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Ferrie, a professional pilot major and Honors college student, entered Kent State knowing his future was in the cockpit. “I knew I wanted to pursue the professional pilot major in high school when I began my flight training journey,” he said. He credits his high school’s offering of Project Learn The Way STEM courses for sparking his interest in aviation. Earning his private pilot certificate before coming to campus gave him early confidence and a strong foundation in flight training.

As he advanced in his studies, Ferrie expanded his academic path. He first declared an aviation management minor at the encouragement of a friend and graduate of the aviation management program. He learned from faculty expertise, specifically noting professor I. Richmond Nettey, Ph.D., gaining practical knowledge of aviation operations and industry connections.

He added a minor in aviation law and policy after studying abroad in Florence, Italy with assistant professor, Jason Lorenzon, J.D., who became his research mentor the following summer through the Kent State Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE).

Global Experiences that Inspire a Global Career

Ferrie credits study abroad for broadening his worldview as a pilot and researcher. “Studying abroad solidified my desire to fly internationally one day with Delta Air Lines,” he said. He is currently in the Delta Propel Collegiate Pilot Career Path Program, providing him a streamlined path to become a Delta pilot. Kent State is one of only 11 Delta Propel university affiliates.

He now encourages other students to take part in global experiences. “GO!!!” Ferrie said. “The study abroad program was absolutely the most surprising, memorable, and beneficial opportunity I had at Kent State.” The experience allowed him to foster deep connections with new people that he never would have met in daily campus life.

The experience also paved the way for key academic collaborations. His study abroad classmates later became his teammates on a research project recognized nationally. It also led to his return to Italy for the International Air Law Conference, where he saw how global aviation law shapes airline operations. The biggest takeaway was a deeper understanding of the scale and complexity of international air transportation.

Driving innovation in Airport Sustainability

Ferrie and two classmates he met during study abroad embarked upon an ambitious research project earned second place in the national Airport Cooperative Research Program University Design Competition. Working with professionals across the nation, they developed a closed microalgae photobioreactor system designed to improve air quality around airport pick-up and drop-off areas while reducing passenger exposure to vehicle exhaust.

He said the project taught him the depth of work and collaboration required in formal research. “We would not have been able to be as successful as we were without the leadership and experience of Dr. Nettey,” Ferrie said.

Their project was also recognized in the 2024 University Aviation Association Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Leading UAS Safety and Advanced Air Mobility Research

Continuing in research through the Summer Undergraduate Research (SURE) program, Ferrie also helped secure a selective FAA waiver that allows drone operations over people and moving vehicles, confirming that the proposed methods of ensuring safety to people and persons were within existing regulatory limitations. “Attention to detail was certainly the lesson learned from the involved processes of obtaining regulatory waivers from the FAA,” he said. “We waited anxiously for 3 months to hear whether we got the rare permissions, and were very relieved when the news came that we did!”

The work positions Kent State at the forefront of next-generation air transportation. Ferrie plans to continue shaping the field through education and industry collaboration. “I also plan to help write a chapter of the Airplane Owners and Pilot Association’s Flight Instructor Refresher Course, educating instructors on sUAS regulation and operations,” he said. His experience and research also led him to a unique opportunity to work a drone show display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this year.

Driven to Lead in a Future-Focused Industry

Ferrie sees competition as personal motivation to stand out and expand his skills. His long-term goal is flying for Delta Airlines, and his readiness to seize every opportunity that crossed his path beyond simply flying has broadened his experience and understanding of the aviation industry.

Ferrie continues to push into emerging aviation technologies. After flying to Columbus to explore BETA Technologies’ all-electric Alia aircraft, he learned about advanced air mobility and electric propulsion. He looks forward to participating in conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) training and certification with the company later this semester.

Ferrie encourages other students to take full advantage of what Kent State offers. “Join as many things as possible on campus, raise your hand in class at every opportunity, and say yes to everything,” he said, adding that everyone that crosses your path has something to offer. Participation in student organizations provided meaningful connections with students and professionals, and unmatched experiences in the field of aviation. He credits professors Nettey and Lorenzon for helping him grow through research and leadership experiences outside the cockpit.

While he looks ahead to his next steps — graduating in December, pursuing a master’s in business administration, continuing as a Certified Flight Instructor for Kent State and ultimately flying for Delta — Ferrie remains committed to helping the next generation of aviators. “I look forward to seeing how all of my students, between flight training and the remote pilot workshop, grow and find their path in the field of aviation.”