JUNO BEACH, Fla. – When Ryan Bazil was growing up, he dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. Today, as an IT specialist in FPL's nuclear fleet, he's using aerospace technology to solve complex problems while helping shape the future of STEM education by inspiring students to reach new heights.
“My whole life was centered around sports and playing soccer,” Bazil recalled. Bazil's journey into aerospace engineering began in eighth grade during a conversation with his father. "My dad suggested I think about having a backup plan. He said, 'You should look at a different career field because you never know. Nothing in life is a given. Injuries can happen.’”
Bazil continued to play and enjoy success in soccer through high school and into college but that pivotal moment with his father led Bazil to explore the first of its kind aviation program at Boynton Beach Community High School, called the Boynton Aerospace Science Academy. The program, designed to spark interest in aviation fundamentals, teaches students the basics of flight and licensing procedures and opens pathways to careers as commercial pilots and aviation professionals.
Bazil went on to earn a degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in aerospace science with a minor in cybersecurity and drones. By the time he finished his studies, he had developed a genuine passion for sharing aviation and aerospace with others.
At FPL, he helps incorporate cutting-edge technology, like drones and robotics, to enhance safety protocols and operational efficiency at FPL’s two nuclear plants.
"We're starting this new program for innovation through our IT department, incorporating drones and robotics to help reduce how often our engineers and operators are going into radiation areas," he explains.
Bazil is also heavily involved with mentoring students through FPL's Drones in School initiative.
"I want to see more youth involved in technology and STEM," Bazil says. "There's so much growth in aerospace and robotics. I want to be a person who opens up a shortcut for students – to get them where they want to be."
What sets Bazil apart as a mentor is his understanding of failure as a learning opportunity. "It's okay to make mistakes," he tells the middle and high school students he works with. "That's part of being human.” Bazil has come full circle, serving as a judge at the FPL-sponsored first ever Drones in School state championship at his alma mater, Embry Riddle. Boynton Beach High School – where he started his aerospace journey – was competing.
"The younger generation learns quickly. They are very intuitive and good with the controls. This is their real-life video game."
These competitions represent more than just academic achievement to Bazil; they're launching pads for dreams.
"When kids win nationals, you never know where that could lead," he explains, "They get to travel and see parts of the world they never thought they'd see at that age."
Bazil envisions an even brighter future, hoping to see drone competitions become nationally televised events that create even more opportunities for student participants to showcase their talents and pursue aerospace careers. His advice to young people mirrors the wisdom his father shared with him years ago: "Continue to be patient and don't say no to anything. You have to be open to everything because you never know what route can open up just from saying yes to something."
FPL's investment in STEM education through programs like Drones in School and employees like Bazil reflects the company's commitment to fueling the innovations needed to meet Florida's growing energy demands – building not just energy infrastructure, but the foundation for tomorrow's technological breakthroughs.
For more information about FPL Education programs and resources, visit FPL.com/education.
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