What's the Word? Eagle Alumni Spotlights

Hosted by Department of Humanities &amp; Communication, ERAU-Prescott

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May 2026

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About the show

What's the Word? is an interview podcast featuring career highlights and advice from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott campus alumni in a range of fields, from engineering, global security, business, and aviation. Transcripts are hosted via the Prescott campus Writing & Design Lab: https://eaglelife.erau.edu/pwc/blog/

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52 recent

May 8, 202620 min

John Barragan, Aerospace Engineering

John Barragan (2020, Aerospace Engineering) shared his career journey from Sacramento to various roles in aerospace engineering. He worked at Collins Aerospace, General Atomics, and now Honeywell. At Honeywell, he focuses on turbine engine testing. John highlighted his role in designing and testing turbine rigs, collecting performance data, and writing technical reports. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in his career. John graduated in during the COVID-19 pandemic and advised future graduates to keep learning and expanding their horizons for career success.

April 24, 20267 min

Somaralyz Grullon, Mechanical Engineering

Abigail interviews a recent graduate from Embry Riddle, now a software engineer at Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company. The guest shares their favorite memory from college, leading a research team to New Mexico and Texas to study an eclipse, and how that experience translates to their current job, which involves writing test cases for flight software. They emphasize the importance of clear, concise technical writing for documentation and collaboration. The guest advises current students to maintain their technical writing skills, as documentation is crucial in engineering. The podcast is supported by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Department of Humanities and Communication.

April 10, 20268 min

Nick Kopacek, Aerospace Engineering Astronautics

Nick Kopacek, a 2025 graduate of Embry-Riddle with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, currently works at Raytheon. He discusses his career, which involves significant hands-on work with hardware and extensive report writing. Nick highlights the importance of writing and public speaking as part of collaborating in the workplace. Even for very technical careers, problem-solving skills are more valuable than technical knowledge, since on-the-job training can fill in any gaps in your education. Nick advises current students to focus on communication and social skills, as they are crucial in the industry.

April 1, 202613 min

Nicole Drake, Aerospace Engineering

Nicole Drake, a 2020 aerospace engineering graduate from Embry Riddle, shared her career journey from customer service and semiconductor supplier work to returning as an academic advisor. She fondly recalled her capstone project on an amphibious aircraft during COVID-19. Nicole enjoys advising students, especially those pursuing aviation dreams. Her role involves extensive student interaction, degree planning, and handling personal issues. She emphasized the importance of making connections, attending career fairs, and maintaining professor relationships. Nicole noted the busy registration period and the administrative work required, contrasting her technical writing background with the emotional aspects of her current role.

March 13, 202612 min

Ron Fielding - Aeronautical Engineering

In this episode, Ron Fielding, a retired Boeing engineer, reflects on his career and how well his education at Embry-Riddle prepared him for his work. He graduated in 1986 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, attending both Prescott and Daytona Beach campuses. Ron started at Boeing in defense, transitioning to commercial aircraft and eventually working with Boeing Materials and Technology (BMT), in Quality Assurance and as a Standards Engineer managing specifications and standards for aircraft materials and processes. Ron estimates that he wrote over 100 feet of paperwork, including detailed specifications for materials and hardware. He emphasizes the importance of clear, concise documentation for international manufacturers from different backgrounds. He hopes that current Embry-Riddle students will study hard and enjoy their time at the university.

February 27, 202614 min

Lily Davis, Forensic Biology

Lily Davis, a 2024 graduate from Embry-Riddle's Prescott campus, currently works in the university's philanthropy and alumni department. She transitioned from a forensic biology major to an administrative coordinator role, handling donor interactions, gift processing, and legal documentation. Lily recalls her unique freshman year during COVID-19, marked by virtual classes and daily temperature checks. She emphasizes the importance of following one's passions and shares her journey from job applications to her current position, which involved a fast-paced transition and overcoming personal challenges. Lily advises students to be open to new experiences and to follow their true interests.

February 13, 20269 min

Mitchell Graham, Aerospace Engineering

Mitchel Graham, an Embry-Riddle Prescott graduate and aeronautical engineer at Lockheed Martin, discusses his journey into aircraft and UAV design, emphasizing the value of hands-on experience and strong, versatile communication skills. He shares career highlights, favorite projects like Speed Racer, and advice for students on building friendships, participating in clubs, and staying physically active. He hopes all current Eagles are enjoying their time at Embry-Riddle!

January 30, 20268 min

Hope Elmer, Aerospace Engineering

Hope Elmer, a second-year PhD student at Texas A&M, discusses her research on shape memory alloys, with a shout-out to Dr. David Lanning who helped spur her interest in materials research while she was at ERAU. She mentions how important time management is as a skill for breaking big goals into manageable steps. To communicate her research to other engineers, academics, and general audiences, Hope and her collaborator need to carefully design data visualizations to illustrate their results and to help tell a clear story about the potential impacts of their project. For current Embry-Riddle students, Hope says to get involved and join clubs based on your interests and goals.

January 16, 202613 min

Austin Johnson, Mechanical Engineering

Austin Johnson, a recent graduate from Embry Riddle, discusses his transition from aerospace to mechanical engineering and his current role as an operations engineer at Edwards Air Force Base. He highlights the importance of learning and adapting in his job, which involves writing concise and clear test cards and plans. Austin emphasizes the significance of rhetorical and technical writing skills developed during his education. He advises current students to maximize their learning opportunities and involvement in extracurricular activities to prepare for the real-world challenges and responsibilities of their future careers.

December 5, 202519 min

Phil Rosnik, Aviation Business Management

Phil Rosnik, a 1986 graduate of Embry-Riddle's Prescott campus, is an alum from the 5th ever graduating class at Embry. He majored in Aviation Business Management and minored in Aeronautical Science and Engineering, earning two associate degrees. Phil emphasizes the importance of writing in professional life, providing examples from his career at Goodrich Aerospace and United Technologies. He advises students to reflect on their career paths, hire smartly, and prioritize quality work.