Ryan Bazil, an IT specialist with Florida Power & Light (FPL), is playing a key role in encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Bazil’s early interest in sports shifted toward aerospace engineering after a conversation with his father in eighth grade, who advised him to consider a backup plan in case his soccer ambitions were derailed by injury.
Bazil attended Boynton Beach Community High School, where he participated in the Boynton Aerospace Science Academy. This program introduces students to aviation fundamentals, including flight basics and licensing procedures, and prepares them for careers in aviation.
He later earned a degree in aerospace science with a minor in cybersecurity and drones from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. At FPL, Bazil applies his expertise by helping implement drones and robotics at the company’s two nuclear plants to improve safety protocols and reduce employee exposure to radiation.
“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.
Bazil also mentors students through FPL’s Drones in School initiative, encouraging more young people to explore technology and STEM careers. “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.”
He emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes. “It’s okay to make mistakes,” Bazil tells students. “That’s part of being human.” Bazil recently served as a judge at the FPL-sponsored first Drones in School state championship at Embry-Riddle, with Boynton Beach High School competing.
“The younger generation learns quickly. They are very intuitive and good with the controls. This is their real-life video game,” Bazil observed.
He believes that drone competitions can be a launching pad for student dreams. “When kids win nationals, you never know where that could lead,” Bazil 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 eventually be televised nationally, offering even more opportunities for students to pursue careers in aerospace. 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 supports STEM education through programs like Drones in School and by engaging employees like Bazil. The company says these efforts are part of its strategy to meet Florida’s growing energy needs and foster future technological advancements. More information about FPL’s educational initiatives can be found at FPL.com/education.
