When Nolan Coulter received his master's degree at Embry-Riddle, he worked in the University's John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Center (MicaPlex) Advanced Dynamics and Control Laboratory. A company called Modularity Space was upstairs, so one day he decided to come and take a look at it with his resume. After meeting with Modularity Space CEO Scott Weintraub and talking with him about the company's commitment to reducing space debris, Kurt said that he "falls in love with the company's values." Fortunately, Weintraub was equally impressed by Kurt and hired him as the chief engineer before completing his master's degree in aerospace engineering.

Eight months later, Kurt was appointed as the company's chief technology officer (CTO).

"I think the laboratory is very important for students who want to gain valuable practical experience," said Kurt, who is currently studying for a PhD. Embride major in aerospace engineering. "The most important thing is that your first job in a company is always likely to come from one of the companies headquartered in MicaPlex."

Coulter's story is just one example of the many mutually beneficial collaborations between Embry-Riddle students and companies in the University Research Park. Since companies headquartered there can obtain university resources such as high-tech equipment and technical expertise, students have the opportunity to conduct real-life exploration in their field of study, build a resume to continue graduate studies or employment opportunities, and have the opportunity to engage in cutting jobs-cutting-edge Technology, participation in new invention patents and full-time work.

"Students will definitely contribute to innovation," said Eric Bartsch, CEO of VerdeGo Aero, another MicaPlex tenant, which provides hybrid systems and engineering services for the emerging electric aircraft industry. "We put them in positions where we expect them to contribute to the innovation level-solving problems, doing things in new ways, and taking on important projects."

As a small company with only 20 employees, Bartsch said: "We cannot hire people who have not played an important role in advancing the most advanced technology, including our interns."

Founded in 2017, VerdeGo Aero recruited three full-time employees when graduating from Embride University, and hosted many interns from the School of Engineering and David B. O'Maley School of Business. Four of them were six from the past. Month, Bartsch said.

Bartsch said that although students tend to learn how the industry interacts with new technologies in the classroom, at VerdeGo Aero, “we are pushing the most advanced technology and designing things that are new to the world.” “We are making students every day Do something that hasn't been done before."

Bartsch said that multiple projects have resulted in students being included in patent applications.

Hanson Yu, Ph.D. candidate for electrical engineering and computer science projects, tested the signal characteristics of the equipment in the silent room of Embry-Riddle in the John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex) located in the research park. (Amberred/Darryl Labello)

WeatherFlow-Tempest is a company in MicaPlex that focuses on weather observation, modeling and forecasting technology. Meteorology students and students from other departments are engaged in everything from weather station hardware to introducing products to customers, statistical analysis, etc.-experience Instructing CTO David St. John said that they have specific, general and "soft" skills.

St. John said that as of 2021, 25 Embry-Riddle students have worked for the company. Among the Eagle graduates working at WeatherFlow-Tempest are Zack Yack, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service; Maureen Sanders, a meteorologist and hydrologist from the Texas Water Development Board; and Raya Maday, a meteorologist from AccuWeather.

St. John said that the company’s part-time intern program is “a long-term interview process” for students interested in working for the company.

"We know students, and students know our company," he said. "A small percentage of our part-time students are suitable for both methods and can also enter full-time and paid positions."

Two students working in the Wireless Devices and Electromagnetics (WiDE) Laboratory of Associate Professor Eduardo Rojas participated in the Sensatek project, a MicaPlex-based manufacturer of wireless turbine sensors.

Justin Parkhurst is earning a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Embry-Riddle. He has been developing a low-cost vector network analyzer-a powerful tool for measuring the performance of wireless devices and sensors-and helping to make sensors Use WiDE Lab's laser cutting machine.

Through this work, Parkhurst also gained extensive knowledge about software-defined radio (SDR) technology, which he said is becoming more and more common in industry.

“I see a lot of job postings asking for experience in SDRs. During an internship interview last spring, I was asked about my understanding of them,” Parkhurst said. "I was later invited and accepted that position."

Seng Loong “Hanson” Yu, a PhD candidate in electrical engineering and computer science, is also working on the Sensatek project in the WiDE laboratory. The antenna he designed can withstand the environment of the turbine engine, the temperature of the turbine engine is as high as 1700 degrees Celsius.

"It is a challenge to figure out the details," Yu said. "It pays to be able to find a solution."

Sensatek CEO Reamonn Soto comes to the WiDE lab once or twice a week to meet with students working on projects for his company. He said they discussed costs, timetables, and performance—and creative ways for students to overcome any obstacles they encounter.

Soto said his company is always looking for innovative students as potential employees.

"Those who have the mentality that can bring new ideas are the ones we want to keep," he said.

In Modularity Space, Maria Mejia was hired as an intern in 2020 after receiving a bachelor's degree in engineering physics, focusing on spacecraft systems. She has grown to the position of chief engineer vacated by CTO Coulter, and she may be appointed as a company partner Partner-the founder, Weintraub said.

He said that when Embry-Riddle interns attended the company's "whiteboard" meeting, the collaboration between the university and the industry really shined.

"You will see what students have learned in class, but in the real world-it's very cool," Weintraub said. "It is amazing to see dozens of students grow, graduate and find their dream job because of the experience and knowledge gained in our work."

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