ARIZONA CAMPUS
THIS EAGLE’S GOT WINGS AND GAME
Reaching high altitude is more than a career for some people. Standing at 6’1”, Embry-Riddle senior Kelly Hansen (’24) sees the world from a unique perspective — both on the volleyball court and on the runway. As a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and an Aeronautical Science student, she is shaping the future of aviation by mentoring new pilots while driving innovative safety research at the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety.
Cracked the Code. Took the Win. The 12th annual Tracer FIRE cybersecurity event, backed by Sandia National Laboratories, took place at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus in October 2024. This event highlighted Embry-Riddle’s excellence in cybersecurity, with student teams securing the top three spots nationwide. The Tracer FIRE 12 event put participants to the test with simulated cybersecurity challenges, creating high-pressure situations that students solved like an escape room. This year’s learning scenario featured cyberattacks targeting the fictional airline PigeonAir, advancements in electric aircraft and emerging trends in the cryptocurrency field. Through hands-on problem solving, students practiced their digital forensics and incident response skills, gaining real-world experience that prepared them for exciting careers in cybersecurity. My personal takeaway was that I picked the right career path. I used to want to be a software developer, but I decided on cybersecurity instead.” Aaron Tulino ’27 Cyber Intelligence and Security and Winner of Tracer FIRE 12’s Highest Individual Score
“This project has shown me the real-world impact safety research can have — not just in theory but in practical applications I bring directly to my flight students,” Hansen said. Hansen’s research investigated the issue of loss of control (LOC), unrecoverable deviations in a pilot’s flight path, which cause fatal aviation accidents. Through hands-on experience, she tackled industry challenges head-on, impacting Federal Aviation Administration training standards for pilots that could redefine flight safety standards. Besides her research work, Hansen has been a magnetic force in campus leadership, serving as president of Athletes in Aviation as well as industry liaison officer for Air Line Pilots Association Aviation Collegiate Education (ALPA ACE) Club. In these guiding roles, she linked students with experts in the field of aviation, helping them graduate with valuable insights from the industry. Merging her passion for sports and flying, Hansen’s leadership is powered by determination and creativity, traits essential for driving the future of aviation safety.
“Embry‑Riddle’s connections with the industry ensure that students graduate with a clear path forward,” Hansen said. “Whether it’s through internships, research projects or clubs like ALPA ACE, the opportunities here set you up for success.”
Kelly Hansen ’24 Aeronautical Science
ATHLETE PROFILE / HANSEN #3
6-1
HEIGHT
El Dorado Hills, Calif.
HOMETOWN
Oak Ridge
HIGH SCHOOL
Aeronautical Science
MAJOR
4.0
GPA
NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete Played in 27 matches this season Finished third on the team with 190 kills
Was 4th on the team in total blocks with 45
embryriddle.edu | 26
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