How has your academic coursework prepared you to tackle the evolving challenges in the aviation business landscape? The thing that sets Embry-Riddle apart from other programs is its focus on incorporating real, relevant information into courses. I’ve recently taken an aviation safety course where our professor gave us opportunities to explore current events outside our curriculum. Nearly all of my professors have imparted lessons that focus on preparing us to address real issues. How has your involvement in the College of Business Student Council (CBSC) shaped your understanding of leadership? I joined CBSC last summer, and since then I’ve gotten many opportunities to immerse myself in the networks surrounding Embry-Riddle. I now understand how important a role student leaders play in determining the path for their fellow students. By stepping up and advocating for more opportunities for fellow Eagles, I made an impact far beyond my own gain. It’s the core of the Embry-Riddle spirit to build our community and open new doors for the next generation. You recently completed an internship at HondaJet. How have your internship opportunities – both at HondaJet and in airport management — helped you apply classroom knowledge to the business of aviation? In both of my internships, what set me apart was my ability to readily apply real-world knowledge and experience to my work. My teams often applauded my efforts to stay up to date with industry news, thus ensuring that my actions were consistent with the standards of the ever-evolving community. Had I not benefitted from the learning opportunities Embry-Riddle gives with the unique facets of the industry, I do not believe I would have made such an impact. Your study abroad experience in 2023 must have also offered a unique perspective. How did that international exposure enhance your understanding of aviation business on a global scale? My study abroad courses with Drs. Bourdeau and Corbin were in Humanities and Homeland Security, but they still went above and beyond in connecting the content to the greater aviation world. Seeing how aviation has bridged so many different cultures, and how it works to impact so many aspects of our daily lives, has fueled my desire to cultivate opportunities for myself and others to continue advancing this incredible industry. How do you define innovation in the context of the aviation industry, and what role do you see yourself playing in driving innovation forward? From a technical standpoint, innovation is the core of aviation. I see with projects such as eVTOL development and sustainable aviation fuel research the ongoing initiatives to advance toward the next frontier in aviation. Practically speaking, however, I believe innovation is thought, mentality and cultural development. We’ve seen aviation morph over the years, and I join my generation in fueling new ideas and new passion for the industry that will enable us to conquer that next frontier. I personally hope that I can continue my work to instill the same excitement I’ve had for aviation into the students that will come after me.
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2024 Annual Report | 17
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