The Avion Issue 2 Spring 2023

Spring 2023 Issue 2

Relive the memories of the Rolex 24 at Daytona in pages 4-7 of this issue.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE

ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA

Recapping the thrills of the 61st running of this iconic 24-hour race.

HISTORY LANDS AT DAYTONA

Preparing for the arrival of numerous WW2era aircraft destined for Daytona Beach on Mar. 16.

PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT

A deep dive into the career path of Professor Sam Harris and his journey from a Navy pilot to CEO to professor.

DASHING ALL THE WAY

An interesting look into working for DoorDash as a college student.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Highlighting the beloved and popular face of Keke from our on-campus Starbucks!

THE SKIES AWAIT

An exclusive interview with Nate Spiller, a Piedmont Airlines First Officer.

FRONT COVER

Taken at the Daytona International Speedway, cars speed around the track as night falls during the 61st running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Jan. 28, 2023.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TOBY SOPP (@tobysopp)

BAC K COVER

One of the Porsche Penske Motorsport Racing pit crew carries an air compressor gun as he looks at the crew chief in the evening hours of the Rolex 24 on Jan. 28, 2023.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CORNNELL CHU (@cornnellchuphoto)

Rolex 24 at Daytona 2023

ARTICLE BY ALISA TISELSKA / Copy Editor

DESIGN BY KYLE NAVARRO / Photo Editor

PHOTOS BY JESSIE

If you live in Daytona Beach, you probably know that this small beach town is famous for its beautiful Speedway. Fast cars, intense competitions, and breathtaking fireworks…The Rolex 24 race was, without a doubt, a success. Tom Blomqvist finished first, and his team won their second consecutive race. It was my first time witnessing a race in real life, and I wanted to learn more about what the racetrack employees and guests think about the racing industry.

What’s it like working at the racetrack? Timothy Lewis, a young college student, works at the Guest Services desk. “It’s a pretty chill job,’’ he commented. “I work from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekend. My job involves helping people, and staring at the racetrack all day. It’s relaxing.” Timothy mentioned that “although I’m not a fan of racing, I like cars and speed. I work here because it’s a good gig for college students. It’s easy money.” In my opinion, it’s important to pursue your passion, no matter what you do. If anyone reading this is looking for a “relaxing” or “pretty chill” job, then you should consider exploring the career paths at the International Speedway.

After dusk, the racetrack turned into something magical. The Ferris Wheel, located at the center of the racetrack, sparkled in the darkness of the night. As the sun set, it even got a bit chilly. Many guests brought their blankets; they were prepared for the low fifties. I wandered around the Speedway, and went

into the garage where I saw brand new Toyotas and Chevrolets on display. Manufactured in 2023, these shiny cars attracted the attention of Mary and Brad, two Rolex 24 fans.

“My boyfriend is a big racing fan,” said Mary. “I’m slowly becoming a fan because race cars are truly fascinating and, I guess, mind blowing. My boyfriend knows more about racing than I do.” Brad, Mary’s boyfriend, was excited to spend 24 hours at the race. “I’m a car guy, for sure. I’ve been into cars since I was six,” he mentioned. “I want Mary to enjoy this race. It’s her birthday weekend, after all.”

Mary seemed to be ewnjoying the event. “My boyfriend works for the IMS [Integrated Management Systems],” she said, proudly. The couple has been together for two years. Brad loves races and Mary loves horseback riding, but they still manage to share each other’s interests. “I guess, we both like being active,” explained Brad. “No matter what you’re passionate about, healthy couples must spend time together and accept each other’s hobbies and interests. Horseback riding is not my thing, but I understand why she likes it, and I’m happy for her.”

Many visitors, including Mary and Brad, stayed at the race for 24 hours. Although leaving the racetrack and reentering was allowed, some fans could not resist the temptation of pulling an exciting all-nighter, filled with adrenaline.

The cars of the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class come down the front stretch of Daytona International Speedway during the start of the Rolex 24 on Jan. 28, 2023.

Fans watch on late into the night during the running of the Rolex 24 on Jan. 28, 2023.

Toby Sopp / The Avion

Kyle Navarro / The Avion

ABINSAY, CORNNELL CHU, COLIN DAILY, DAVID GUERRA, TUCKER LEHTONEN, PRESTON LUNIEWSKI, SEAMUS HUNTER LYONS, KYLE NAVARRO, TOBY SOPP, AND ABBEY SPENCER

The Cadillac Racing car #2 makes sparks around the first bank of Daytona International Speedway during the 2023 Rolex 24.

The Myer Shank Racing team of the #60 Acura show off their new Rolex’s after winning the 2023 Rolex 24.

Preston Luniewksi / The Avion Abbey Spencer / The Avion

Driver Nick Yelloly (BMW Motorsports) waits patiently in the garage as his pit crew and software personnel work diligently to resolve problems with the car.

Racers pushing their vehicles to the limit during the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 28, 2023.

Cornnell Chu / The Avion

David Guerra / The Avion

The GTD and GTD Pro classes make their first few turns in the first lap of the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Jan. 28, 2023.

The #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 comes off the southern bank of turn 7 at Daytona International Speedway during the 2023 Rolex 24.

Colin Daily / The Avion

Seamus Lyons / The Avion

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the pits preparing the next set of tires for his team’s car. He is closely inspecting and certifying the usability of them.

Fireworks light up the night sky during the 61st running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 28 and 29, 2023.

crewman in

Tucker Lehtonen / The Avion

The Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) BMW drives throught turn 3 as the sun rises during the 2023 Rolex 24.

Jessie Abinsay / The Avion

Kyle Navarro / The Avion

The #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 comes off the southern bank of turn 7.

Meyer Shank Racing powers through the night and sees their first glimpse of light. The Grand Touring Prototype team eventually goes on to win first in their class and first in the overall race.

A cluster of different brands and build types racing around corner #3. In the air you can see rubber and smoke flying in all ways around the cars, a true testament to what they can do.

The Winward Racing Mercedes (57) lurks behind the Heart of Racing Team’s Aston Martin (23) as they exit turn 3 on the final day of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Winward racing team rushing to complete a pitstop for car #57.

The night racing is unlike any other during the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Helio Castroneves reacts to seeing his fellow racer for Meyer Shank winning the Rolex 24.

Seamus Lyons / The Avion

Cornnell Chu / The Avion

David Guerra / The Avion

Tucker Lehtonen / The Avion

Colin Daily / The Avion

Henry Luniewksi / The Avion

Abbey Spencer / The Avion

History Lands at Daytona World War II Era Aircraft Landing at KDAB

Nick Infantino Correspondent

On Thursday, Mar. 16, a B-24 Liberator and B-29 Superfortress are scheduled to arrive for a weekend at KDAB for a part of the Commemorative Air Force’s AirPower History Tour. It might seem difficult to have a part in it, but as a student who has been involved for two years and is a trainee for the flight crew, I will be flying into KDAB with this special aircraft. This event will be a great chance to get ERAU students involved in working and flying old aircraft that are part of displays across the country. The nonprofit organization that runs this, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), has been a driving force in promoting aviation to the next generations by operating World War II (WW2) era aircraft to teach the public about WW2 history, honoring veterans, and getting the younger generations a physical experience with aviation. The organization’s mission aligns with the CAF’s Honor, Educate, and Inspire motto.

As a freshman in the AMS department, I have been a part of this tour for a year now and been promoting to younger people that they should be encouraged to work on warbirds, help out on the AirPower History Tour, or at other CAF units— including one unit in DeLand that operates a T-34 Mentor. Getting involved with the CAF is a great opportunity since you will make great connections with people in the aviation industry around the country. Joining the CAF will also give you hands-on experience on aircraft with personnel who have already been in the aviation industry for a while.

What makes this special is that you get to see, feel, hear, and touch these aircraft. This unique experience allows ERAU students to see one of the only two flying Boeing B-29

Superfortress and a flying B-24 Liberator with a unique history. During the fall semester, I encouraged one of my new friends Nick Marchetti, who is also in the AMS department, to join. Marchetti says, “The volunteers from the CAF are welcoming, and they have a special and unique history to share, and I’m excited to work and learn with them in the summer.”

The bombers are scheduled to be accompanied by a P-51 Mustang, T-6 Texan, C-45 Expeditor, T-34 Mentor, and a Stearman Biplane. I encourage ERAU students to check out these historic aircraft when they stop in Daytona at Yelvington Jet Aviation FBO. The aircraft will have ground tours, and rides will be for sale. The gate fee is $20 for adults and is good for the whole day.

Nick Infantino (left) and Nick Marchetti (right) pose with “Fifi,” a B-29 Superfortress.

A P-51, T-6, and a B-24 sitting on the tarmac.

Nick Infantino (author) pictured in a B-29. Page 9

All photos provided by Nick Infantino

Noah Cooperman Sta Reporter

Everyone knows that electric trains are very popular, and it is clear that electric cars are on the rise, but what if I told you that we are currently living in the dawn of electric airplanes? No, not unmanned drones that survey forests and hunt down missing people; I’m talking about planes where you can sit and y, just like the Cessnas and Diamonds with combustion engines sitting on our ramp. Let me introduce you to the next generation of training aircra , the Velis Electro and Alpha Electro by Pipistrel Aircra Company.

Pipistrel was founded in 1989 with the vision of developing safe, personalized aircra that are environmentally friendly and a ordable. Headquartered in Aidussina, Slovenia, the company has various facilities in other parts of Slovenia and Italy.

e Velis Electro is hailed as the rst-ever type certi ed electric-powered airplane, fully approved for pilot training in day VFR operations. As a two-seater, high-wing airplane, it is intended primarily for pilot training and is a game-changing aircra in terms of technological innovations and coste ciency. e Velis Electro can be operated commercially and is fully approved for pilot training and other operations. With its 60 decibels of quietness, the plane is considerably quieter than its combustion counterparts and produces no emissions.

Its revolutionary powertrain is entirely liquid-cooled, including two desktop-sized batteries. It demonstrated the ability to withstand faults, battery thermal runaway events, crash loads, and various weather conditions as part of the certi cation process. As a result, the Velis Electro surpassed the safety requirements for conventionally powered aircra .

e speci cations are relatively similar to that of a Cessna 172; the Velis Electro has a cruise speed of 90 knots, a best climb speed of 75 knots, a service ceiling of 12,000 feet, a stall speed with aps at 45 knots, a 15:1 glide ratio, and an endurance of 50 minutes plus VFR reserve. Batteries can be charged via an onboard charging port using a Pipistrel electric charger overseen by the main computer. Starting up the plane is done by four switches and requires no warm-up time before take-o . No need for 1.21 !

As a light sport aircra , the Alpha Electro is considered a revolutionary airplane capable of ying with an energy cost of $1 per ight hour. It, too, is a two-

seat, high-wing airplane with slightly smaller speci cation numbers save for the 60-minute plus reserve endurance time. Pipistrel touts that the Alpha Electro is an airplane as simple to charge and use as a cell phone, making it the rst practical all-electric trainer. Furthermore, Pipistrel states on its website that “the 60+ kW electric motor only weighs 44 lbs and is more powerful than the popular [combustion] Rotax 912 series, typically used on microlights and [Light Sport Aircra ]. e 21 kWh battery pack is dual-redundant and designed to be either quickly replaceable within minutes or charged in less than one hour, thanks to the next generation of Pipistrel’s Battery Management technology.”

What does this mean for Embry-Riddle? It is undoubtedly helpful that Pipistrel is now a part of Textron since the Flight Department relies quite heavily on the conglomerate corporation for aircra . While it is valid to claim that the ight times are pathetic compared to that of a Cessna 172, remember that battery technology is constantly improving, and that current electric cars go further than those built ten years ago. Embry-Riddle is a forward-thinking university and never fails to incorporate the latest technology in ight. Hopefully, we will see the addition of the Velis Electro or Alpha Electro to the school’s eet because they are cheaper to operate, have been proven safe, meet the demands of the ever-changing aviation industry, and most importantly are better for the environment. I hope you see the positivity of electric planes joining our eet, or at least consider it a Pipistrel for your thoughts.

Pipistrel Velis Electro pictured Jun. 11, 2020 during a promotional aerial photoshoot. The revolutionary electric powerplant is one of Pipistrel’s latest advances in the eld of electirc-powered aircraft.

Photo Courtesy / Pipistrel Aircraft Company

A Journey to Recovery Florida Airports’ Continued Recovery from COVID-19

Jacob Rainerson Staff Reporter

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the aviation industry in ways we haven’t seen in decades. 2019 was one of the best years for passenger numbers at many national airports, including locally in Florida. More than 50 million people walked through the concourses of the Orlando International Airport (MCO) in 2019, marking nearly ten years of continuous growth for the airport. More locally, Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) saw more than 700,000 passengers in 2019, not the best numbers the airport has seen, but on par with historical trends.

Early 2020 saw good passenger numbers for Orlando and Daytona until the pandemic shattered all hopes for a good year in aviation. MCO and DAB saw roughly 50% of their passenger numbers drop in 2020 because of the pandemic. After the pandemic broke out, Daytona Beach International’s

passenger numbers dropped by 93% in April 2020, down to less than 5,000 passengers, compared to 66,000 in 2019.

Despite continued COVID-19 fears and international travel restrictions, MCO fared decently well in 2021 and 2022, with passenger numbers in 2022 nearly identical to those seen in 2019. 50 million passengers once again walked the concourses of Orlando International Airport last year, and airport officials expect the airport to set a record in 2023.

Part of the successful recovery for MCO can be attributed to the large increase in routes served from the airport. 2022 saw the resumption or addition of many international and domestic routes. Some of the more interesting additions and resumptions we will see in 2023 include Breeze Airways’ continued expansion to Akron/Canton, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Huntsville,

Orange County (CA), and Tulsa.

Sun Country Airlines will begin flying to Eau Claire and Green Bay, Wisconsin; Virgin Atlantic will resume flying to Edinburgh; Icelandair will resume flying to Reykjavik, and Avelo will bring air service back to the state of Delaware with non-stop service from MCO to Wilmington!

As for Daytona Beach, the airport has not recovered as quickly as Orlando. 2022 saw passenger numbers increase to 586,000, less than a 2% increase over 2021. Load factors varied heavily throughout 2022, ranging from 74% to as high as 95%. Delta continues to fly four times daily to Atlanta, primarily using their 737-900 aircraft.

The airport continues to grow, with American Airlines now serving Charlotte roughly three times daily on their Airbus A319 aircraft with seasonal service to Dallas, Philadelphia, and Reagan-National in D.C.

What about the new air service to DAB? The airport received a grant in 2022 to aid in the recruitment of non-stop air service to the Chicago area. No airline has been named at this time, but airport officials say that resumption of service to Chicago would alleviate major traffic leakage to other airports in Jacksonville and Orlando. United was the last airline to serve this route.

Jacob Rainerson / The Avion

Airline Bankruptcies Highlight European Market Polarization

Javier Morales Sta Reporter

Only a month into 2023, two airlines in Europe already collapsed while others posted record pro ts, highlighting how polarized the European airline market has become. On Saturday, Jan. 28, the regional United Kingdom based company “Flybe” became insolvent, suspending trading and canceling all ights. is is actually Flybe’s second time collapsing; the airline was the rst to fold during the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020. ey received nancing, and were able to relaunch in April of 2022. Now, less than a year later, the airline is once again in administration and likely won’t survive. Company administrator David Pike blamed the bankruptcy on

the late delivery of 17 aircra Flybe needed to operate a larger, more pro table schedule and called the collapse a “real setback in terms of the UK’s regional connectivity.”

only by the speed at which Boeing and Airbus can build new planes. Ryanair, for example, is hoping to take delivery of 40 more 737 MAXs by summer; though delivery delays at Boeing may hinder those plans.

On the other end, Europe’s legacy airline holding companies are doing well. Air France-KLM, Lu hansa Group, and International Airlines Group (parent of Aer Lingus, British Airways, & Iberia) all posted pro ts in excess of $400 million (USD) last quarter. Both Air France-KLM and Lu hansa are reportedly in talks to buy the assets of the

aforementioned Flybe, namely its slots at London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol airports, according to e Telegraph.

Just two days later, on Jan. 30, the Norwegian startup

airline Flyr suspended operations. e low cost carrier (LCC) o cially led for bankruptcy on Feb. 1. Flyr launched in June of 2021 and, at the time of ling, was planning on expanding this spring and leasing out six of its aircra to another European carrier in order to improve its nances. Flyr needed that lease agreement in order to survive but the agreement was contingent on Flyr securing $33 million (USD) in additional nancing which the company simply could not accomplish in time.

Meanwhile, large European LCCs have been posting record pro ts and strong nancial outlooks due to a robust budget leisure travel market. Ryanair and Wizz Air are already back to being pro table post-COVID, and Easyjet is expected to post its rst post-pandemic annual pro t this year. All of these airlines have ambitious expansion plans seemingly constrained

As for all of Europe’s airlines stuck in the middle —not big enough to match the likes of the legacy holding companies nor frugal enough to match the big LCCs—, it’s clear many will either meet the same fate as Flyr and Flybe or be acquired by one of the big three airline groups as the market continues to separate to extremes. In fact, the thinning has already begun.

e Lu hansa Group has submitted an o er to purchase a stake in Italy’s ITA, TAP Air Portugal is looking for a buyer, and Scandinavian Airlines is still losing millions despite voluntarily ling for bankruptcy protection last summer.

Flybe and Flyr have made it clear Europe’s airlines have no choice but to aggressively slash costs or consolidate under the umbrella of an existing holding company in order to survive.

Professor Spotlight

Sam Harris: Navy Pilot, CEO, and Professor

Abbey Spencer Public Relations Manager

Professor Sam Harris is one of the most beloved professors in the College of Aviation. Every time I pass Professor Harris in the halls of the COA, he always has a smile on his face as he says “hi!” to any student he knows. His dedication to his students does not go unnoticed. I was lucky enough to sit down with Professor Harris and learn more about his career path.

Professor Harris is from Homestead, Florida and graduated form the University of Florida with a degree in Journalism in 1986. He was a Navy ROTC student, which is where he got his start in his aviation career. Harris graduated from college on May 3rd; and just three days later began Navy flight training in Pensacola, FL. There, he was given his first choice aircraft: helicopters.

Harris says “The reason I asked for helicopters was because I got a chance to fly jets, props, and helicopters all while I was in college; and when I was flying in the helicopter I stuck my hand out the window and I said “oh yeah, this is for me”.”

After he graduated, he chased submarines for three years. After this, he flew for special operations for 11 years,

and notes that “just as I was getting good at it, I got promoted out of the squadron.” Although he was promoted out of the squadron, he chose to stay in the reserves until retirement.

During the period of time that Harris was in the reserves, he moved to Atlanta and flew corporate jets for 7 years. Then he flew for part 121 carrier, ABX for 7 years.

While working for ABX, Harris taught Systems and Crew Resource Management (CRM) for ABX. During this time, he was sent to Iraq not once, but twice.

“When I was in Iraq, I learned that life is short… it can be very short”. He went back to flying the DC-8 and DC-9 for ABX for a few years, but was not truly happy. “One night over Kansas headed westbound, I said “I can’t do this anymore”… So I started my own little business and 9 years later sold it.”

The business was a special operations defense consulting company. When I asked what was going on with the company today, Harris jokingly said “we sold it, it got swallowed up by another company, and that company got swallowed up by another company like a Turducken”. Upon selling the business, he was able to retire from the Navy and began his “Chapter 2”.

Professor Harris began his career at Embry-Riddle in 2016. He was an

adjunct and regional manager for the Gaetz Aerospace institute, and stayed as the Deputy Director until 2021. Professor Harris is an Assistant Professor in the College of Aviation, and now teaches AS 356 Aircraft Systems and Components.

When discussing the challenges of teaching, Professor Harris states “The hardest part of teaching is making sure that I don’t let you guys down… you are depending on me ” Professor Harris’ dedication is something that does not go unnoticed. One of the best bits of advice Professor Harris gave during our chat was “the older you get, the more you find out that you are starting to spend more of your time taking care of other people… So the reason you have to bust your a$$ is because you have less time to be good at being [you].”

“The hardest part about teaching is making sure that I don’t let you guys down...”

All phots provided by Sam Harris

Intramural Sports A Fun Way to Get Involved

Jason Gong Staff Designer

Whether you’re an all-star athlete or a rookie, you’ll love the fun and competitive edge of Embry-Riddle Intramural (IM) Sports. Playing intramurals is part of the college experience, and we strive to make the experience memorable, fair, and fun for everyone. Team leagues and individual sports take place year-round and include but are not limited to flag football, volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, soccer, softball, pickleball and more!

IM Sports provide students of all experience levels— beginner, intermediate and advanced—a chance to enjoy friendly competition while achieving healthy lifestyle goals. Off the field and away from the court, IM Sports offer opportunities for students to become leaders and gain valuable management skills.

“I joined IM Sports because I wanted to be active, get a little extra exercise, and meet new people. I’ve gotten to expand my circle of friends through intramurals, which has greatly impacted my time at Embry-Riddle for the better,” said student Diogo Horta. “I would definitely recommend people to join because it allows those who already know how to play the sport to be competitive without having to join a club team,” student Papa Abdoul Sene said. “It allows new players to pick up the game pretty easily.”

“Truthfully doing intramurals can be a little difficult around finals time, but spending time with friends is

always worth it,” student Dylan Sowma said.

Intramurals also yield a refreshing take on team sports, giving the satisfaction of competing athletically without the rigorous and demanding schedule which many athletes may need a break from. This also opens the door for those who may have never played a sport to try it out in a low-stakes environment, where the only requirement is a desire and willingness to participate.

Whether you seek to score goals, throw touchdowns, or sink putts, you’ll discover that Intramural Sports are a great way to get involved on campus and make new friends. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a champion at Embry-Riddle!

Photo Courtesy / Graham Brown

Photo Courtesy / David Gray

Photo Courtesy / University of Houston Campus Recreation and Wellness Page 15

Students and families alike enjoyed the banter and fun shared throughout the event’s atmosphere.

Contestants exchange a friendly greeting during the family game, before the host asks them their question.

All photos by: Gage Altrock, Mikyla Berish, Akie Oleszewski, and Abbey Spencer / The Avion

We are graduate and undergraduate students in the Research in User eXperience (RUX) Lab in the Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology. RUX investigates the usability and user experience of technology in our everyday world. This is a regular column that explores different technologies typically used by Embry-Riddle students.

Rollin’ with Rolex: Integrative Aerospace and Exercise Physiology Lab Spotlight

Carmen Van Ommen, Emily Rickel Graduate Researchers

Dr. Scott Ferguson joined the ERAU Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology in 2022. He currently leads the Integrative Aerospace and Exercise Physiology (IAEP) Lab. The IAEP Lab recently collected data at the Rolex 24, an annual 24-hour sports car endurance race held in Daytona Beach. Members of the RUX Lab met with Dr. Ferguson and Aviv Lemke, one of his student research assistants, to learn more about the IAEP Lab and collecting data during the race.

RUX: Can you tell us about your lab and what you research?

Dr. Scott Ferguson (SF): Our lab is focused on stress and how it affects human performance.

We are mostly focused on how stress affects cardiopulmonary and muscular performance.

RUX : What kind of studies do you do in your lab?

Aviv Lemke (AL): Right now, we have been researching vascular function. We had the opportunity to study race car drivers at the Rolex 24 and we were able to get measurements preand post- race to see if stress impacts vascular function.

RUX : Could you give more information on the Rolex study? What was the purpose, what do you hope to find?

SF: We are trying to understand what the stresses of daily living are doing to cardiopulmonary function and muscles’ ability to transition from rest to exercise.

Everybody transitions from rest to exercise frequently throughout the day. Exercise can be something simple, such as walking around or going up the stairs. Aging and cardiovascular disease make it more difficult to accomplish these types of tasks.

We like to study elite athletes, such as professional race car drivers, to ob-

serve the body at peak performance. If we can determine how an elite driver mitigates all kinds of stress, such as sleep deprivation, we can then learn more about what techniques these individuals use to mitigate stress and apply them to help people who cannot handle stress as well.

RUX : What does data collection look like?

AL : We used a tool called NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy) which uses near-infrared light to measure the concentration of oxy- and deoxygenated hemoglobin with the skeletal muscle. We then occlude, or tie off, the driver’s arm to keep blood from flowing into the forearm for a short period, then release

the occlusion to measure hyperemic (increase in blood flow) response.

RUX : Our lab is more focused on how people interact with technology or systems from a usability or user experience perspective. How would studying stress relate to something like usability?

SF: An example could be measuring physiological outcomes of different interfaces. If you have stressors when racing, that can impact cognitive performance and ability to work with the interface you have in front of you.

Same with pilots. Understanding physiological response from their interaction with one system versus another could be a means of assessing the impacts of usability. If you have less physiological decay from one system to another, then that can assess the ability of the interface to work. It’s reducing physiological strain.

RUX : We would love to hear more about what it’s like being a student in this lab. Aviv, could you tell us more about yourself?

AL : I am in my last year of the Aerospace Physiology program, and will be graduating in May. I’m also in my first semester of the accelerated Human Factors Masters program. In the future, I’m hoping to continue in school at the PhD level to continue

learning and researching.

RUX : How did you get involved in the lab as a student?

AL : I took Dr. Ferguson’s exercise and physiology class last semester and asked him if he had a lab. He was in the very early stages of building his lab, so I was able to help out with setting it up.

RUX : What does your role as a student researcher/ assistant look like?

AL : Right now, I’ve taken a lead student role. We have a few undergraduate students in the lab and another graduate student. A lot of my job is helping with data collection, such as at the Rolex race, and we are analyzing that data now. I’ve also been helping to set up the lab, developing protocols and building

equipment. Eventually, I would like to figure out my own protocols for my own research projects.

SF: Aviv is being modest. She earned her leadership position and has been essential in setting up the lab. All of a sudden, we got this invitation to collect data during the race, and had to figure out what research protocol to use and how to execute the protocol we chose. She spearheaded a lot of that work.

RUX : What has being in this lab helped you do or learn? How will that help your future career goals?

AL : Being in this lab, I’ve learned a lot from Dr. Ferguson about life as a graduate student and where I can take my career. In the near future, we will be going

to a conference, which is a great networking opportunity and it will help me figure out where to get my PhD.

I’ve also been learning how to write papers and learning so much about how to get to where I want to be one day.

RUX : Do you have any advice for students?

AL : I would say being present and putting in the work will help you out a lot. I don’t get a grade for this stuff, I do it because I enjoy it and it will help me in the future.

SF: Don’t let research intimidate you. Show up, be there, and be open-minded. Be a good follower to learn how to be a good leader. Once you perform well as a follower, you will find yourself in leadership roles.

All photos courtesy Scott Ferguson

Two school records and a provisional qualifying time marked the Embry-Riddle Women’s Track & Field team’s nal performances of the indoor season.

e rst ERAU record to fall was in the triple jump on Feb. 16. Mikaela Miles broke her own record with a leap of 12.06m (39-6.74) to nish rst. A week later, she did it again. e freshman bettered the ERAU indoor record she set 12 days prior with a leap of 12.10m (39-8.5) to nish second overall and the Boston University Last Chance Indoor meet.

Miles’ mark meets the NCAA II qualifying standard and puts her at 17th in the nation this season. She now owns 17 of the top 20 triple jump marks in Embry-Riddle history.

On Feb. 9, Arian Anderson shattered the ERAU indoor 3000m record by nearly 23 seconds. A week later, she returned to the Alachua County Sports Complex and shaved more than two seconds o that time, winning the Feb. 16 race in 9:57.47. On Feb. 19, Anderson etched her name in the outdoor record books. Running by herself, she nished the 3000m Steeplechase in 10:46.78, which was 44 seconds faster than the previous record set by Julie May eld in 2010.

Pitching was the storyline in day two of the NFCA DII Leado Classic as the Embry-Riddle so ball team shut out both Carson-Newman and No. 18 Lincoln Memorial.

e o ense provided just enough run support to beat Carson Newman 1-0 and later upset the Railsplitters 2-0 in ERAU’s rst meeting with those two programs.

e victory over Lincoln Memorial (15-9) also marked career win No. 200 for head coach Kelsi Dunne Diaz, who is in her ninth year at the helm of the program.

Loa Johannsson shattered ERAU’s 54-hole record on Tuesday as she carded a 218 at the World Golf Invitational, hosted by Flagler on Feb. 7. e youngest student-athlete in Embry-Riddle Athletics history, Johannsson shot a 73 in her nal round, nishing tied for seventh individually in the 81-player eld, leading the Eagles (921) to an 11thplace showing in a stacked eld at the Slammer & Squire.

In just his fourth game wearing the Blue and Gold, Isaiah Hines set an Embry-Riddle single-game scoring record to lead the Eagles to a 18-15 win over Montevallo (1-2) on Feb. 17 at the Falcons’ Track and Field/Lacrosse Stadium. Hines was e cient on o ense in Friday’s game tallying a program-best nine goals on 12 shots. Hines also set the Eagles’ single-game record in points with 10.

Flight Certifications

SPRING 2023

Congratulations to those who received their certification!

Jaebeom Park

Jaejoong Kim

Jaemin Jang

Jason Null Hulbert

Ji Won Kim

Jihoon Kim

Jiyeon Song

Joan Sunet Scutary

John Maure Saba V

Jonathan Anthony Papavasiliou

Joseph Murray Kelley

COMMERCIAL

Kai-Jie Chang

Kaimin Mao

Kensho Edward Arcari

Marcus Levy Gaillard

Matthew John Weiss

Matthew Paul Flerra

Michael Carl Flerra

Myunghun Yoo

Nicholas Andrew Emer

Nicholas Andrew Logan

Noah Michael Johnson

Noah Nelson Paul Marcoux

COMMERCIAL PILOT (321)

Aaryan Pal

Alec Ronald Palmer

Alexandra Nicole Daley

Allen Joseph Warren III

Andre Javier Rivera Perez

Andrew James Schmitz

Andrew Jon Ward

Angelina Emme Samaroo

Anne Michelle Taylor

Antonio Charles Gallerani

Ari Ditchek Goldberg

Arthur James Clarke

Bailey Marie Mickelson

Benjamin Philip Mortimer David

Benjamin Thomas Melendez

Boden David Gould

Bohyun Park

Brendan Francis Power

Brett Charles Farley

Brittany Alyssa Stratton

Byungjun Moon

Cairo Delaney James Ingram

Caroline Bea Gaillet

Chanseung Lee

Christopher Richard Chartier

Chun Ting Alex Fung

Cole Stevenson Grimm

Connor Stephen Cvetan

Connor Thomas Faught

Constantin Magnus Strompen

Curtis Linh Nguyen Jackson

Daniel Serge Maiorov

Eric James Klingler

Ethan Matthew Alexander

Fadi Fahad A Alghamdi

Fangyu Cheng

Gabriel Joseph Tironi

Gyeongjun Min

Han Kyu Park

Hayley Addison Kudey

Herbert Wilson Huston III

Jacob Isiah Churchwell

MULTIENGINE ADD-ON (323)

Aaron Caleb Poetz

Abdulmajeed Jameel A Homsi

Abdulrahman Saleh M Orebi

Abigail Grace Kienast

Andrew William Gard

Benjamin Dale Sowers

Bill Deng Pan

Branden Joseph Sise

Caleb Brent Harriger

Chaesun Yoo

Changhyeok Lee

Charles Patrick Pilling

Cullen Tyrone Young

Daniel Andres Tejada Calderon

Daniel Anthony Nell

Darron Lawrence Mortimer

Derek Thomas Matusch

Dominic Michael Barbagallo

Donggyoon Kim

Drake Douglas Stutesman

Eden Manuel Roshberg

George Campbell Skinner

Gisuk Lee

Gregory Paul Stirrat

Gun Woo Lee

Hyeok Heo

Hyuk Jun Kwon

Jacob Michael Lyons

Jake Evart Hallem

Jakub Chmiel

Jasmine Elise Lombardi

Jean Torrale Marbury

Jesus Enrique Paz Cardenas

Jinhwan Kim

Jiseop Kim

Jiwoo Lim

Jiyoon Kim

Joseph Patrick Dunagan IV

Julianna Noel Jones

Jung Bin Park

Jung Woo Yang

Kai Le Caleb Chang

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR SINGLE ENGINE (417A)

Andre Anthony Mitchell

Bodan Choi

Carter Jeffery Evans

Changwook Baek

Connor Jon Veysey

Daniel Peyton Martin

Dong Hwan Kim

Doyeon Kwon

Ho Jin Jung

Hyo Chang Yoo

Hyuk Jun Kwon

Hyun Soo Chae

Hyunjun Chung

Ian Yj Park

Inho Song

Jaehyun Kim

Jaemin Son

Jaemin Son

Jake Edward Daubert

James Robert Imundo

Jimin Ahn

Toby Sopp / The Avion

FROM THE PAST: Capturing a moment from when the United States Air Force Thunderbirds visited Daytona Beach for the annual Daytona 500 in 2022.

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