Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, SECURITY & INTELLIGENCE
PRESCOTT CAMPUS
2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT
IN THIS REPORT
1 2 3 4 5 6 9
Dean’s Message Leadership Team
CBSI Industry Board Faculty Accolades
Who We Are
Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security Department of Global Security & Intelligence
13 School of Business 16 New Initiatives and Business Club Success
GIVING TO THE COLLEGE
When you give to the College of Business, Security & Intelligence (CBSI), you help to address some of the most critical security and business challenges of our era. CBSI is one of the nation’s leading providers
of business, security and intelligence education, and your support enables us to continue training the next generation of industry professionals. By donating to the college, you invest in the future security and prosperity of our country and its interests, while also supporting hands-on education, cutting-edge research and our talented students.
Make a difference and support CBSI by donating at: alumnifriends.erau.edu/s/give
B | College of Business, Security & Intelligence
DEAN’S MESSAGE
In Cyber Intelligence and Security, CBSI achieved unprecedented momentum. The Department of Defense awarded $1.85 million to Embry-Riddle to support full-ride cybersecurity scholarships, and a record number of our students earned highly competitive Department of Defense SMART Scholarships. Students continued to excel in national competitions while working alongside faculty on high-impact research and outreach initiatives. During the summer, CBSI students and faculty hosted a globally-recognized aviation cyber capture-the-flag event at DEF CON’s Aerospace Village, engaging participants from industry, government and the military. Interdisciplinary collaboration remains central to CBSI’s mission. Through facilities such as the Cyber Gym Makerspace and Global Security Operations Center, students develop the skills, perspective and experience employers demand. I am grateful for the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and partners whose work continues to elevate CBSI and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I invite you to explore the achievements highlighted in this year’s annual report and connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Dear College of Business, Security & Intelligence community,
Another academic year has come to a close, marking a year of growth, engagement and national recognition for the College of Business, Security & Intelligence. As the nation’s first and only college dedicated to business, security and intelligence, CBSI continues to advance education at the intersection of business and security across industry and government on a global scale. I am pleased to share highlights from the 2025-2026 academic year in this annual report. As dean, I have the privilege of watching our students and faculty translate classroom learning into real-world impact. Across disciplines, their work reflects academic excellence, professional readiness and a commitment to addressing complex challenges in cyber intelligence, aviation business and national security. This year, our School of Business marked several important milestones. The Aviation Business Administration program earned successful re-accreditation and top honors from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (ABBI), reaffirming the strength of our curriculum and faculty. Students expanded their industry exposure through airport tours, including Denver International Airport, participation in the NBAA Conference and leadership development through the FBLA Fall Leadership Conference. Classroom learning was further enhanced through guest speaker engagement and industry visits, providing students with direct access to professionals shaping the future of aviation and business.
Sincerely,
Thomas G. Drape, Ph.D. Dean
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Dean Drape earned a bilingual doctorate with honors from IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain, and taught at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Drape is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he worked as a program manager and procurement specialist on multi-million-dollar aerospace projects. His academic administrative experience includes U.S. Air Force Academy chair and deputy director for the Program in Advanced Security Studies at the Marshall Center, director for CBSI’s School of Business, chair of the MBA and Graduate Business Programs in the School of Business at Azusa Pacific University and deputy department head for operations in the Department of Management at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Drape also earned an MBA from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in Management from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has held faculty appointments at five academic institutions and has led academic study abroad programs on four continents and in 15 countries.
Dr. Thomas Drape Dean
Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya Chair of Cyber Intelligence and Security
Professor Tom Foley, J.D. Chair of Global Security and Intelligence Studies
Dr. Jules Yimga Chair of the School of Business
Dr. Sampigethaya received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington and was Boeing’s first associate technical fellow for aviation cyber- physical security. He later became the first associate director for cybersecurity at the UTC Research Center and a graduate program director at the University of Maryland. He founded SAE’s first aviation cyber security technical committee and leads aviation cyber tracks at SAE and AIAA/IEEE conferences. He has over 65 papers — including three award winning publications, 24 keynotes and 24 U.S. patents. He also taught the first ICAO aviation cyber security course to 150+ participants from 24 countries. His pioneering work in aviation cybersecurity earned him recognitions such as ASEI Engineer of the Year Award, AIAA Associate Fellowship, 2025 AIAA Information Systems Award and Royal Aeronautical Society Fellowship.
Dr. Yimga is a Fulbright U.S. Scholar with a Ph.D. in Economics from Kansas State University. His expertise in air transport economics and policy is demonstrated by an extensive publication record with over 30 papers in top-tier refereed journals. He has also served as an aviation consultant, providing economic modeling services to various organizations. A recipient of multiple Scholar of the Year awards and Best Paper recognitions at academic conferences such as the Air Transport Research Society and the Transportation Research Forum, Yimga remains actively involved in the field. He has held a visiting position at the Estonian Aviation Academy in Estonia as part of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program. Currently, he serves on the Best Paper Award Selection Committee for the Air Transport Research Society, is a member of the board of directors of the Arizona Business Aviation Association and holds a senior academic position on the Research Council of the Advanced Air Mobility Institute.
Foley earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) in Law from Indiana University Bloomington.
He holds the following professional certifications: Project Management Professional, Certified Protection Professional, Physical Security
Professional, Airport Security Coordinator and Airport Certified Employee — Security. He brings more than 15 years of corporate security experience to Embry-Riddle. He is an expert in security operations center management, physical security design, risk assessment, guard force management, workplace violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, data center security, school shootings and security, active shooter events, emergency planning and response as well as training program development. Foley also volunteers with the Prescott Valley Police Department, consulting on physical security and continuity planning.
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Industry Board Members
Cary Buchanan Airport Manager, Airside Los Angeles World Airports
Nel Stubbs Principal Stubbs Aviation Advisors
Joseph Hooper Assistant Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation
Stephen Thomas Cybersecurity Advisor Federal Reserve System
Thomas Trask Senior Strategist, Security and Defense Navigators Global
Samuel Ingalls Principal Barich, Inc.
Rudy R. Miller Chairman, President & CEO The Miller Group, Miller Capital Corporation, Miller Investments, Inc. and Miller Management Corporation
Nina Vajda Head of Security Lancium, LLC
Patrick Morrissey Principal Technical Fellow, Product Cybersecurity Collins Aerospace
Matthew Wright Vice President Monterey Fuel Company, LLC
Shanna Woyak President and CEO Front Gate, LLC
Jim Shortal Business Continuity Consultant
Jay Morgan Director, Business Development Telesat Government Solutions
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2025-2026 Faculty Awards Each year, CBSI honors those faculty members who have dedicated themselves to teaching, scholarship and service. All six of our 2025-2026 awardees have materially improved the Embry-Riddle experience for both students and other faculty members. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
Teacher of the Year Steve Hooper | Assistant Professor Department of Global Security & Intelligence Studies
Scholar of the Year Dr. Mathew J. Heath Van Horn | Assistant Professor Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security
Reg Parker Servant of the Year Tom Foley | Associate Professor, Chair and Program Coordinator Department of Global Security & Intelligence Studies
Junior Faculty of the Year Ed Cochran | Visiting Assistant Professor Department of Global Security & Intelligence Studies
Adjunct of the Year Michael Brady | Adjunct Faculty Department of Global Security & Intelligence Studies
CBSI Eagle Excellence Award Dr. Jules Yimga | Associate Professor, Chair and Program Coordinator School of Business
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Who We Are
Global Security & Intelligence Studies
4 of the 3-Letter Agencies Represented
155 Years of Faculty Industry Experience
School of Business
98 th Percentile, Quantitative Business Analytics Major Field Test, 2024-25
92 % Job Placement Rate Office of Institutional Research, 2023
Cyber Intelligence and Security
$ 6.35 m in External Funding 2018-Present
No. 1 in State, National and Global Student Cyber Competitions
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Cyber Intelligence and Security (CIS) and Embry-Riddle’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan
The Cyber Intelligence and Security Department plays a critical role in advancing Embry-Riddle’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan by aligning academic excellence, student success and national-level impact with the university’s mission. Over the past year, departmental initiatives have intentionally supported each of the Strategic Plan’s five pillars while responding to the rapidly evolving cybersecurity and national security landscape.
The Student Experience s National achievement: NSA Codebreaker award recipient Michael Boehm recognized for exceptional national-level cybersecurity excellence. s Competitive distinction: Embry-Riddle teams earned 1st and 3rd place at the Sandia National Laboratories Tracer FIRE Southwest Regional competition. s Student engagement on an international stage: Students hosted the Aviation Cyber CTF at DEF CON’s Aerospace Village and participated in the RSA Conference 2026 and Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS) conference. s Global and industry immersion: Students engaged at the Aviation ISAC Summit, Armasuisse Cyber Defense Campus and ETH-Zurich (all in Switzerland), American Airlines Headquarters and the ACI Cyber Rodeo. Enrollment Management s High-impact recruitment pipeline: CyberAero and AstroSec CTF competitions introduced prospective students to immersive cybersecurity experiences on campus. s Record undergraduate demand: Capacity-managed enrollment produced 53 new B.S. CIS students in fall 2025. s Record graduate program growth: M.S. CIS applications and enrollment continue to rise, reflecting expanding national visibility. Academic and Faculty Excellence s ABET reaccreditation: A successful site visit reaffirmed program quality, assessment rigor and continuous improvement, with reaccreditation decision expected in summer 2026. s Global faculty leadership: Faculty contributions at ICAO and NATO engagements, Colombia Air Force and UN’s OECD International Transport Forum and expanding collaboration with Edith Cowan University (Australia) elevated Embry-Riddle’s international presence.
Research and Innovation s $1.85 million Department of War Cyber Service Academy award provides full-ride scholarships and strengthens the national cybersecurity workforce pipeline. s Federal and industry-sponsored applied research: The Boeing Company, NASA JPL and Honeywell Aerospace collaborations advancing aviation and space cybersecurity research and innovation in the Cyber Gym Makerspace. Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement s Aviation ISAC, Boeing and Honeywell Aero partnerships and almost $100,000 in funding: Supporting national CTF initiatives and student engagement and placement. s TracerFIRE collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories: Strengthening federal and alumni- connected relationships. s ERAU-NASA-NSF Aerospace Cybersecurity
Workshop: Deepening collaboration, with NSF funding, among government, industry, alumni and other leading educational institutions.
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Morgan Finch & Rebekah Sokoloski | Women in Cybersecurity At Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus, cybersecurity is more than a major, it’s an opportunity for leadership and excellence. For two students, Morgan Finch (’26) and Rebekah Sokoloski (’26), that opportunity has taken shape in the form of CyberAero, a student-led Capture the Flag (CTF) experience designed to prepare and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Reviving CyberAero: A Student-Led Vision Takes Flight CyberAero had existed in years past, but had become inactive, until Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya, department chair of Cyber Intelligence and Security, approached Morgan, Rebekah and fellow lead Nichole Thomas with the challenge to bring it back. “It was impactful to have the department chair reach out with such an amazing opportunity,” Rebekah recalls. “I knew this would open doors for high schoolers who might be interested in cybersecurity.” The students reimagined CyberAero from the ground up, redesigning it into a space-themed, scenario-driven competition inspired by Sandia National Laboratories’ Tracer FIRE challenges. They added introductory workshops, hands-on labs and narrative-based challenges under their fictional aerospace startup, Nova Venture. The impact has been significant. Embry‑Riddle students gain hands-on experience in challenge development and real-world cyber-defense concepts. High school participants step into cybersecurity for the first time in an environment that is welcoming, fun and career-shaping. Team members regularly speak about CyberAero in internship interviews, demonstrating leadership, technical depth and project management experience. The Future of CyberAero is in Secure Hands CyberAero is just one illustration of the excellence and innovation that Embry‑Riddle cyber students bring to their work: a student-led initiative soaring in creativity, collaboration and purpose-driven leadership. Through the work of Morgan and Rebekah, CyberAero has become a catalyst, empowering high school students, preparing college students for real-world careers and raising cybersecurity awareness nationally.
In just two years, Morgan and Rebekah have demonstrated the powerful impact of women leading in a field where they are critically underrepresented by together transforming CyberAero into a unique statewide educational outreach program, one that blends technical expertise, mentorship and Embry‑Riddle’s signature hands-on approach to learning. Two Paths Converging in Cybersecurity Leadership Morgan Finch: Leading by Example Finch arrived at Embry‑Riddle with only a basic understanding of cybersecurity but with the confidence that Embry‑Riddle would “provide a top-notch education ... and endless opportunities” to learn and build leadership. Over time, she found her stride through clubs, competitions and conferences. She has served as vice president of Women in Cybersecurity, team lead for CyberAero and a cybersecurity intern at Palo Verde Generating Station, where she worked hands-on with insider-threat defense and industrial cybersecurity. Her proudest accomplishment? Bringing CyberAero back to life. “Going from competing to creating a Capture-the- Flag competition was something I never thought would be possible ... Being able to provide such a unique opportunity to high school students is the most rewarding part.”
Rebekah Sokoloski: Shaping a Future in Cybersecurity Leadership
For Sokoloski, the turning point came not in a classroom, but at her first CTF competition. That experience “completely changed” her trajectory, revealing how classroom knowledge transforms into real-world skill. Capture-the-Flag challenges became her foundation for mastery, ultimately leading her to serve as President of the Cyber Defense Club, compete nationally and complete a high-impact internship with American Express on AI risk assessment. What she is most proud of, however, is the personal transformation she experienced along the way. “I have grown so much in my confidence, my leadership skills [and] my communication skills. I stepped into roles I never thought I would be in, and I couldn’t be more grateful.” Her leadership style mirrors her journey: supportive, motivational and rooted in helping others grow.
This story was originally written by Ashley Williams.
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Global Capture-the-Flag (CTF) Industry Impact Events Hosted by CIS AUGUST 2025 - APRIL 2026
Zurich, Switzerland
Las Vegas, Nevada
Prescott, Arizona
Daytona Beach, Florida
ERAU-NASA-NSF Aerospace Cybersecurity Workshop Capture-the-Flag PRESCOTT, ARIZONA CIS students designed and faculty guided an aviation cybersecurity CTF to expose students from several educational institutions across the nation to CTF challenges with cash prizes up to $2,100 funded by NSF. Sandia National Laboratories Tracer FIRE — Southwest Regional Competition PRESCOTT, ARIZONA CIS hosted Sandia to offer their Southwest regional cyber defense competition, testing advanced incident response and critical infrastructure protection skills.
Aviation Cyber Capture-the-Flag LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
CIS students designed and faculty guided an aviation cybersecurity CTF showcasing aerospace threat scenarios to a global audience of thousands at DEF CON’s Aerospace Village.
Aviation ISAC Cyber Capture-the-Flag ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
CIS students designed and faculty guided an interactive aviation- focused CTF delivered in person during the Aviation ISAC Summit for participating student teams from Europe. Attendance included dozens of global industry leaders and cybersecurity professionals attending the summit, with cash prizes from Aviation ISAC.
ACI Cyber Rodeo Challenge DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA CIS students designed and faculty guided a hands-on
CyberAero Capture-the-Flag PRESCOTT, ARIZONA
cybersecurity competition hosted by the Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems focused on airport and aircraft security scenarios, in collaboration with CTF challenges from Airbus, Boeing, RTX and Riverside Research, for the DHS-DoW-DOT Aviation Cyber Initiative Cyber Rodeo. Students hosted Community of Interest professional teams and several student teams from colleges and universities in Florida, with cash prizes from RTX.
Current CIS students hosted a recruitment-focused cybersecurity CTF, supported by the Undergraduate Research Institute and the CBSI Philanthropy Council, introducing prospective students to hands-on cyber challenges.
AstroSec Capture-the-Flag PRESCOTT, ARIZONA
Current CIS students are planning a new initiative to host a space cybersecurity-themed CTF engaging high school and early college participants in mission-driven cyber problem solving.
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Language Programs Chinese
On Saturday, February 28, three students from the Global Security & Intelligence program enrolled in Chinese language courses competed in the Arizona Chinese Language Speech Contest at Arizona State University. In the collegiate division, Embry-Riddle student Kaden Burleson earned first place and received an Amazon gift card. Nicole Siu and William Gorman tied for third place, demonstrating the strength and dedication of the university’s language students. Hosted by the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Arizona, the competition featured more than 240 students representing 37 schools statewide. Participants competed in Mandarin, building language proficiency, cultural awareness and public speaking skills. Spanish In the summer of 2025, six students accompanied by Professor Jose Ninawanka participated in a four-week study abroad program in Liberia, Costa Rica. Hosted by Universidad Isaac Newton, the program allowed students to complete Spanish III and IV while fully immersed in the language. Each student lived with a host family for the duration of the program, providing daily opportunities to practice Spanish beyond the classroom. Located near some of Costa Rica’s most well-known beaches, Liberia served as a base for cultural and experiential learning. Students explored the Barra Honda Caves, Baldi Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano while engaging with the local community. Through constant language use and cultural immersion, students experienced significant growth in their Spanish proficiency. “I saw their Spanish skills improve so much,” said professor Ninawanka. “Nothing beats cultural and language immersion when learning a second language.”
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Alumni Spotlight Konrad Brayer
Did you have a professor who made a lasting impact on you? Who, and why?
After alumnus Konrad Brayer’s (‘21) time at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University majoring in Global Security & Intelligence Studies, he has excelled in a career within the Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security as a Western Hemisphere Analyst. He attributes a great deal of his success to the knowledge he gained from Global Security & Intelligence Studies professors who possessed practical and industry experience in his field. What is your current title/role? What does your day-to-day look like in this role? My current title is Western Hemisphere Analyst for the U.S. Department of State, Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). Located within the Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, OSAC keeps the U.S. government connected with U.S. organizations operating abroad for ongoing threat awareness and crisis support. Through trusted peer network groups, consultations, events, alerts and intelligence analysis, OSAC’s goal is to protect U.S. public and private-sector interests overseas. I am the OSAC analyst covering South America and the Caribbean. In this role, I produce intelligence products for government entities and private companies with travel, personnel or operations abroad. My products cover everything from crime and economics to health risks and transportation concerns, and I am available to these consumers for ad-hoc or operation-specific inquiries. I also produce publicly available country security reports for nations in my region and present intelligence findings to a wide range of audiences in the U.S. and abroad. On a given day, I may produce an intelligence product on terrorism in Colombia, liaise with embassy security staff in Argentina and present crisis information to a Fortune-50 executive with operations in Trinidad and Tobago.
There were many professors who left a lasting impact. Professor Hooper and Professor Avery are both incredible teachers and gave me practical information on analysis, counterintelligence and crisis response that I use daily. Professor Saquella provided me with the ability to navigate the corporate security and intelligence world — skills I needed early on in my career. What is one piece of advice you would give to today’s college students? Use your networks! I know everyone tells you that college is about who you meet, but that advice is especially true at Embry‑Riddle. The faculty have lots of useful information about the field, and alumni are actively working in pretty much any job you could want in government or the private sector. I’ve never met an Eagle who isn’t willing to help when you ask, but you have to ask! Also, find a friend with a car and get out of Prescott once in a while. Arizona has a lot to explore if you can take a day trip.
How did CBSI prepare you for this career opportunity?
CBSI’s strongest asset is the faculty. Because most of the professors are also practitioners, the information and guidance they can provide is unmatched. Learning to write analysis products from former intelligence community analysts and understanding crisis management from those who have actually managed crises before is something few institutions can offer. The classes in the Global Security & Intelligence Studies program were top-notch and gave me the ability to truly hit the ground running in the industry.
I’ve never met an Eagle who isn’t willing to help when you ask, but you have to ask!”
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Alumni Spotlight Shane Croy
How did CBSI prepare you for this career opportunity?
Alumnus Shane Croy graduated from Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus in 2016 with a B.S. in Global Security and Intelligence Studies. He is now a Government SAP Security Manager for the United States Space Force. Shane says that looking back, the part of his education that stands out to him most is how, “the unique curriculum and knowledge shared from my professors really had a profound effect on how I think and lead today.” How do you usually describe what you do day to day as a security manager? I use my knowledge and experience in the security space to protect the Space Force’s state-of-the-art technology from near-peer adversaries. As near-peer adversaries develop capabilities to attack or counter U.S. interests, the U.S. Space Force must work diligently to provide uncompromised technology to support America’s warfighters. What first drew you to Global Security & Intelligence Studies at Embry-Riddle, and what made that program the right fit for you? I was finishing my enlistment with the Marines when a friend told me about Embry-Riddle. I wanted to continue serving and defending my country in my civilian career and felt the GSIS program was the perfect fit for me. What did the transition from Embry-Riddle graduate to working in national security look like early in your career? Graduating from Embry-Riddle was just the beginning of this stage of my journey, and the move into national security required a lengthy vetting process. During that time, I worked as a manager for a private security company. The knowledge gained and the prestige of Embry-Riddle as an institution opened both of those doors for me. When I was asked early on to create a threat briefing for military personnel going overseas to a high-threat country, I was able to lean heavily on my experience at Embry-Riddle to outperform other entry-level coworkers at the time.
Many of the assignments I remember doing are exact tasks I’ve had to accomplish in the workforce. Even the coursework that was not directly related served as effective thought exercises that contributed to my success in other areas. Specifically, my capstone project was highly focused on real-world applications and truly gave me the confidence to volunteer for securing highly sensitive construction projects early on in my career. For students interested in national security, intelligence or space-related careers, what should they be doing now to prepare? Stay out of trouble, learn to manage your time well and be willing to move anywhere to start your journey. Additionally, always work to improve the security environment you’re in, no matter where you end up, and your leadership will take notice. This and always working to improve yourself, through on-the-job training and available courses, will almost guarantee a meaningful career.
The unique curriculum and knowledge shared from my professors really had a profound effect on how I think and lead today.”
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Industry Impact Axis Communications strengthened experiential learning within the Global Security & Intelligence Studies program through a nearly $15,000 donation of hands-on security equipment, including an interactive camera cart that will be integrated into the Global Security Operations Center. This contribution directly supports active, applied learning by allowing students to work with the same surveillance technologies used by security professionals in the field. Through the camera cart, students gain real-time experience identifying vulnerabilities in home security and surveillance systems and then developing strategies to defend against those vulnerabilities. The equipment enhances scenario- based instruction, enabling students to assess threats, analyze system weaknesses and respond dynamically in a controlled environment. This practical exposure reinforces classroom concepts while preparing students for real-world security challenges. Axis Communications is widely recognized for its commitment to education through donations of advanced security technologies and, in some cases, funding for schools and universities. The company supports campus safety initiatives by providing tailored security assessment reports, assistance with grant applications and industry-standard network cameras that improve security management and surveillance capabilities.
“Axis Communications is dedicated to creating a smarter and safer world for everyone. What better way to achieve this than investing in our future leaders being educated by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,” states Robert Prady, area technical manager west, Axis Communications. This partnership exemplifies the program’s emphasis on hands-on, career-focused learning and reflects a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of security and intelligence professionals. Professor Tom Foley, department chair of Global Security & Intelligence Studies, explains, “We are grateful to Axis Communications for this generous investment in our students and our program. This equipment allows us to move beyond theory and put professional-grade surveillance technology directly into our students’ hands. They will be able to see how CCTV systems are designed, deployed and managed and how video analytics can significantly enhance operator performance in real-world environments. Experiences like this are what prepare our graduates to step into the security field ready to contribute on day one.”
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Embry‑Riddle Undergrad Connects Plane Spotting Hobby to Future in Aviation Business Interested in airports and aircraft since the age of three, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University undergraduate Noah Escobar began photographing planes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Plane spotting is my hobby,” Escobar said, “trying to photograph as many aircraft as I can, rare to common, and sell them to airlines or regular people who may have flown them.” Capturing a National News Moment That hobby landed Escobar at the center of national news coverage in December, when a United Airlines flight departing Dulles experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff. “I hadn’t plane spotted there since August,” Escobar said. “Right when I got there, there was a fire.” Within minutes, Escobar’s footage drew attention from reporters who wanted to interview him. “I made sure not to speculate — only say what I saw,” he said. “Right on takeoff, the engine failed. No more than 30 seconds into the flight, they yelled ‘mayday, mayday, mayday,’ circled around, dumped fuel south of the airport, and then came in.” The flight crew “did an amazing job,” he added. For Escobar, the moment reinforced how closely plane spotting and aviation knowledge intersect. “Plane spotting helps you understand aviation a lot better,” he said. “The airlines, how they work, their scheduling and the types of aircraft they use.”
“I was in about seventh or eighth grade when COVID hit,” he said. “I had nothing to do like everyone else, and I would just watch videos of aircraft going in and out of any airport in the world.” Inspired, he asked his mother to take him to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia, where he saw an Emirates A380 arrive on a rainy morning. “You could see all the spray from the takeoff and landing,” he said. Escobar soon began returning to airports around his hometown in the Washington, D.C., area, teaching himself photography through trial and error. “I really started messing with the camera until I liked the photos and how they came out,” he said. In December 2023, his work reached a new level when he became a photographer for AirlineGeeks.com, a major aviation media outlet. He also launched his own photography business, DMV Flights, selling images to airlines and aviation enthusiasts while building a growing digital audience on YouTube and Instagram.
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Faculty Spotlight Dr. Jules Yimga Associate Professor and Chair of the School of Business Dr. Jules Yimga brings a powerful combination of research, industry engagement and global perspective to Embry‑Riddle’s College of Business, Security & Intelligence. His work centers on air transport economics, regulatory policy and performance metrics that define the future of aviation. Yimga holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Kansas State University, where he focused on airline competition and product quality. He also earned an M.S. in Business Administration with distinction from Alabama A&M University, as well as a B.S. in Banking and Finance with honors from the University of Buea in Cameroon. In addition to academia, he serves on the board of directors for the Arizona Business Aviation Association and consults on economic modeling for the aviation and financial sectors. At Embry‑Riddle, Yimga teaches courses designed to equip students with career-ready skills, including Air Transport Economics, Introduction to Aviation, Aerospace and Global Business and Commercial Aspects of UAS/Advanced Air Mobility. When asked what initially drew Yimga to Embry-Riddle, he responded, “Embry‑Riddle’s aviation and aerospace focus, combined with its strong undergraduate engagement and opportunities for interdisciplinary research, made it a perfect fit. The ability to directly shape aviation business education while also collaborating with engineering, cybersecurity and aeronautics faculty was especially appealing.” His teaching blends applied economics with active industry engagement. By integrating current data, consulting projects and regulatory case studies, he empowers students to uncover the complex realities of modern aviation. “What makes my style unique is the seamless integration of my own research and consulting experience into the curriculum, making abstract theory tangible for students,” Yimga said.
14 | College of Business, Security & Intelligence
Webb, who earned a degree in Aeronautics with a minor in Aviation Safety, said her coursework continues to pay off. “My aviation safety minor definitely prepared me for this part of my career,” she said. “I feel like I’m more in tune with understanding how aircraft investigation works, and that definitely helped me with this job.” Bernier, a 2025 graduate who earned her degree in Air Traffic Management with a minor in Aviation Business Administration, is one of the newest members of the airport’s operations technician team. “We’re the first ones on the airfield at 6 a.m. — we open everything up,” she said. “We inspect the airfield and all the runways to make sure there are no discrepancies and that everything’s running smoothly.” Bernier said Embry‑Riddle’s group-oriented classes helped her learn how to work in different environments — a skill that’s proven invaluable on the job. “What I really liked about my classes at Embry‑Riddle was that they were very interactive,” she said. “We always had group projects and group discussions. Being able to work with people and navigate different personalities to get things done — that’s something I know I can transfer throughout my whole life, and it’s something I got in my classes.” Partners in Prescott The shared airspace between Embry‑Riddle and the city of Prescott has long symbolized a partnership between higher education and local industry — one that continues to grow stronger through graduates like Metivier, Webb and Bernier. “Together, these three exemplify the strength of our local aviation community and the lasting impact of an Embry‑Riddle education,” said Yimga. “It’s wonderful to see how they’ve grown professionally and always rewarding to watch our graduates making an impact right here in Prescott.” As that relationship continues to grow, Metivier said she’s inspired by how far it’s come. “I love having an impact,” she said.
Three Embry‑Riddle Alumni Power Operations at Prescott Regional Airport At Prescott Regional Airport, the runway to a career in aviation often begins just a few miles away at Embry‑Riddle, as seen by three recent graduates who are now part of the city’s airport operations team. Julia Metivier, Sydney Webb and Dakota Bernier have each found their place at Ernest A. Love Field, supporting daily operations that connect their university to the broader community. “I had the pleasure of teaching Julia, Dakota and Sydney during their time at Embry‑Riddle, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see them thriving at Ernest A. Love Field,” said Dr. Jules Yimga, chair of the School of Business and coordinator of the Aviation Business Administration program at Embry‑Riddle’s College of Business, Security & Intelligence. Metivier, who graduated from the Aviation Business Administration program in 2020 and joined the city of Prescott’s airport in 2021, now serves as airport operations manager. She oversees a team of 10 employees responsible for every aspect of airfield management. “Embry‑Riddle prepared me not just in the classroom, but through hands-on experience,” Metivier said. “Through networking and by making relationships with professors. One of the biggest things that I advocate for is getting out and meeting people — which was how I got this job.” Metivier credits Embry‑Riddle faculty for helping her connect with leadership at the Prescott airport, whose recommendations helped her stand out during her job application. Now in her role at the airport, she sees herself as a bridge between Embry‑Riddle and Ernest A. Love Field. “I like that I get to help bridge the gap,” Metivier said. “We’ve been trying to build relationships, and I’m able to connect with current students and alumni. I’m also getting involved in the community.” From Classroom to Career For alumni like Webb, every day brings variety — and responsibility. Webb serves as an airport operations specialist, fuel inspector and assistant wildlife hazard management coordinator. Her work ranges from ensuring FAA Part 139 compliance to rescuing wayward barn owls from the runway. “We do a bit of everything — terminal security, airfield maintenance, inspections,” she said. “Everything that a bigger airport would have separated, we all do in one.”
2025-2026 Annual Report | 15
New Initiatives and Looking Ahead Our momentum continues as our new initiatives align directly with the university’s Strategic Plan and its five Strategic Implementation Team pillars. The launch of our new college curriculum strengthens academic and faculty excellence by aligning programs with industry demand and emerging technologies. Concurrently, our renewed AABI and ABET accreditation reinforces academic rigor and accountability, supporting enrollment management through enhanced program distinction and market competitiveness. Student Experience remains central to our efforts. New programs such as Spy Camp and the expansion of immersive exercises like Tracer Fire and our ERAU-NASA-NSF Aerospace Cybersecurity Workshop provide transformational, hands-on learning that prepares students for leadership in complex operational environments. Partnerships with entities including Scottsdale’s Real-Time Crime Center further integrate classroom theory with applied practice, advancing research and innovation while deepening career readiness. 2026 Actions: s Curriculum Updates. Get ready for an exciting new curriculum designed for the challenges of tomorrow, featuring cutting-edge courses in Risk Intelligence, Cyber Threat Intelligence, OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence), Mobile & Cloud Computing Security, Personal Finance, and much more! These innovative offerings equip students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an increasingly connected world. s Cyber Gym Makerspace and GSOC Renovations. Experience the future of learning through major renovations to the Global Security Operations Center and an expanded Cyber Gym Makerspace, creating dynamic experiential learning environments. Students will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge aviation, aerospace, cybersecurity, security technologies and more, building real-world skills through immersive, industry-inspired training.
Business Club Excels at FBLA Collegiate 2026 National Leadership Conference The Business Club delivered an outstanding performance at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate 2026 National Leadership Conference, with 7 out of 12 participants placing in the top 10 nationwide. The four-day competition held June 5–8 at the Westgate Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, brought together top collegiate business students from across the United States. Participants competed in a wide range of individual and team events designed to assess business knowledge, leadership skills and career readiness. A total of twelve students from Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus competed in 24 events, earning impressive results. These accomplishments highlight the strength, preparation and competitive excellence of Embry-Riddle’s business students on a national stage. s National Champion, Cybersecurity | Francisco Cordova s Second Place, Technology and Computer Science Case Competition | Connor Calme, Francisco Cordova and Jacob Heusuk s Fourth Place, International Bussiness | Wyatt Wilson s Sixth Place, Foundation of Finance | Justin Berry s Seventh Place, Foundation of Technology | James Burke s Eighth Place, Cybersecurity | James Burke s Eighth Place, Sport Management and Marketing | Wyatt Wilson
16 | College of Business, Security & Intelligence
Christine & Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Scholarships The Christine & Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Scholarship
Their ongoing connection to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University reflects a strong belief in the university’s mission to deliver world-class aviation and aerospace education. By establishing these scholarships, they reaffirm their commitment to empowering high-achieving students with the financial resources needed to pursue rigorous academic and professional pathways. This investment is designed to support talented students who demonstrate character, leadership potential and a passion for contributing to the aviation and aerospace community. Through this enduring gift, the Udvar-Hazys seek to remove financial barriers, inspire excellence and foster the development of future aviation professionals whose achievements will advance safety, innovation and global connectivity for years to come.
provides critical financial support to Prescott Campus students with demonstrated need who are majoring in Aviation Business Administration or Air Traffic Management. Christine and Steven Udvar-Hazy have long demonstrated an enduring commitment to advancing aviation and aerospace education through visionary philanthropic leadership. Their generosity has strengthened institutions that prepare future aviators, engineers and industry leaders, reflecting Steven’s lifelong dedication to aviation innovation and global impact as a pioneer in aircraft leasing. Through their support of academic programs and museums that promote learning, discovery and technical excellence, the Udvar-Hazys continue to help equip the next generation of professionals to lead a rapidly evolving industry.
2025-2026 Annual Report | Q
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