Engineering is all around us. But did you ever stop to think about the extent to which engineering plays a role in our daily lives, and how important engineering jobs are? If there were no engineers, we wouldn’t have working navigation systems, electric generators, motors, elevators or air conditioning systems. You’d be amazed at how almost everything around us is designed, built and maintained by engineers.
Vaughn College remains a leading institution for students who choose to pursue careers in engineering and technology. Did you know today’s engineering and technology jobs are so much more than designing things to sustain us? It’s true. Today’s engineers are creating and inventing innovative designs to help advance society and solve some of humanity’s greatest problems to keep us on the planet longer. Your college major can play a crucial role in how much money you earn after graduation. With technology advancing and engineering demands increasing, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career in these fields. With an impressive curriculum that encompasses all aspects of engineering, it’s no wonder Vaughn engineering graduates are succeeding in their fields. Want proof? Check out the recent success stories of Thomas Dekenipp ’18, Emily German ’18 and Jefferson Maldonado ’16.
We have narrowed down the top five most valuable engineering degrees and matched them with engineering jobs that have the highest salaries in the industry today. Discover all the opportunities available to you with an engineering degree from Vaughn College.
Aerospace Engineer
Annual Salary: $115,220*
Education: Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering
Aerospace engineers top our list as the highest paid professionals with engineering degrees. Without sounding cliché, working as an aerospace engineer is literally “rocket science.” Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing aircrafts, spacecrafts, satellites and missiles. They also work with new inventions and technologies, creating and testing prototypes to ensure they function according to their design. Although many of these professionals choose to pursue a career with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), most work primarily for large aircraft manufacturers, such as Boeing, for example. They specialize in areas that include manufacturing, analysis and design, and research and development, and are frequently employed by the federal government. (Aerospace engineers who work on projects related to national defense may need a security clearance.)
Computer Hardware Engineer
Annual Salary: $114,600*
Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering
The job of a computer hardware engineer comes in at a close second as one of today’s top engineering jobs. Not to be confused with software engineers, hardware engineers build components that are used in computers, network systems and other commercial products. Computer hardware engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science, which goes hand in hand with the task of planning the manufacture of computer chips, circuit boards, printers, PCs and modems. These professionals typically work in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models.
Electrical engineers design, install, test and maintain large-scale electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communication systems and power generation equipment. Basically, if a device has an alternating current (AC), an electrical engineer is most likely involved in creating it. Nearly every industry needs electrical engineers, which makes this an appealing profession. Electrical engineers work in a variety of industries that include research and development, engineering services, manufacturing and telecommunications. These professionals are frequently employed by the federal government. While they mostly work indoors in offices, some jobs may require them to visit sites to address a problem or observe equipment.
Mechanical engineering is the most common area of engineering and the broadest discipline in the industry―and for good reason. Basically, mechanical engineers are experts when it comes to designing and maintaining anything that is composed of moving parts. Wow! That includes so many things! These professionals require a strong understanding and comprehension of many areas such as dynamics and thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis and electricity. Generally, they work in offices primarily for engineering services, research and development and manufacturing. Occasionally, their jobs may take them off-site to assess problems or equipment which may need attention. Since mechanical engineering is applicable across all industries and fields, these professionals are highly employable.
Mechatronic engineers have a competitive edge in the industry. That’s because these professionals have a multidisciplinary knowledge of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. Their knowledge of robotics, electronics, computers, telecommunications, aerospace, systems control, and product engineering make them standout candidates in high-tech industries. A broad knowledge in engineering will position mechatronic engineers to work in all aspects of product development―from design and testing to manufacturing. With technology advancing at lightning speed, mechatronic engineers are a valuable asset and will be in high demand for many years to come.
Are you interested in pursuing an engineering job with a bright future? Vaughn’s career services department is there to offer engineering enthusiasts a wide range of options where they can find the perfect engineering job with a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree. Our engineering degrees prepare students to succeed in their career of choice.
**Salary for mechatronic engineers is reported by The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) which is developed under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA) through a grant to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The salary is based on 2018 median pay.
Whether you’re studying to become a pilot, pursuing engineering, or dreaming of working in airport/airline management, it’s safe to say that Vaughn College students have a passion for aviation and the mechanics that go into it. We’re proud to say that our students have a thirst for knowledge and are obsessed with becoming the best they can be.
The exploration of this dynamic field doesn’t have to stop when you step out of the classroom! We love that our students want to continue exploring their passion on their own time. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of fun aviation-inspired activities to take part in on the weekends:
Visit the Cradle of Aviation
Take a trip to Garden City, New York, and visit the impressive Cradle of Aviation Museum. Here, you’ll find more than 75 air and space crafts, 12 cockpits, and 30 hands-on exhibits, including a hot air balloon and even an actual Apollo Lunar Module. In addition, the Cradle of Aviation hosts several events every month. You can throw it back to the ‘80s by taking part in their ’80s Arcade and Karaoke Night, or indulge your sweet tooth and attend the 2019 Chocolate Expo―all while surrounded by inspiring aviation history.
Having the pleasure of going to a United States Navy Blue Angels show is nothing short of a privilege. With over 70 years of demonstrations, the flying aerobatics are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The flight demonstration squadron is comprised of a total of 16 officers. The aviation team consists of tactical jet pilots, support officers, and Marine Corps C-130 pilots. The Blue Angels travel the country throughout the year. Visit their website to view the complete show schedule for 2019.
Join the Manhattan Flight Club
Forget “Fight Club.” Why not join the Manhattan Flight Club? If you can’t wait to get back in the cockpit, head on down to Madison Avenue and join this robust community of pilots, students, CFIs, ATPs, passengers, and just plain lovers of aviation. The members of this flight simulation club believe “that flying creates better people, stronger communities, and a happier world.” (And we couldn’t agree more.) Non-members can book time in The Sim Lab for just $40 an hour.
If you prefer flying planes to jumping out of them but have always been interested in skydiving, then bodyflight is for you! At iFLY Indoor Sky Diving, we offer the bodyflight indoor skydiving experience—one of the most exciting, fastest-growing sports in the world. In addition, iFLY offers the option to add a little aviation fantasy to your trip with their virtual reality (VR) “” experience. This fully immersive, highly exhilarating experience is perfect for the inner child in you — and it’s the closest thing the “Game of Thrones” fan in you will get to riding a dragon. First-time flyers can buy two flights for about $90.
While this is one of the pricier aviation adventures on our list, the ZERO-G Experience® is also one of the most exciting. This is NOT a simulation. You’ll actually get to experience true weightlessness. You’ll get to take flight on their specially modified Boeing 727, where parabolic arcs are performed to create a weightless environment, allowing you to float, flip and soar as if you were in space. The ZERO-G Experience® will be coming to Newark Liberty International Airport on May 25, August 3 and September 28 of 2019.
Make the most of your weekends and school breaks. Go on a #VaughnAdventure today.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but amid the shopping, gatherings, planning and studying, it can be hard to find time to slow down, catch your breath, and take care of your own well-being. This season may be the happiest time of the year, but it is also the busiest and most stressful. To help you through the next few weeks of holiday hustle and bustle―and the crunch of studying for finals―we have put together four of our favorite meditation apps that will help you stop for a second, catch your breath, and work on you!
1. Stop, Breathe and Think
It’s amazing what can be accomplished when you take a minute to soak in your surroundings and really focus on what you’re doing in that very moment. This free app encourages you to do just that. It offers over 30 free sessions―most of which are only about 10 minutes long―to help you cleanse and refresh your mind. Use the “Stop, Breath & Think” app to find a few minutes of peace whenever you need them in the course of the day. Eventually, it will become second nature to take a moment to be in the here and now.
2. Chill
With the busy task of studying during the holidays, it can be hard to find time to chill. “The Chill” app is a free subscription that sends mindful messages throughout the day, like “It exists right here, in this moment,” and “Come back to your body,” to make you stop and slow down―even just for a second. When you open the notifications, inspirational quotes from the likes of Buddha and Lao Tzu are presented to you.
3. Calm
The “Calm” app offers a huge variety of soothing sounds―from falling rain and thunderstorms to a crackling fire and white noise. You can play these sounds in the background along with the option of listening to music at the same time, which can be extremely relaxing. You also have the chance to practice breathing and meditation with the “Seven Days of Calm” daily free meditation guide, as well as set reminders throughout the day to take breaks. In addition to these features, this app also has a subscription―at $4.99 per month―to unlock meditation sessions for commuting and “sleep stories.”
4. Headspace
The “Headspace” app shows you the necessary steps to follow for taking care of yourself and becoming a better, calmer, and more content person. It starts with 10 free sessions to help make you feel more comfortable with meditation. If you like these and want to try more tailored sessions that focus on commuting, sleeping, stress and more, a subscription can be purchased at $7.99 per month. Additionally, the paid subscription offers SOS exercises to provide relief when you feel over your head and need to calm down quickly. This app’s blog is also a great resource as it offers helpful tips on how to practice mindfulness as well!
We hope these apps help you unwind as you stop and take a moment for yourself. Good luck with finals and have a wonderful holiday season, remembering, of course, to make time to take care of yourself.
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International student Abdullah Yasser Ali ’19 is pursuing his dreams in the United States as a senior at Vaughn College as a mechatronic engineering major.
Coming to America
In 2015, Ali moved to the United States from Egypt to pursue his college career. After applying to several colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and Germany, Ali selected Vaughn as his college of choice.
“I was drawn to Vaughn for the college’s mechatronic engineering program,” Ali said. “The curriculum and small campus community was the perfect fit for me. After leaving my family behind in Egypt, it was comforting to find a home at Vaughn.”
Family ties
Growing up in Egypt, Ali said spending time with his father was a driving force to feed his passion for engineering. “My father is a mechanical engineer and a car enthusiast,” said Ali. “I recall using his tools and helping him work on cars. He always encouraged me to work with my hands and do my best. Looking back, I realize my passions are just like my dad’s.” Leaving home was not easy for Ali. At first, his mother was not pleased about the idea but as time went on her acceptance and approval made adjusting easier. “Having my mother’s approval meant the world to me,” Ali said. “It showed me a level of trust in my decision to further my education and that she realized I was mature enough to make the move.”
Finding a home at Vaughn
Ali embraced his move to New York and had no problem fitting in to the Vaughn campus community. In his freshmen year, he joined the soccer team and made friends right away. By his second year, he was appointed captain of the team, a role he still holds today. Soon after, Ali was chosen by one of his professors to be a “student instructor” to tutor students in chemistry. “I was honored when my professor approached me with this position,” Ali said humbly. “I love helping my fellow students. It’s a great feeling knowing I can relate to them on a different level and contribute to their success.”
In 2017, Ali expanded his scope of activities on campus and joined the team in the admissions office. There, he began planning and organizing open house events among other responsibilities. “Open house is always a fun event and a great way to meet prospective students,” Ali said. “I’m proud to be a part of the admissions department,” Ali stated. “I remember what it was like when I came to Vaughn, so I can relate to prospective students and enjoy answering their questions.”
Over the summer, Ali joined the UAV club at Vaughn. “Being part of the UAV club, is an incredible experience” Ali said excitedly. “Drones are and will be a big part of our future including offering new career opportunities. Being a Vaughn student gives me a competitive and well-rounded edge to learn and get hands-on-experience relating to all aspects in my field- even drone technology.”
Looking to the future
Feeding his passion for cars, Ali said he hopes to apply his knowledge at from Vaughn and pursue a career in the automotive industry. “My plans are to remain in the United States,” Ali stated. “I believe there are better job opportunities here and more potential to find for a job in my field of study. I’m excited to graduate next year but I will always keep a piece of Vaughn with me to remind me of what it took to get me where I am today.”
See Ali at the Vaughn Open House
This year marks Ali’s third open house. “Open house is one of the highlights of the year,” said Ali. “I enjoy meeting perspective students and offering my first-hand college experience. It’s a great feeling to know that I may have been instrumental in guiding someone to apply and become a Vaughn student.”
Vaughn’s fall Open House is scheduled for Saturday, November 10 and Saturday, November 17 between 10am and 2pm. It’s a fun and informative day where interested students along with their families can meet with faculty and staff to ask questions and tour the campus. Register today.
What do Spotify, Pandora, iTunes and YouTube all have in common? If you said they’re some of your favorite go-to sights to hear your favorite music, then you may want to tune in more often. Did you know that studying to the right kind of music can make you feel less stressed, more focused and dare we say it, smarter? It’s true.
Let’s face it, no one likes to study. But how cool is it that music can be just what you need to get through the books easier while making your studying more productive? Pretty cool, right? Want to hear more? Sit back, grab your headphones and learn how studying to the right kind of music may be more than just music to your ears.
Benefits of studying to music
Do you listen to music while you study, or do you prefer total silence? The jury is out on which is better since everyone is different; however, several research studies are proving that listening to the right kind of music can put your mind into study mode.
Here are some of the benefits of tuning in to the right tunes:
Relaxes the mind
Increases concentration
Lessens distractions
Improves focus
Improves performance in high-pressure situations, such as mid-terms and finals week
Best genres to study to
Music is universal, and everyone’s tastes are different. You might be experiencing that right now with a roommate or a group of friends. What soothes one person might drive the other one to pull their hair out. Sound familiar? Since we all have different personalities, music preferences and even study habits you’re probably wondering which type of music is best. We’ve done the homework for you (you’re welcome) with some suggested genres and examples of each that may help put your brain in the right frame of mind. Take a listen.
Classical music—Mind-boosting effect helps with mathematics
Before you dismiss classical music as “not your thing,” it’s worth a try. You’ve most likely heard of Mozart, one of our world’s greatest classical composers, but have you heard of the Mozart Effect? A group of studies found listening to Mozart can cause a temporary “enhancement of spatial temporal reasoning performance,” which means the ability to think through long-term, more abstract solutions to logical problems. In fact, the Mozart Effect has little to do with listening to Mozart and more to do with listening to music that activates a certain part of the brain. Even Albert Einstein was a fan of Mozart!
When it’s crunch time and you’re burning the midnight oil, try listening to Baroque classical music. Composers such as Bach, Vivaldi and Handel are known for their up-beat music composed of 60 beats-per-minute. Studies revealed those who listened to music that played at 60 beats-per-minute showed a dramatic reduction in stress and an increased sense of relaxation It’s become a popular choice when you need to get work done.
Integrates both sides of the brain for more efficient learning
Raises IQ scores
Sounds of nature—Keeps your brain engaged by increasing concentration
Have you ever tried studying in a noisy room? It can be annoying and frustrating to say the least. Calming music Nature sounds such as waterfalls, rain and the seashore, for example, can be extremely effective in masking white noise.
Here are some benefits or studying to the calming music of nature sounds:
Masks voices and white noise which can be distracting
Enhances cognitive functioning
Optimizes concentration
Songs without lyrics—Great choice when reading and writing
The last thing you need is more words in your head when you’re reading your textbooks or writing a paper. Listening to songs without lyrics is a great way to stay focused without distraction.
Brian Eno’s Music for Airports—Chill-out electronic music for serious studying and deep concentration
You may want to crank this up for your next cramming session before your big exam. This album was specifically designed to relax stressed out travelers at airports. It’s also been shown as an effective tool when it’s time for serious studying and deep concentration.
Creating a playlist
It may sound obvious, but research revealed brain function decreases when you listen to music and sounds you don’t enjoy, making it difficult to focus and concentrate. So, be sure to choose music and sounds that make you happy. Here are some tips for creating your playlist:
Create your playlist in advance so you’re not fumbling to find a new song every few minutes.
Keep your playlist to around 40-50 minutes—this is a great reminder to take a study break when it’s over. Plus, it helps you plan your study sessions to meet your concentration level.
Avoid listening to the radio. Dialogue between radio personalities and commercials can be distracting.
Turn it down. Listening to music at a moderate level is best.
With the new semester kicking off, now is the best time to start creating your playlist so it’s ready to go when you need it. Happy listening!
Building a strong skilled-based résumé while you’re in college is the first step to positioning yourself for the workforce and landing a job after graduation. It’s the one asset that can set you apart to edge out the competition.
Sean Manning, internship coordinator of career services at Vaughn College, weighed in on how to structure a powerful résumé and offered tips on what to include and what to leave out.
Manning says it’s best to divide your résumé into sections, so you can highlight your successes and accomplishments. Follow this simple structure to build a strong résumé:
#1 Professional Summary/Profile
This section focuses on why you are qualified for the job. Outline what qualities you possess and what experiences you have gained while in college that make you the best candidate for the job.
#2 Education
List the college you’re attending, your expected graduation date and all relevant coursework that applies to your field.
#3 Honors, Awards and Achievements
Here you can boast about yourself and list any scholarships you’ve received, in addition to any academic awards and accolades.
#4 Academic Experience
Pay close attention to this section as it can be the selling point to get your résumé to the top of the pile. In this section, you want to list any notable group projects and/or research projects you worked on. Be sure to highlight any leadership roles you held during the project and any software you used (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or specialized technical software). Most importantly, describe the process of how you reached your end goal. If you are a student in the technology field, for example, be sure to describe the methodology you followed and any special equipment you utilized.
Here is how information for academic experience should be listed:
Name of the project
The date it was completed
The goal of the project
The process used―and what you learned
#5 Work Experience
Since students aren’t expected to have much employment experience, it’s important to list any volunteer work in this section along with any paid and non-paying jobs. Be sure to list the skills you gained.
#6 Skills
This section should highlight various skills you’ve achieved. These include industry and technical skills, such as design, programming, electronics, and software skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Remember that for software skills, it’s important to list your level of experience and to specify the functions you are proficient in.
If you are a bilingual student, use this section to list the languages you speak and if you are proficient in written, conversation or both.
#7 Non-Technical Skills
List any non-technical skills you have learned, such as public speaking, solution selling, customer service or calendar management, among others.
Below is a helpful “do’s and don’ts” chart that can be used to build a standout résumé. Save or print this chart so that it’s readily available whenever you need it!
The career services department at Vaughn is dedicated to ensuring every student has the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, feel free to call us or drop-in at any time!
So, the semester is winding down, which can only mean one thing: Final exams. If you’re a student, you probably feel the pressure even way before the exams begin. Stress and anxiety levels can increase during this time—and it’s hard to focus and study when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Before the panic sets in and you resign yourself to pulling all-nighters, take a step back, take a deep breath, and look at the tips we’ve put together to help keep yourself organized and calm so you can have a successful, stress-free end to the semester.
At 23 years old, Vaughn College graduate Terry Cetoute (’16) says his degree in mechatronic engineering and experience at the College helped him blend his passions to land the job he has today.
Growing up in Miami, Fla., Cetoute recalls working closely with his father, from whom he learned carpentry and discovered how things were built, and explained how he always had an interest in engineering. It wasn’t until one of his high school teachers encouraged him, however, to pursue either the fields of engineering or aviation that he seriously considered pursuing a degree.
“I’ve always been adventurous and up for a challenge. That’s when I began searching for the perfect college to fit my needs and personality,” Cetoute explained. He discovered Vaughn and said he knew the College would be the launching pad to his future. He started in mechanical engineering but soon turned his sights to mechatronic engineering.
“I joined the robotics team in my freshman year and was hooked,” said Cetoute. He was elected vice president of the team and remained in that position for the next two years—and that team ultimately won the world championship title at the 2016 VEX Worlds Competition. He went on to explain how the mechatronic engineering program molded his interests and gave him a foundation to build on. “The computer programming aspect to the mechatronic engineering program was instrumental in positioning me as a strong candidate for a job,” Cetoute said. “Since mechatronic engineering involves mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, I received a well-rounded education to put me ahead of other job candidates.”
Student life at Vaughn played a major role in his time there. “My love for sports and the outdoors gave me an outlet to explore the extracurricular activities offered at Vaughn,” Cetoute said. He joined the tennis and cross-country teams to nurture his athletic side and says the athletics department at Vaughn was welcoming and helped him keep sports in his life while he earned his degree. “I definitely made the most of my experience living on campus.”
Regarding the professors, Cetoute claims the faculty was the core of his success at Vaughn. “The professors were great at balancing education and being mentors to the students,” he says. “They were always ready to make time for us and made the material relatable so we could understand how it applies to the field.” He explored other resources at the College and visited the career services department for help with his resume. “I began researching jobs prior to graduation and needed to build a strong resume,” Cetoute said. “They did a great job helping me outline my information and putting it all together.” Prior to graduation, he put his resume to work and applied for a job at JTEKT Toyoda Americas Corporation, a top machine tool service and supplier for the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, South America and Latin America.
Cetoute currently works as a field service technician for Toyoda in Wixom, MI. “We provide the programming and machine tools used mainly for the automotive industry,” he proudly states. His passions for the outdoors, exploration and travel have come full circle with his new position. “It takes me to new places, where I put my knowledge to work in the field,” he says. “I couldn’t ask for a more perfect job.”
Learn more about Vaughn College’s Mechatronic Engineering Degree.
Positive thinking may be more powerful than you realize. A positive outlook has many benefits. It can help you keep a clear mind, as well as staying energized and organized. Positive thinking can also impact others around you. If you’re happy and exuding confidence, your positivity can become contagious. You’ll start to see things fall into place.
As a student, it can be hard to keep a positive outlook, especially when you’re studying for exams and thinking about your grade point average or GPA. Learning the best ways to stay positive through it all can help keep you on the track for success and ensure you have an even more successful year when the fall semester begins.
Here are some of the effective ways students are using the power of positive thinking to reach their goals and enjoy the best college experience:
Grow where you’re planted—Having a positive attitude helps you make the most of where you are. Joining clubs, volunteering, and helping friends are great ways to build positive relationships and put down roots for the future.
Don’t get discouraged—To err is human, so don’t be so hard on yourself. Brush it off and try to find ways to do better next time. When you think positively, you’re more motivated to find different ways to improve as opposed to giving up or getting discouraged.
It’s OK to ask for help—It’s impossible to know everything. That’s why you’re in college. Reaching out to professors and peers can help you keep a positive attitude. Learning from others with different experiences and knowledge helps to give you a new perspective and offers a fresh way of looking at things.
Avoid unnecessary conflicts—At some point, it’s bound to happen. Roommate battles or disagreements are a part of the college experience, so you’re not alone. It’s important to remember that no two people are the same. Staying positive can help diffuse roommate or friend conflicts by openly communicating and accepting and respecting the opinions of others. Welcoming open discussions in a positive/non-judgmental way is a great way to keep the peace.
Don’t let your grades define you—Most students would agree that their grades are a direct reflection of who they are―which couldn’t be further from the truth. Every student, at one time or another, has received a grade they’re not happy with. But it doesn’t mean you give up. Staying positive can help improve your focus by not dwelling on negative or discouraging thoughts. Instead, it helps you to keep your eye on your goals and reminds you why you’re in college in the first place – to keep learning and growing.
Manage your time wisely —Time. Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back, so it’s important to make the best of every minute. Of course, your studies are a priority but it’s also important to learn to balance your social and class schedules to succeed. Plan study schedules to keep yourself organized, but be sure to make time for yourself. Taking a mental health break can be the most important one of all. Plan for some “me” time.
Be patient—It may not be easy at times, but it’s important to be patient with yourself and others. Although your friends and classmates are all at the same college, everyone is in a different place (emotionally, academically, or just in general) so it’s important to be mindful and respectful of where others are in their own lives.
When it comes down to it, the power of positive thinking is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. So, take a deep breath and remember positive thoughts reap positive results. You’ve got this.
Vaughn College hosted its second annual International Drone Day event on May 6, where members of the College’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) club welcomed the public and shared their excitement and knowledge of unmanned aerial vehicles. It was a hands-on, high flying experience.
About International Drone Day
International Drone Day is a worldwide event where over 150 cities simultaneously celebrate drones and their uses. This global experience is a collaborative effort that was started three years ago to educate the public, media and local governments about the incredible ways drones are used for good in our society, such as in search and rescue, conservation, agriculture, sport, and film.
“We are excited to be hosting International Drone Day at Vaughn,” said Peter Kalaitzidis ’21, a member of the College’s UAV club and mechanical engineering technology student at Vaughn. “It’s an incredible opportunity for us to show off the many capabilities UAVs have to offer and enlighten enthusiasts and the younger generation on how to build and fly them.”
Drone technology takes off
Once thought of as an object only seen in sci-fi movies, UAV technology is on the fast track to becoming one of today’s hottest aviation trends. “Radio controlled technology has been around for years,” said Kalaitzidis, “but now it can be used for so much more than recreational use or photography. Today’s researchers are working toward developing UAV technology to help humanity. We’re already seeing applications in the medical field using UAVs as delivery systems for medical supplies, such as insulin and defibrillators.”
Unveiling of first passenger drone
A Chinese company may have changed the course of drone technology by taking the “unmanned” part out of UAV. Guangzhou-based EHang Inc. unveiled the world’s first drone capable of carrying a human passenger at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The EHang 184 is an electric-powered drone that can carry one person (weighing up to 220 pounds), and it can fly for 23 minutes at sea level. It is designed to fly from 1,000 to 1,650 feet off the ground, reach a maximum altitude of 11,500 feet, and fly at a top speed of 63 mph. The cabin has enough room to fit a small backpack and is equipped with air conditioning and a reading light. With its propellers folded, the EHang 184 can fit in a single parking spot. “The technology is growing at an exponential rate,” Kalaitzidis said. “The future may be here before we know it. This amazing technology of the EHang 184 has the possibility of eliminating traffic on the ground, as people will be able to use private drones instead of helicopters to get from one place to another.”
Future aviators
As a highly decorated retired staff sergeant of the United States Air Force, Kalaitzidis is an expert in his field. “Going back to school after my military career was the best decision to move my career forward,” Kalaitzidis stated. As a client liaison at DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, he said it was important to have his bachelor’s degree to climb to the next level. “I want to be a part of the excitement to design the next generation of UAVs,” said Kalaitzidis. “Vaughn gives us all the tools we need to apply our knowledge. International Drone Day is just another way I can share my passion and experience with young aviation enthusiasts to help fuel their dreams.”
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