We are proud to highlight the hard work, dedication and amazing accomplishments of these Vaughn students and alumni.

Carla Figuereo ’27

Bachelor of Science, Mechatronic Engineering 
NASA L’Space Mission Concept Academy

Last summer, I had the opportunity to complete the NASA L’Space Mission Concept Academy, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been accepted into this summer’s Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience Academy!

The NASA L’Space program is a highly regarded technical writing and professional development experience designed for undergraduate and graduate students. It focuses on developing the skills needed to write mission concepts and scientific proposals aligned with NASA’s astronautical standards.

This summer, I’m especially excited to deepen my technical writing skills and further prepare myself to be career-ready. While this program is not an internship, it offers something equally valuable — hands-on experience in proposal development. In industry, engineering teams must develop and present preliminary concept reviews in order to secure contracts across companies, agencies and government entities. Gaining exposure to this process is an incredible asset to my growth as an aspiring engineer.

Working alongside aspiring and current NASA engineers has already been an enriching part of my undergraduate experience, and I’m excited to continue building these skills and connections.

Looking forward to what this summer will bring!

Andres Vivas ’25 

Associate of Occupational Studies, Airframe and Powerplant Technology
Aircraft on Ground (AOG) Controller, JetBlue

We’re proud to highlight Andres Vivas on his recent career success.

Andres secured a position with JetBlue as an AOG controller, marking an exciting milestone as he transitions into the aviation industry. An important part of his journey included leveraging his network and professional relationships.

“I’m over the moon about my progress and truly grateful for the support I received. Having someone believe in my potential made a real difference—and now I’m excited for my employer to see that potential as well.” —Andres Vivas ’25

Andres’s story reflects the power of preparation, persistence and meaningful mentorship. His success highlights how strong relationships and career readiness skills can open doors to exciting opportunities.

Congratulations, Andres — we look forward to seeing your continued success in the aviation industry!

Joshua Rampioray ’27

Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical Sciences 

My time at Vaughn College has been a mix of learning, growth and a lot of unexpected opportunities that really helped shape where I’m headed in my aviation career. Being part of Vaughn has connected me to a community that genuinely pushes students forward and gives us access to experiences we might not get anywhere else.

One of the biggest parts of my journey has been how much support the college gives when it comes to preparing for the real world. The resume workshops through career services helped me clean up and strengthen my resume in a way that actually made me feel more confident applying for jobs. That preparation paid off at career fairs, where I was able to connect with industry professionals and eventually receive a job offer that I’m really excited about. Networking events at Vaughn have also played a huge role in my development. Over the years, I’ve been able to meet and talk with people from companies like Atlas Air, JetBlue and Republic Airways. Hearing their experiences and getting advice from them made the aviation industry feel a lot more real and accessible. Events like these also helped me come out of my shell more and become better at holding professional conversations without overthinking it.

Being involved in student organizations made things even more impactful. Joining Women in Aviation International student chapter gave me the chance to take a tour of the Million Air fixed base operation at Westchester Airport, which was honestly an eye-opening experience. I also got to network there and speak with an air traffic controller and Vaughn alumna Sadia Harun ‘22, who shared really helpful insight about the field and what it’s like working in it. Another big turning point for me was joining the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) club. Through that, I ended up discovering the Drone Cadets program which strives to make drone technology accessible, particularly to under-represented communities. Once they learned I was part of Vaughn and involved in UAV, I got the opportunity to interview and eventually work teaching kids drone soccer, flight basics and helping them prepare for their Part 107 exam. It’s been really rewarding being able to teach while also staying involved in aviation.

The air traffic control simulation instructors at Vaughn also made a big difference for me. When I mentioned I was interested in pursuing a remote pilot operator position, they gave me advice and guidance that helped me understand the path a lot more clearly and what I need to focus on next.

On top of all that, being part of The Wings Club activities helped me meet and talk with successful professionals who gave real-world advice on careers and moving forward in aviation. Those conversations helped me think bigger about my goals and how to actually get there.

Looking back, Vaughn hasn’t just been school for me — it’s been a place where I’ve built confidence, made connections and found real opportunities that are already shaping my career path. I’m grateful for everything I’ve experienced so far, and I’m excited to see what comes next.

Samuel Geroka ’26

Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical Sciences
Evolved Aerospace, Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Test Operator 

Samuel Geroka recently achieved a major milestone in his career journey, securing back-to-back interviews with Zipline and Evolved Aerospace—and succeeding in both.

Each experience offered a unique perspective on the industry. His interview with Zipline was fast-paced and highly technical, featuring problem-solving scenarios under time pressure. One challenge required him to evaluate a drone capture system issue—balancing safety, timing and operational efficiency—demonstrating both technical knowledge and composure under pressure.

In contrast, his interview with Evolved Aerospace was more conversational and transparent. The discussion emphasized company culture, collaboration and long-term growth, offering insight into a workplace focused on autonomy and employee development.

After careful consideration, Geroka chose to move forward with Evolved Aerospace as a UAV test operator, citing strong alignment with the company’s environment, communication style and values. He has since completed a second successful interview and is advancing to the next stages of the hiring process, including a technical interview and compensation discussions.

“This experience helped me see how different companies operate and what environment I can truly grow in—not just technically, but professionally.” —Samuel Geroka ’26

Geroka credits his success to the preparation, persistence and support he received from career services throughout the process.