Kent State College of Aeronautics and Engineering

So proud of Kate Heinselman, a student in our College of Aeronautics and Engineering, for being recognized with a $5,000 scholarship from the Ernie Hall Aviation Museum Foundation! Kate has already logged more than 200 hours of flight time on her path to becoming an airline pilot, and she was honored at the museum's Stars, Bars and Cars fundraiser this weekend.

Read more about Kate and the event below 👇

Move over, lift crews. 🚁

In May, a drone services company demonstrated window washing on Crawford Hall and other Kent Campus buildings, cutting the job down to about three days and eight hours of labor, at roughly half the cost of a traditional lift rental.

It's one small example of the fast-growing world of Drones as a Service, and it's exactly why Kent State's College of Aeronautics and Engineering now offers a minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Students earn their FAA remote pilot certification and can go on to careers in drone photography, surveying, flight operations, safety inspection and more. 👇

Watch the video and learn more: https://buff.ly/gXky1Kg

Sometimes the best decision a pilot can make is knowing when to stop. ✈️

Two Kent State flight teams took on the 2026 Air Race Classic, the longest-running all-women pilots' cross-country race in the U.S., completing six of nine legs across a 2,400 nautical mile route before stubborn weather brought their race to an early end.

Nearly half the field faced the same tough calls this year, and only 11 of 23 collegiate teams finished. What stood out most wasn't the legs they didn't fly. It was that our students made the call to withdraw themselves, choosing safety without their coaches having to step in. 🙌

"They encountered multiple moments where it would have been easy to make the wrong call, but they consistently demonstrated sound judgment and professionalism," said coach Brian Neff.

Read the full story to meet Team 52 and Team 53, and learn about the fly-by, the fast, low, adrenaline-filled checkpoint pass that's become the race's signature moment. 👇

https://buff.ly/N8cDDRC

🎉 Big congratulations to Mackenzie Guy, a junior in our Professional Pilot program, who was named one of just three Outstanding Student Leaders at Kent State's 48th Annual Student Leadership Awards!

Mackenzie serves as President of the Kent State Student Chapter of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), where she's worked to grow the organization's presence on campus and support fellow students, including partnering with the CARES Center to bring a satellite pantry to the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. She's also active with the Academic Success Center, holds her Private Pilot Certificate, and has even contributed to research that launched to the International Space Station!

Her peers describe her as a leader who leads with humility and heart, someone who builds confidence and community wherever she goes. 👏

Congratulations, Mackenzie! We are so proud of you! ✈️💛

Day two of the Nikki Kukwa Memorial Aeronautics Camp took our campers beyond the cockpit and into the many careers that keep the aviation industry moving every day. ✈️

Adventures began at the United Airlines Maintenance Hangar, where campers got a behind-the-scenes look at aircraft maintenance and the dedicated professionals who keep planes flying safely. They also had the opportunity to meet one of the airport's highly trained explosive detection dogs and learn about the important role K-9 teams play in aviation security. 🐕

Next stop: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, where the group toured the Airport Operations Tower and learned about the people responsible for keeping one of Ohio's busiest airports running smoothly.

The day wrapped up at Parker Hannifin, where campers explored the world of corporate aviation. They got an up-close look at private jets and even had the chance to step inside the cockpit, giving them a firsthand glimpse into another exciting side of the aviation industry.

Today was a great reminder that aviation is so much more than becoming a pilot. From maintenance and airport operations to security and corporate aviation, our campers discovered just how many pathways there are to pursue a career in the skies.

One more day to go as these future aviators take to the skies themselves. Dare Mighty Things! 💛🛫

Day one of the Nikki Kukwa Memorial Aeronautics Camp is in the books! 🛫

This year we welcomed 22 campers from all over the country, traveling from Ohio, Oregon, New York, Indiana, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, Tennessee, and Iowa to be here.

The day kicked off with an icebreaker to get everyone acquainted, followed by opening remarks from Deb Anstine, Nikki's mom, who shared what this camp means in her daughter's memory. This camp honors Nikki, a Kent State aeronautics student who passed away in 2006, by giving young women like these campers the chance to explore careers in aviation. 💛

One especially full-circle moment: one of our camp counselors this year attended NKMAC herself as a camper, and that experience is what led her to choose Kent State. She's now in her second year here.

The day wrapped with everyone gathered outside to watch a flyover perform the missing man formation, a moving tribute where one aircraft breaks away from the group and climbs skyward, honoring those who came before. A powerful way to open a camp built on Nikki's legacy.

Two more days of flight, airport tours, and inspiration ahead. Dare Mighty Things!

The story of our five Rwandan students is making local news! From 2,600 applicants to the flight line at Kent State University Airport, Cedric, Francis, Henry, Milka, and Patricie are part of something much bigger than one flight training program. Read the full story. ✈️🌍

While Kent State University's College of Aeronautics and Engineering is known for training the next generation of pilots, it also may soon hold another recognition: helping build the aerospace economy in Rwanda.

From idea to prototype: three CAE students making an impact 💡

This year, Nabin Bhatta, Roshan Renney, and Delonte Goodman took part in the Elliot Design Innovation Student Fellows Program, joining interdisciplinary teams to tackle real community challenges. Kent State Design Innovation

Pictured above: Sustainability Dollhouse 2.0, built by Delonte in partnership with the City of Kent to bring sustainable living practices to life for the community 🏡♻️

Nabin and Roshan also partnered with the Community Engaged Research Institute to design Heat Shield 🌡️, a low-cost wearable that alerts outdoor workers to dangerous heat conditions, no smartphone required.

Read the full story: https://buff.ly/AZfdtd4

Interested students can apply for the 2026–2027 cohort through July 31 🎓

Organizations with a challenge worth solving are also invited to submit ideas for next year's Fellows!