STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
EVELYN RONCEROS
M.S. in Human Factors Evelyn Ronceros, an Air Force veteran, currently serves as a management and program analyst at the FAA. More than a year into her pursuit of a Master of Science in Human Factors at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus, she is also working toward her private pilot license. At home in Chicago, Evelyn is using her aviation passion as a way to inspire young girls to pursue industry careers, dedicating her free time as a mentor and vice president of the Chicago Leading Edge Chapter of Women in Aviation International, a group she discovered through her studies at Embry-Riddle. Evelyn’s own aviation journey started with the Air Force, where she ended up leading multiple teams and human resources programs supporting the active duty, reserves and the Joint Special Operations Command communities. She also served overseas in South Korea, Turkey, Germany and Poland. But it was her deployment to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom that really ignited her love of things that fly. “Witnessing the Air Force motto in action, ‘Flight, fight and win,’ resonated profoundly with me,” Evelyn said. “When I was evacuated swiftly and safely by expert Blackhawk and Chinook helicopter pilots, I experienced flight’s liberating power in a remote, challenging environment.” Appreciation of that power helped motivate the rest of her Air Force career, which ended after 22 years when she retired from active duty as Senior Human Resources Manager. Evelyn is fully invested in her graduate degree and the study of how humans and rapidly emerging technology are meshing in the air and on the ground. “Understanding human behavior and limitations in aviation is crucial for safety and design, making human factors a vital field of study,” she said. “My analytical skills as a Management and Program Analyst align perfectly with this pursuit. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to flight safety operations research through human factors expertise.” That goal is key in today’s aviation and aerospace industry, and Embry-Riddle is on the leading edge of education and research into this critical interface.
Evelyn says that so far, one of her favorite courses has been Human Performance, Limitations and Error, which “significantly strengthened my interest in and commitment to aviation safety operations.” With a stellar career full of
adventures and accomplishments to build on, Evelyn is excited about the new opportunities now emerging and what they will bring to her future. “I am eager to contribute to the advancement of aviation through human factors research and collaboration,” she said. When it comes to the school that has opened so many doors for her, Evelyn is just as effusive with her praise. “I wholeheartedly recommend Embry-Riddle,” she said. “The university has provided me with countless opportunities for professional and personal development. It’s always possible to chase your dreams.” She knows that without the support and ability of her professors to help her navigate the hard times, she would not have experienced the same level of success and sense of purpose she does now. Whether it was providing feedback, pushing her out of her comfort zone to become a better student or simply believing in her, Embry-Riddle Worldwide professors contributed to the safety professional she is today. Her experience has been nothing short of life-changing, and she is so proud of her growth.
Understanding human behavior and limitations in aviation is crucial for safety and design, making human factors a vital field of study.”
2023 - 2024 Annual Report | 19
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