THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY | WINTER 2024
ENGINEERING STUDENTS SOAR TO VICTORY This team of young innovators showcased their exceptional engineering skills by winning the top spot at the prestigious AIAA Design/Build/Fly competition.
NEW IN ENGINEERING Unique Lab Lets Students Create Ultimate Off-Road Machine NEW IN SPACE Student Develops Program Aimed at Enhancing Space Safety NEW IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING State Department Technology Fellowship Opens Career Doors
RILEY COX-GROSS ’23 (left) AEROSPACE ENGINEERING BRYCE DO ’26 (right) AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
FLORIDA | ARIZONA | ONLINE
ENGINEERING Bachelor’s Degree Programs: s Aerospace Engineering s Civil Engineering s Computer Engineering s Computer Science s Electrical Engineering s Engineering s Engineering Physics s Engineering Technology s Human Factors Psychology s Mechanical Engineering s Simulation Science, Games & Animation
s Software Engineering s Systems Engineering s Technical Management
DID YOU KNOW?
Software developers will see a job growth of 17% by 2032, adding over 327,900 new jobs. This highlights the vital role of software development in driving technical innovation and digital transformation across industries.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
ENGINEERING TO INFINITY AND BEYOND
Engineers make the world work, and an engineering degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University helps set a course for career success in aviation, aerospace and beyond by providing the knowledge, skills and practical experience that today’s top employers are seeking. Embry‑Riddle offers innovative bachelor’s programs in various engineering fields, including aerospace, civil, computer, electrical, mechanical, software and systems. Regardless of which discipline you choose, our state-of-the-art facilities and leading- edge labs prepare you to implement real change in the world. Whether through classroom work, hands-on design projects or research and theoretical analysis, you’ll be challenged, supported and mentored by some of the world’s most outstanding faculty in courses designed with industry needs in mind. Our degrees are globally respected, and students have landed positions at The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney, SpaceX, NASA and the Department of Defense, to name just a few career destinations. For Embry-Riddle engineering graduates, the future possibilities are limitless.
ALTITUDE Winter 2024 VOLUME 03 ISSUE 02 Altitude is a semi-annual publication produced by Enrollment Management and Marketing at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
EDUCATION AT A HIGHER ALTITUDE AT EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY, DARING TO THINK BIG AND PUSH BOUNDARIES IS A WAY OF LIFE.
Senior Vice President, Enrollment Management, Marketing and Student Affairs
Jason Ruckert, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief Kristen Weitzel Contributing Editors Maria F. Espinosa Leslie Smith Creative Director Jonathon Metz Contributing Writers and Editors Ashley Mueller Jon O’Neill Makenna Pringle Taylor Reilly
Alison Whitney Multimedia Joey Harrison Bill Fredette-Huffman Connor McShane
Since 1926, Embry-Riddle has been the leader in aviation and aerospace education. Our degree programs are consistently ranked among the best in the nation, with several routinely landing in the top 10 and others soaring straight to number one. Embry-Riddle has been at the forefront of groundbreaking aeronautical milestones since the early days of flight, and today, we are renowned innovators in the fields of Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Computers and Technology, Engineering, Security, Intelligence and Safety. Our mission is to teach students the science, practice and business of aviation and aerospace, preparing them for leadership roles in industry, government agencies and the military. Our students are also an integral part of pioneering research that has the power to change the world, and Embry-Riddle partners with key stakeholders to develop new insights and solutions that help meet the challenges of today and enhance the opportunities of tomorrow.
Embry-Riddle faculty members are active leaders in their respective industries and share the knowledge and key connections they’ve gained from decades of experience to ensure our graduates have a vital competitive edge in the workforce. We are proud of our diverse student body, which today represents some of the best young minds from all around the globe. Our residential campuses, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, offer you the choice of living and learning in a spectacular beach setting or a scenic mountain community. As a distance learning leader, our Worldwide Campus features award-winning technology that leverages online and face-to-face instruction through a network of locations designed to support student advancement in the U.S. and abroad. What will you discover at Embry-Riddle?
Florida Campus 1 Aerospace Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 386.226.6100 / 800.862.2416 daytonabeach@erau.edu Arizona Campus 3700 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, AZ 86301 928.777.6600 / 800.888.3728 prescott@erau.edu Worldwide / Online Campus 1 Aerospace Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 800.522.6787 worldwide@erau.edu
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3 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
CONTENTS
BACHELOR’S PROGRAMS
FL AZ WO
a a
Aeronautical Science – Flight
a a a
Aeronautics
SOARING TO THE TOP
a a
Aerospace Engineering
a a
Aerospace & Occupational Safety
Aerospace Physiology
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Air Traffic Management
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Applied Biology
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Astronomy & Astrophysics
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Aviation Business Administration
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Aviation Maintenance
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Aviation Maintenance Science
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Aviation Safety
a a
Business Administration
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Business Analytics
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Civil Engineering
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
a a
Communication
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Computational Mathematics
11 13
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Computer Engineering
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Computer Science
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Cyber Intelligence & Security
a a a a
Data Science
Electrical Engineering
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Emergency Services
TRENDING
Engineering
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Engineering Physics
LOOKING UP
12 An Electrifying Experience The Linear Circuits and Electronic Devices Lab provides practical experience that helps bring circuit theory to life for students. 18 Ingenuity Sparks JUMP Into STEM Win
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Engineering Technology
a a a a
Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination
Forensic Biology
Forensic Psychology
Global Business & Supply Chain Management
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Global Conflict Studies
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Two Mechanical Engineering students earned top honors in the JUMP into STEM contest by designing a system that cuts home energy use.
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Global Security & Intelligence Studies
a a a a a
Homeland Security & Intelligence
22 Double Play
Human Factors Psychology
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The Prescott Campus men’s baseball and women’s softball teams both won CALPAC Conference titles during the 2023-24 season.
Industrial / Organizational Psychology
a a
Interdisciplinary Studies
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Logistics & Supply Chain Management
FUTURE-FOCUSED LEARNING
a a a a
Mechanical Engineering
27 Trifecta of Success
Meteorology
Meet three extraordinary Eagles who built their career success by earning three degrees from Embry-Riddle.
a a a
Pilot Operations
Project Management
GET LOCAL
Safety Management
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Simulation Science, Games & Animation
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19 Florida Campus – Daytona Beach 23 Arizona Campus – Prescott 27 Worldwide & Online
a a a
Software Engineering
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Space Operations
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Space Physics
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Systems Engineering
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Technical Management
Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems
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Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
DIRT, SWEAT& GEARS OFF-ROAD ENGINEERING: THE BAJA SAE LAB
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AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
Baja SAE is a competition where engineering students from colleges and universities around the world design and build small, off-road cars from scratch. Sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), these cars are meant to navigate rough terrains like dirt, mud and rocks. Teams compete in several tests and races to see whose car is the top performer — the best of the best. At Embry-Riddle, the Baja SAE Laboratory is equipped with four workstations dedicated to each main subsystem of the vehicle: Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes and Ergonomics. The lab is utilized by Embry-Riddle’s Baja SAE team, which was founded in 2005, to build, test and race single-seat off-road Baja vehicles for competition. Now, the team is primarily female-led and works to empower its members in the male-dominated field of vehicle design and assembly. Bridget O’Connell (’26), the Chief Technical Officer and President of the Baja SAE Team, shared her thoughts on the value of participating on the team. “All members, including new ones, learn about the entire engineering process. Members who had never used a drill before are now welding and fabricating, which is a huge accomplishment,” she said. “We are more than happy to teach anyone about the necessary tools to be successful in this lab.” The Baja SAE Lab presents an exciting opportunity to develop advanced skills through hands-on activities, build connections with peers across engineering disciplines and establish lasting academic and professional relationships that extend far beyond graduation.
DRIVETRAIN The system that transfers power from the engine to the wheels.
SUSPENSION Controls the vehicle’s ride and handling by absorbing shocks.
BRAKES Slow down or stop the vehicle safely in challenging conditions.
ERGONOMICS Designing for comfort and efficiency in the vehicle’s interior.
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STUDENT INSIGHTS
Accelerating Beyond Limits “My internships have led me to believe that the faster the company is, the more enjoyment I get out of working there. SpaceX moves at blazingly fast speeds and provides an extremely exciting environment in which to work.”
Shaping the Future Inspired by the leaders in Black history and women’s history, Foster is dedicated to clearing the path for future generations and advocating for diversity within the aviation industry.
Foundation for Excellence With aspirations of becoming a leader in aviation, she is also minoring in Aviation Safety and Management, which perfectly complements her major.
Hands-on Expertise “I want to seek another aviation-related internship specializing in aviation safety or flight operations to get additional hands-on experience, insights and connections within the industry. I also plan to pursue an M.S. in Aeronautics, which can open doors to higher-level opportunities in management or specialized roles within the aviation sector.”
Join a Club Koehn emphasizes the importance of involvement in clubs and hands-on projects as a path to success. “Embry-Riddle has helped me achieve my goals by offering a place where engineering clubs like ERPL can excel with the support of the school and the College of Engineering.”
Taylor Koehn ’26 AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Christa Foster ’25
AERONAUTICS
Soaring Dreams U.S. Army veteran Christa Foster found her passion while stationed in South Korea as an aviation operations specialist. Her experience in flight operations and safety inspired her to pursue a B.S. in Aeronautics. “I knew I wanted to pursue a higher education encompassing all aspects of aviation, which I found out later in my military journey was an Aeronautics program at Embry-Riddle.” Foster found opportunities to excel academically and professionally through the Worldwide Campus, from securing an internship with Republic Airways to serving as the chapter president of the National Society of Leadership and Success. As a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Foster was recently awarded the AIAA Diversity Scholarship, which offers underrepresented students in aerospace the opportunity to attend an AIAA forum and access industry connections.
Passion Meets Precision Growing up in a family immersed in aviation, aspiring aerospace engineer Taylor Koehn has had some remarkable experiences. Attending the Reno Air Races inspired him to pursue a private pilot’s license and ignited his passion for aerospace. Now studying at the Daytona Beach Campus, Koehn has thrived in the Experimental Rocket Propulsion Lab (ERPL), where he contributed to a liquid bipropellant rocket engine and enhanced a propellant feed system for cryogenic oxidizers resulting in successful test fires. Having completed four internships — two at Gulfstream and two at SpaceX — he has gained invaluable insights into the evolving aerospace industry.
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STUDENT INSIGHTS
Opportunities Await After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s in forensic anthropology and work in a government or private industry … I hope to pursue a doctorate and become a professor at a university in the future so I can be the type of professor that I appreciated when I was in college.
Diversity is Golden 10% of Embry-Riddle’s residential undergraduate students are international, representing 100 countries around the world.
International Advice Wanyeki says, “Embrace another country’s culture, but do not forget your own. That is what makes you unique.”
The Future is Bright The 2024 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook indicates strong long-term demand for aviation personnel, projecting the need for 674,000 new pilots, 716,000 maintenance technicians and 980,000 cabin crew members over the next 20 years.
Finding Community Patterson dedicates time toward on-campus clubs and organizations, including the Pre-Health Sciences Club, Women’s Ambassador Association and the International Forensic Honors Society.
MicHalifax Wanyeki ’25 AERONAUTICAL SCIENCE
Makenzi Patterson ’25 FORENSIC BIOLOGY
Under the Microscope Makenzi Patterson, a Forensic Biology major, is making a difference through her commitment to challenging coursework and hands-on experience. Her program caters to students interested in biology, chemistry and law — providing vital skills and background needed by professionals in forensic science laboratories, law enforcement and other related fields. “My favorite part of the program is the lab experience. The access to high-tech instruments and real lab procedures used in forensic laboratories prepare me for internships and the workforce.” As a Black woman in STEM, Patterson is passionate about driving change and making an impact through her career in the science industry. “I want to be just one more woman of color represented in the forensic industry so I can represent my community and show that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.”
Aspirations to Achieve Greatness Wanyeki grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, playing with model airplanes and observing them in the skies. When he took his first discovery flight, he was thrilled. “The first time taking off, I was so scared, but my instructor calmed me down. It was a sunrise flight, the most beautiful view I had ever seen. I immediately fell in love with it.” Wanyeki worked hard to get admitted into Embry-Riddle, from retaking standardized exams to applying for scholarships. He credits his success on campus to faculty and the Center for International Programs and Services (CIPS). “I have had plenty of people who have really helped me,” he said. As Wanyeki continues his journey at Embry-Riddle, he remembers what he heard on that first discovery flight: calm down, enjoy the ride and take in the views along the way.
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STUDENT INSIGHTS
From Passion to Purpose Driven by a passion to promote safety and prevent accidents, he hopes to one day achieve his goal of working as a Safety Representative for a major airline.
–SOUTHERN– HEMISPHERE
Discovering the Unknown To me, studying space meant studying the unknown. There’s so much we don’t know about the universe and it’s all there to be discovered; someone just has to do it!
Studying Abroad By participating in study abroad programs at Embry-Riddle, Sperandio got to explore Europe for several weeks, visiting seven countries he never even dreamed of exploring. It was a journey of learning, discovery and connecting with others.
Logan Price ’26 ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS
Matthew Sperandio ’25 SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Using Math to Reach the Stars Logan Price’s dedication and interest in space, stemming from a NASA Space Camp she attended as a child, has earned her a stellar internship with Northrop Grumman. “When applying to colleges, I knew I wanted to study astrophysics. That was kind of a no-brainer for me because astrophysics is everything I find fascinating bundled up into one field,” she said. On top of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Price added a second degree path to her plan — Computational Mathematics. Her studies will serve her well in her upcoming internship with Northrop Grumman, working within the space sector on ground- based ballistics and atmospheric sciences. After graduation, she hopes to participate in research in the astrophysical realm. “Just thinking about my future and how successful I can be if I just work hard now motivates me to keep working in the industry.”
Serving at the Forefront As an active-duty service member in the U.S. Army, Matthew Sperandio is not only dedicated to his duties in maintaining turbine engines for helicopters but also holds a profound passion for aviation and safety. His military experience and pursuit of a B.S. in Safety Management from the Worldwide Campus have launched him further into the industry, providing not just a career path but a sense of purpose and fulfillment. “Embry-Riddle offers great flexibility in scheduling classes. This is helpful when you work full-time or are deployed overseas,” he said. The flexibility of his program, tailored to accommodate military commitments and global endeavors, provides a platform for academic growth amidst the demands of military service and overseas deployments.
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PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS & FELLOWSHIPS
BREAKING BARRIERS and SHAPING THE FUTURE In 2024, four Aerospace Engineering students from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University were selected to receive Patti Grace Smith Fellowships, which guarantee paid internships at leading organizations, professional mentorship and grants of $2,500 or more.
“I am very excited and grateful to be selected as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow. I was aware of how competitive the process would be, so I am truly honored to know that I am granted such an awesome opportunity,” said Benjamin Carter (’25). By definition, the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship aims to “provide a meaningful, effective pathway into successful aerospace careers and future aerospace industry leadership to people whose race and ethnicity has made them the subject of systemic bias.” “Being selected as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow was an incredible honor and a validating experience,” said Jesika Geliga-Torres (’24). “It felt like a recognition of not just my academic
“As a Latina and woman of color, I want to be able to exemplify that representation matters and that supporting minorities in STEM is critical for future generations,” she said. “I feel represented in having secured this fellowship; I am immensely grateful for this opportunity.” Chanel Davis (’26) reported similar feelings of gratitude for her achievement. “I am truly thrilled to be part of this distinguished group alongside individuals who share similar aspirations and values. This opportunity not only brings me joy but also a sense of belonging among peers who are dedicated to making a positive impact.”
achievements but also my dedication to overcoming systemic biases in the aerospace industry.”
For Nichole Fajardo (’26), the fellowship will empower her to make a positive difference in the field she loves.
Chanel Davis ’26 Aerospace Engineering
Benjamin Carter ’25 Aerospace Engineering
Jesika Geliga-Torres ’24 Aerospace Engineering
Nichole Fajardo ’26 Aerospace Engineering
SPECIALIZED LABS & HANDS-ON LEARNING
STUDENTS AT THE CENTER OF SPACEFLIGHT Satellite Mission Control Center All operational satellites currently orbiting Earth — nearly 5,000 of them — are being watched by someone in a mission control center somewhere. It is increasingly specialized work, especially as the industry continues to grow. The high level of demand for space professionals who can navigate celestial real estate prompted the opening of the new Mission Control Center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus, and this leading-edge lab arms students with the skills to enter exciting careers in the booming space industry.
“Space Operations is one of the few degree programs providing students with hands-on experience in mission control, making our graduates exceptionally prepared for positions at control centers.” Dr. Tom Guinn Chair of the Applied Aviation Sciences Department Embry-Riddle’s new mission control center features state-of-the-art equipment that allows students to stage real-life scenarios. “The lab gives us the ability to simulate and train students on the operations in a typical mission control center, where satellites are tracked and monitored and any anomalies are resolved,” Dr. Guinn said. “In the past, we simulated sending commands to satellites and then simulated the response. Now that the new control center is equipped with classroom CubeSats, students will be able to physically see the satellite’s response to those various commands.”
Traditional satellites and the much smaller “CubeSats” are being launched into space for various reasons — collecting research data, improving communication systems and establishing new broadband internet networks. Specialists working in satellite mission control centers must track these objects to deploy new hardware successfully. “Students working in the lab will generally be taking our Mission Control capstone course, which brings several aspects of space operations into play — such as policy, orbital mechanics and payload management,” Dr. Guinn added. “These students will be very well equipped to enter the workforce with a variety of space companies.”
A SKYROCKETING DEMAND FOR SPACE
In 2023, for the second straight year, new records were set for the most orbital launch attempts and the most successful orbital launches, with 223 total successful launches recorded. The current pace of launches has 2024 on track to again be the busiest year ever, with nearly 260 launches predicted by the end of the year.
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SPECIALIZED LABS & HANDS-ON LEARNING
Virtual Lab Enhances Your Learning Experience
One of my favorite moments is when students learn to display sinusoidal waveforms on the digital oscilloscope. As that waveform first appears on the screen, you can see the light bulbs go on as students make the connection between theory and practical application. I never tire of witnessing students have that experience.” Dr. Ed Post Department Chair of Computer, Software and Electrical Engineering; Professor of Electrical Engineering
Virtual Communication Lab At our Worldwide Campus, the labs come to you! The Virtual Environment for Communication: Teaching, Outreach and Research (VECTOR) supports Embry-Riddle Worldwide students and faculty with anything related to communication, whether written, spoken, visual or digital. VECTOR’s Virtual Communication Lab (VCL) is your secret weapon for conquering communication challenges. The VCL empowers students and enhances their educational experience through tutoring, workshops and access to valuable online resources. Students can meet with a tutor over Zoom to get tailored assistance around the clock. Get help with brainstorming project topics, editing essays, refining your formatting and perfecting your presentations.
WATT’S UP IN THE LINEAR CIRCUITS AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES LAB?
Electrical engineering students in this lab have opportunities to do basic experiments with electronic circuits, like building amplifiers and filters. These projects allow students to experience and understand how everyday electronic devices work, and the hands-on applicability of this lab prepares students for more advanced studies. In laboratory sessions, students master crucial skills, including reading schematics, selecting components, breadboarding circuits, adjusting power supply voltages, generating waveforms and using digital multimeters and oscilloscopes for precise measurements. These hands-on experiences bring circuit theory to life, making learning both practical and thrilling.
Linear Circuits Lab The Linear Circuits and Electronic Devices Lab is one of the labs in the King Engineering and Technology Center dedicated to providing an immersive learning environment for students studying Aerospace, Computer, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Here, students get to work on their first electric circuit projects. Electric circuits are the foundation of all electronic devices, including everything from smartphones to autonomous robots. By creating and testing these circuits, students learn how electrical components work together to control the flow of electricity.
My consultant was very helpful in explaining a literature review and how to structure one to support my research correctly.
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SUCCESS FROM SCRATCH
GLOBAL COMPETITION EAGLES FLY HIGH IN
13 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
For the first time ever, students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus took top honors at the 2024 AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition. Another Embry-Riddle squad from the Prescott Campus also finished in the top 10, earning eighth place overall and completing a stellar showing by the world’s leading aviation and aerospace educator.
This year’s Design/Build/Fly (DBF) challenge required teams of students to design, build and test a remotely operated, radio-controlled airplane for urban air mobility. Hosted by Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kansas, the 2024 event included more than 1,000 students representing 93 universities worldwide, the largest in the competition’s 28-year history. The student-designed drone had to conduct a delivery flight, a medical transport flight and an urban taxi flight, plus a ground mission that demonstrated how quickly the aircraft could be converted from delivery to medical transport to urban air taxi. “Embry-Riddle students who participate in the AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition are impressive in their dedication, innovation and leadership,” said Dr. Jim Gregory, dean of the College of Engineering at the Daytona Beach Campus. “They are learning critical skills that will serve them well throughout their careers. Their first-place win is evidence of their excellence.”
The Daytona Beach team dominated the competition with its uncrewed aircraft, christened “W.R.E.N.C.H.,” for Wind Resistant Emergency Navigator for Civilians and Healthcare, and earned $3,000 for their victory. “The team has worked tirelessly to design, build and test the best aircraft possible, often pushing themselves to their limits,” said Andrew Bunn (’24), a senior Aerospace Engineering student who served as project lead. “This victory represents the culmination of 10 years of DBF activities at the Daytona Beach Campus and was made possible through our culture of continuous improvement and dedication to learning above all else.”
FEATURE (continued)
Students have spent the past two semesters focusing on this project, according to Distinguished Professor of Aerospace Engineering Dr. J. Gordon Leishman, the team’s chief faculty advisor. “The team has been ranked in the top three positions for the past three years, so this first-place win also caps off an unprecedented string of previous successes,” Dr. Leishman said. “Winning this year is a testament to the DBF team’s continued dedication, creativity, technical proficiency and exceptional teamwork, and it sets the gold standard for excellence in aerospace engineering education.” The Prescott team also set a high standard at the competition with their aircraft called “PABLO,” which stands for Public Airborne Biomedical Lifting Operations. “As an entirely undergraduate club comprised of primarily freshmen and sophomore students, we are overjoyed to bring home a top-10 win,” said Matthew Marandola (’24), an Aerospace Engineering student and the team’s project manager. He added that the team adopted a new report-writing technique that boosted its score and promoted more thorough documentation habits. Creating new team positions, such as test evaluation lead and chief report writer, also provided a more explicit delegation of responsibilities for everyone. “We had about 10 freshmen last year gain internships in their first summer by referring to their experiences at Design/Build/Fly. A third of the interns chosen by Boeing on our campus came directly from Design/Build/Fly.” Matthew Marandola ’24 Aerospace Engineering Marandola was a manufacturing engineering intern at The Boeing Company in 2023 and worked in stability and control during the summer of 2024. The Prescott team’s faculty mentor is Dr. Johann Dorfling, the Raisbeck Engineering Design/Build/Test endowed distinguished chair and assistant professor of Aerospace Engineering.
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A GIANT LEAP FORWARD
The experience you gain from working with DBF is unlike anything you will learn in class. We push ourselves harder every day, pull long hours, work together and all support each other.”
Ashley Brown ’24 Aerospace Engineering
A GLOBAL COMPETITION
A total of 107 teams with 1,000 students, some from as far away as Australia and Hong Kong, entered aircraft in the 2024 Design/Build/Fly Competition. Contestants from 12 countries, including 32 U.S. states, participated in the full DBF Competition, including submitting design reports and attending the flyoff.
CONNECTING MINDS
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, as well as 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space and defense.
A STELLAR TEAM
Several members of the Daytona Beach team have landed full-time jobs, with Ashley Brown heading to work at Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach, Florida, and Zachary Herman, the team’s chief engineer, starting a full-time job at Northrop Grumman. Matthew Marandola from the Prescott team was a manufacturing engineering intern at The Boeing Company in 2023, and his summer 2024 internship with the company was in stability and control.
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SEE WHERE THEY STARTED / THEN AND NOW
Head Start Helps Pilot Launch Dream Career Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been part of Juan Pena’s life since he was 13 years old. Pena (’20) started in aviation with Embry-Riddle’s Gaetz Aerospace Institute while in high school, in which students can earn up to 11 college credits. With the help of his mentors and those college credits, Pena started at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus in 2017. Today, Pena is a first officer for CommuteAir and on his way to achieving his goal of flying for United Airlines. His success reflects his dedication and showcases the benefits of earning a B.S. in Aeronautical Science and advanced flight ratings at Embry-Riddle. “It opened the door for me,” said Pena. “Embry-Riddle put me on the fast track and really prepared me for the realities of a flying career.” He added that his college-level classes at Gaetz gave him a peek into what life and learning at Embry-Riddle would be like and helped ease his path to the flight deck. “I am grateful for my mentors and the education and experience that helped me get where I am today,” he said.
FORGING A PATH TO SPACE
Compared to her previous hardware-focused roles, the Aerospace Engineering alumna’s role at Blue Origin is more people-oriented — something that her experience as a campus ambassador prepared her for. “My engineering background has provided me with the right level of knowledge to work with subject matter experts across New Glenn’s various systems to identify what controllers need to know while on console,” Parrish said. “Beyond the technical training, I also must ensure the controllers are able to effectively communicate and manage their tasking in a high-stress control room environment.” As a training engineer, her responsibilities include developing and scheduling training activities for launch controllers, evaluating controllers on crew resource management during simulations, creating immersive trainings with extended reality equipment and serving as lead evaluator for vehicle access tower buck hoist operations. What does she remember most about her time at Embry-Riddle? “Honestly — all the homework,” Parrish said with a laugh. “It was a lot of work, but it got me to where I am today.”
With the ultimate goal of becoming an astronaut and astronaut trainer, Veronica Parrish, née McGowan (’16), is happy to be right in line with the career trajectory she had planned as an undergrad. When we last checked in with the Prescott Campus alumna, she had just taken part in the design, building and launch of Virgin Galactic’s first-ever human commercial spaceflight of Unity 22 in July 2021. Three years later and now nine years into her career, Parrish is currently the training engineer for Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch team, responsible for developing qualification criteria and training content for control room console operators. “At the beginning of 2022, I made the incredibly difficult decision to leave Virgin Galactic for a tropical lifestyle with Blue Origin on Florida’s Space Coast. The constant rocket launches make me feel like I was meant for this place!”
DESTINATION: SUCCESS
FLY LIKE AN EAGLE
Read about Veronica Parrish’s experience with Virgin Galactic here!
Learn more about how Embry-Riddle helped Juan Pena achieve his goals.
17 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
INTERNSHIPS
PIECING IT TOGETHER For Kiara Bean (’23), a Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination graduate, her interest
Thanks to Embry-Riddle’s connections, faculty and immersive learning experience, Bean was able to secure an internship that prepared her for her current role. “I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Honors Internship Program at the FBI office in San Diego,” she said. “It was very exciting to work alongside the agents and apply my knowledge at the Bureau.” Today, Bean enhances her expertise by creating financial analyses for various cases, which managing directors of the company use when they communicate with clients and their lawyers or when they testify in court as expert witnesses.
in forensic accounting began with a love for numbers, mysteries and puzzles. As she pursues her current role as a forensic accounting associate II for a national consulting firm in California, Bean reflects on her journey as an Eagle. “I like the challenge of looking into the financial statements and trying to confirm or disprove the claims in a legal case,” she said. “Looking for fraud in the financial statements reminds me of looking for different puzzle pieces in the big picture. When the puzzle pieces fall into place, the mystery is solved.” As one of few universities in the nation to offer an undergraduate degree in Forensic Accounting, Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus allowed her to combine her shared interests and transform her future. “I was learning about forensic accounting from my first accounting class, and I did not have to wait for an M.S. program,” she said. “I also liked that the teachers in my program had real-life experience, which made their lectures more exciting, and my classes allowed me to apply my knowledge to real-life scenarios through projects.”
From Innovators to Interns Every year, the JUMP into STEM competition invites students to tackle lab-sponsored challenges. This year, the task was to develop innovative thermal energy storage solutions for buildings to optimize energy use, enhance sustainability and increase resilience.
Top prize winners receive paid internships at one of three U.S.
A FUTURE IN FORENSICS
Department of Energy national labs: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) or Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Mechanical Engineering students Jared Williams (’24) and Spencer Marinac (’24) showcased their senior design project — a system that can be easily installed on homes to reduce energy consumption, lower electricity costs and store thermal energy for outages. “Working on this project allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in class,” Marinac shared. Williams, a senior and accelerated master’s student, and Marinac, a scholar-athlete planning to pursue a master’s degree, earned the top prize, securing internships at ORNL and NREL, respectively. Looking forward, the team will build and test a prototype of the winning design, backed by funding from Embry‑Riddle’s College of Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, as well as an Ignite grant from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Read Kiara Bean’s full story about her Embry-Riddle experience.
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CAMPUS FEATURE
DAYTONA BEACH FLORIDA CAMPUS Our East Coast campus is only minutes from the beach and adjacent to an international airport and speedway.
TRANSFORMING
CAMPUS PROFILE
SAFETY STUDENT LAYS GROUNDWORK FOR SAFER SPACE TRAVEL
s 7,800 Undergraduate Students s 50 States / 94 Countries Represented s 12% International Students Student Clubs + Organizations Our Florida Campus houses hundreds of student clubs, including the Mars Society, Musicians Club, Muscle Car Association and Microgravity Club, as well as intramural and recreational sports. NCAA Division II Athletics Women’s Men’s s Basketball s Baseball s Cross Country s Basketball s Golf s Cross Country s Lacrosse s Golf s Rowing s Lacrosse s Soccer s Rowing s Softball s Soccer s Tennis s Tennis s Track & Field s Track & Field s Volleyball Coed s Cheerleading
As the commercial space industry continues to boom, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University senior Liz Bosch (’24) has developed a space-safety course curriculum that uses case studies based on past accidents, such as the Columbia and Challenger disasters, to effectively teach “safety and mission assurance.”
When she was 14, Bosch saw the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center and decided that one day she “would design something like that.” Later, while still in high school, she participated in one of Embry-Riddle’s summer aerospace programs and took an Introduction to Spaceflight class.
“That is where it all connected for me. I was going to be an aerospace engineer,” she said. “My love for space solidified.” In the spring and summer of 2023, internships at NASA’s Johnson Space Center led Bosch to her interest in Safety and Mission Assurance or space systems. She completed Level 1 of the S&MA Technical Excellence Program, which presented case studies of accidents in the space industry.
@eraudb
@ERAU_Daytona
@embryriddledaytona
daytonabeach.erau.edu
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FLORIDA CAMPUS
After earning her Aerospace Engineering degree in May 2024, Bosch started the M.S. in Systems Engineering program in the fall. She also recently won second place for her space-safety curriculum poster at the 2024 American Society for Engineering Education’s Southeastern Section Annual Conference. “The framework that I have developed is intended to promote safety culture in our engineers,” she said, adding that research has shown that case studies improve retention of course materials, promote critical thinking and problem-solving and
Bosch, who earned a highly competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offered by the U.S. State Department, went to work for Axiom Space after she earned her degree, working as an On-Orbit Maintenance and Repair engineer at the company, which is developing a commercial space station. Once she has her master’s, Liz says she plans to earn a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science so that she can research and help mitigate the hazards associated with automation and artificial intelligence in human spaceflight.
The academic world must prepare for the technological demands of the space industry. Without [an emphasis on] safety, accidents like Titan submersible — an example of improper commercialization of an extreme environment — could be more common realities.” Liz Bosch ’24 Aerospace Engineering
“show students the application or relevance of what they are learning.”
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CAMPUS FEATURE
PURSUIT OF SPACE FROM HI-SEAS TO NASA AND BEYOND
Eagles Run Away with Track and Field Honors After capturing the Peach Belt Conference’s inaugural indoor championship title in February, the Embry-Riddle women’s Track and Field team continued its 2024 dominance at the Peach Belt Conference Outdoor competition in April, winning 13 individual titles on the way to the team’s sixth straight outdoor conference crown. In May, the Eagle Track & Field squad sent three athletes to the 2024 NCAA II Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Emporia State University in Kansas: Mikaela Miles (’27) in the Triple Jump, Kirsten Rolle (’26) in the Hammer Throw and Brooklynn Gould (’25) in the Heptathlon. The team celebrated two All-American performances on the second day of the NCAA championships as Miles and Gould earned top-10 finishes in their respective events. The following Eagles also earned 2024 All-Region honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association: Hailey Bruce (’27), Javelin; Mackenzie Keller (’27), 1,500m; Maxime Kirschner (’24), Javelin; Madison Morris (’25), Discus; and Taylor Roth (’27), 800m.
ORION MULTI-PURPOSE CREW VEHICLE
Orion will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry the crew to space, provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.
NUMBER OF CREW
MISSION DURATION Up to 21 days
4
FULL STACK HEIGHT
GROSS LIFTOFF MASS
67 ft
78,000 lbs
Jonathon Guthmiller’s (’23) space journey began in 2014, witnessing the first-ever Orion spacecraft launch at Cape Canaveral. His fascination with the space industry resulted in him pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Space Operations at Embry-Riddle, where he also became involved in research at the Advanced Space Technologies Research Applications Lab (A.S.T.R.A. Lab) on the Daytona Beach Campus. Guthmiller was selected to partake in an analog astronaut experience during a two-week mission on top of Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, in Hawaii with the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, or HI-SEAS. During this immersive experience, Guthmiller and five other participants explored various challenges pertaining to lunar missions, including the study of lava tubes and the impact of crew isolation.
“We have zero experience going inside of lava tubes on the moon since it’s so far away,” he explained. “We were using the analog environment in Hawaii as a simulated lunar lava tube because they both have lava environments and features called permanently shadowed regions.” Guthmiller’s trajectory took its next leap as he secured a position at NASA’s Johnson Space Center as an International Space Station flight control planner. He maintains a steadfast focus on his goal: becoming an astronaut — a career path that he plans to apply for at age 31 through hard work, experience and industry passion. “A long-term goal of mine would definitely be to explore my career at NASA and stay at NASA for my whole life … I think you definitely just have to keep telling yourself you can do it because, at the end of the day, you have to work hard for what you want.”
FUN FACT
At the Peach Belt Conference Outdoor competition, the Eagles dominated the field and tallied 353.5 points, while their closest competitor managed just 109 points.
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FLORIDA CAMPUS
Embry-Riddle’s Air Force ROTC: Best in Southeast Region For the second consecutive year, Air Force ROTC Detachment 157 has been named the No.1 detachment in the Southeastern U.S. by the organization’s Southeast Region Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. “We are the second-largest Air Force ROTC program in the nation, with just over 525 cadets, and we routinely commission the largest number of cadets into the Air Force and Space Force.”
Jonathon Guthmiller ’23 Spaceflight Operations HOMETOWN Flower Mound, Texas ASPIRATIONS Become an Astronaut HI-SEAS FACILITY (Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation) is an analog space research station located at 8,200 feet on Mauna Loa, Hawaii, simulating conditions on Mars and the Moon. Its unique environment enhances space exploration research.
Col. Alan Dayton Commander of Det. 157
The competitive program drives students to apply for premier developmental programs like Department of Defense internships, while the proximity to an international airport offers cadets exposure to multiple aircraft types.
“Over the past five decades, the detachment has attracted
phenomenal talent,” Dayton continued. “The combination of the elite STEM degrees offered at Embry-Riddle, coupled with the passion and easy access to aviation, has created a tremendous opportunity for cadets.”
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CAMPUS FEATURE
PRESCOTT ARIZONA CAMPUS Nestled in the beautiful Bradshaw Mountains between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, our Western campus is renowned for its excellent seasonal weather and outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and rock climbing, to name just a few.
TENACIOUS & TALENTED DEPARTMENT OF STATE FELLOWSHIP HONORS ENGINEER’S PERSEVERANCE AND HARD WORK
CAMPUS PROFILE
s 3,200 Undergraduate Students s 49 States / 48 Countries Represented s 8% International Students Student Clubs + Organizations Our Arizona Campus is home to countless student clubs ranging from the Mountain Biking Club to the Society of Women Engineers and from the Blue Eagles Skydiving Team to the Brotherhood of Steel, as well as a variety of intramural and recreational sports.
Athletics Women’s s Basketball
Men’s
s Baseball s Basketball
s Cross Country
s Golf
s Cross Country
s Outdoor Track
s Golf
s Soccer s Softball s Volleyball
s Outdoor Track
s Soccer
s Wrestling
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@ERAUPrescott
@embry_riddle_prescott
prescott.erau.edu
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ARIZONA CAMPUS
Karol Planadeball Fernandez (’25) was selected as part of the 2023 cohort of the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship, with help from the university’s Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships.
The FAIT fellowship provides a wealth of resources and opportunities, including academic funding, professional development and mentoring, two summer internships — one in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Department of State and one at an international U.S. embassy or consulate — and a five-year appointment as an information management specialist in the Foreign Service. “The fellowship is such a blessing and relief. It felt like all my work over the past years paid off.” Karol Planadeball ’25 Software Engineering When she was eight years old, Planadeball moved with her family from Puerto Rico to Texas. “One of the main reasons my mom moved to the U.S. was for her children to be able to pursue an education here,” she said. “She started crying when she found out I received the fellowship and told me she was so proud of me. I told her that her sacrifices weren’t in vain.” This past summer, she completed her D.C. Department of State internship with the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology.
“The point of the internship is to get used to the structure of government and get to know people here because when you go overseas, the connections are what matter. It’s the Department of State. Diplomacy is our thing,” Planadeball said. “This internship is not only to get some experience but to really focus on being able to communicate in the way that we do.” While learning the ins and outs of bureaucracy and putting her software quality assurance skills to use, Karol has met several other FAIT Fellows and interns of other departments and explored all the sights D.C. has to offer. “There’s a very special bond that forms within the cohort because we’re all connected by this one thing, and we get to know each other really well,” she said. For her international internship next summer, she hopes to be placed in South, East or Southeast Asia. “I just have an innate curiosity and have always wanted to experience different cultures. I would like to incorporate that with my love of technology.”
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