson has big dreams for her future at Embry-Riddle and beyond.

“I’m most looking forward to learning about my major in the Energy Systems track I chose,” she said. “I’m excited to dig deeper into all of the courses that really focus on my career path.”

Once she graduates with her mechanical engineering degree in 2025, Parson hopes to participate in NASA’s Pathways Internship program and eventually become a full-time engineer at a company like NASA or Boeing.

To fellow Eagles, her advice is to take advantage of the resources available on campus to help you hone your career goals.

“The faculty is here to help you, and it’s important to build connections with them,” said Parson.

What connections will you make here? Apply at Embry-Riddle today.