with FAA regulations. That structured process builds both technical precision and confidence.
Confidence is a recurring theme among UVSO students. Gabrielle Gigante was introduced to the program by her academic advisor and was drawn to its hands-on, workforcefocused design. Rather than pursuing a lengthy traditional academic pathway, she sought practical training that would allow her to enter the workforce quickly. In the UVSO program, she found both structure and opportunity. Through industry connections fostered by faculty, she is exploring internships in construction, thermal imaging and land surveying; fields where drone integration is becoming indispensable. As development continues to expand throughout the region, so does demand for professionals trained in aerial data collection and analysis.
While many people associate drones exclusively with aircraft, the UVSO program extends beyond the sky. One of its most distinctive components is maritime systems, which are unmanned vehicles designed to operate on or beneath the water’ s surface. For Brittany Manley, PHSC’ s Student Veterans of America( SVA) Club President, the maritime track sparked a new ambition. Initially interested in traditional aircraft systems, she discovered underwater unmanned systems through independent research and quickly found her passion redirected. For Manley, they represent the possibility of discovery as she envisions a future that involves deepwater exploration and research, pushing into environments that remain largely unseen.
Angela Miles, PHSC UVSO Student
Beyond technical training, the collaborative nature of UVSO coursework requires students to work in teams, delegate responsibilities and present findings confidently. Through repeated hands-on missions and public demonstrations, students learn not only how to operate equipment but how to communicate expertise.“ Professor Kostelnik has done so much for the program and her passion for the program has lifted it up. If it wasn’ t for her, I don’ t think this program would be as special as it is, nor would we have been able to have all the practical experience we’ ve gained throughout it,” said Bryce Cruz, UVSO student.
That communication component becomes especially visible during Drone Safety Day. The event itself is supported by a dedicated mission-planning course within the UVSO curriculum. Over the span of a semester, students learn how
Gabrielle Gigante, PHSC UVSO Student
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