Ryan Bazil, an IT specialist at Florida Power & Light (FPL), is helping inspire the next generation of STEM professionals by mentoring students and supporting educational programs focused on aerospace and robotics. Bazil’s own journey began with aspirations to play professional soccer but shifted toward engineering after a conversation with his father in eighth grade. He joined the Boynton Aerospace Science Academy at Boynton Beach Community High School, a program designed to introduce students to aviation fundamentals and potential careers in the field.
Bazil later graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in aerospace science and a minor in cybersecurity and drones. At FPL, he integrates advanced technology such as drones and robotics to improve safety and operational efficiency at the company’s 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,” Bazil said.
In addition to his technical work, Bazil is actively involved in FPL’s Drones in School initiative, which encourages students to pursue STEM interests. “I want to see more youth involved in technology and STEM,” Bazil said. “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.”
Bazil emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes. “It’s okay to make mistakes,” he tells students. “That’s part of being human.” He recently served as a judge at FPL’s first Drones in School state championship held at Embry-Riddle, with his alma mater Boynton Beach High School among the competitors.
“The younger generation learns quickly. They are very intuitive and good with the controls. This is their real-life video game,” Bazil noted.
He sees these competitions as opportunities for students beyond academic achievement. “When kids win nationals, you never know where that could lead,” he said. “They get to travel and see parts of the world they never thought they’d see at that age.”
Bazil hopes that drone competitions will become nationally televised events, creating more opportunities for students interested in aerospace careers. He advises young people: “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 continues its investment in STEM education through initiatives like Drones in School and employees such as Bazil, aiming to support both energy infrastructure development and future technological advancements.
More information about FPL Education programs is available at FPL.com/education.
