HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES ///
Limitless Use Veracka’s work aims to develop a material that can stretch and self-heal, two characteristics that are somewhat opposed to each other, he said. By finding just the right balance in the chemical components of the material, he envisions a wide range of applications, including self-healing space habitats that would be resilient against space debris and damage.
Bright Ideas Jenkins is a member of the Solar Studz team, which developed an award-winning plan to bring cost-effective, renewable solar energy to the University of Nebraska.
A Perfect Match Karnes channeled her passion for aviation into the air traffic control area of the industry, as she was drawn to the fast- paced environment and swift decision-making it requires.
Broader Approach I wanted to differentiate myself from many engineers who are strictly focused on technical aspects of projects and take a broader approach to engineering by learning more about project management, finance, marketing and the many offerings made available by our College of Business.
Big Dreams Having also assisted with COVID-19 response efforts and shadowing health providers, Veracka is intent on attending medical school and becoming a physician or surgeon.
Elijah Jenkins ’21, ’22
Lucia Karnes ’14, ’21
John Veracka ’22
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
UNMANNED SYSTEMS
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
AIR TRAFF IC MANAGEMENT
AEROSPACE PHYSIOLOGY
Point Guard’s Pursuit of Excellence Mechanical Engineering and MBA student Elijah Jenkins has a championship mindset both on and off the court. From leading the Eagles Men’s Basketball team to its first ever NCAA tournament bid to being part of the winning U.S. Department of Energy Solar District Cup team, the 4.0 student-athlete has always strived for success. “The championship aspirations held by Embry-Riddle’s athletic programs are paralleled by similar goals in the classroom and in life,” he said. “Being surrounded by that level of commitment and desire impacted the way I approach every single day of my life.” Jenkins graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in May and is now pursuing his MBA in Aviation. He hopes to explore career opportunities in renewable energy engineering as a project manager.
Flying Full Circle A supportive group of faculty and peers helped Lucia Karnes continue her education while serving overseas in the Army. Karnes began her Eagle journey in the Air Traffic Management program. While earning her bachelor’s, she set the foundation for her career as a cadet in Embry-Riddle’s Army ROTC unit. After graduating and gaining some work experience, she joined the U.S. Army. While overseas, she decided it was time to rejoin Embry-Riddle to pursue her M.S. in Unmanned Systems. Although military life presents its own obstacles, Karnes said that professors and other students were very understanding of the constraints she had. “If I had chosen a school that didn’t have as much military involvement, I don’t know that the same level of flexibility would have been easy to come by.” She’s now advancing her civilian career as a division manager for Boeing Intelligence & Analytics, where she works with aviation navigation for U.S. pilots.
A Passion for Research Aerospace Physiology student John Veracka recently presented research on a new polymer at the national 2021 Posters on the Hill undergraduate research conference. Veracka’s research project, focused on an innovative polymer for use in aerospace settings and soft electronics, was one of 60 selected among hundreds of entries in the conference. His research involves creating a material that can stretch and self-heal, which could be utilized in space and here on Earth. While existing self-healing materials often require a specific environment to work, Veracka hopes to create a material that can be self sufficient. From self-healing space environments to car paint, phones and diabetic sensors, this polymer has the potential for a wide range of uses. “If you make the extra effort, take the extra step, work hard and ask important questions, then you will be rewarded,” he said. “You’ll be able to conduct amazing research here at Embry-Riddle.”
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