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When Toby Sopp (’25) began his studies at Embry‑Riddle in 2021, he believed that Aviation Business Administration would be his path forward. The culture at Embry‑Riddle led Toby to apply, feeling drawn to the university’s “strong sense of community and the incredible level of student involvement on campus.”

However, he soon realized that he wasn’t as interested in business as he’d originally thought. Inspired by his experience photographing rocket launches, he switched to the Spaceflight Operations (now Space Operations) program. For his next three semesters, Toby enjoyed learning about the careful planning and effort that goes into a successful launch. However, he still felt that something was missing.

“Over time, I discovered that what fascinated me most wasn’t just the missions themselves — it was the safety investigation and human factors that make those missions and aviation, as a whole, safe,” he shared. “That realization led me to change my major once more to Aerospace and Occupational Safety, where I’ve truly found my passion for aviation safety and accident investigation.”

Pursuing a B.S. in Aerospace and Occupational Safety (now Aviation and Aerospace Safety), Toby knows that he has finally found his passion — and his journey at Embry‑Riddle has been full of discovery.

Gaining Professional Experience with Delta Air Lines

After deciding to pursue a career in aviation safety, Toby knew that he needed to gain hands-on experience before entering the workforce. With an interest in working for a major airline after graduation, Toby looked to Delta Air Lines, motivated by the company’s consistent efforts to prioritize safety and make improvements.

“Through connections in SGA, Touch-N-Go's alumni network and organizations like the ISASI, I was surrounded by people who encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone,” he said. “They shared advice, made introductions and pushed me to pursue opportunities I might not have otherwise considered.”

During Toby’s co-op experience with Delta Air Lines, he assisted in the analysis of both ground and flight data surrounding safety events and helped to update plans for emergency response.

“My daily responsibilities included reviewing Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) and Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) data to identify trending operational hazards, as well as authoring and editing incident and accident reports,” he explained. “I worked closely with the Flight Safety Data and Decision Science team to uncover fleet- and airport-specific trends using flight data and pilot reports.”

Overall, Toby felt that the co-op gave him the real-world experience necessary to succeed in his future career, enhancing his communication and analysis skills in a professional setting.

“I saw firsthand how data from flight operations, pilot reports and investigations come together to identify risks and improve safety across the organization,” he said. “That experience gave me a deep appreciation for how proactive safety management works — not just as a compliance tool, but as a mindset that drives accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.”

A Foundation for Success

Throughout his time at Embry‑Riddle, Toby has been grateful for the opportunities and community that the university has provided.

“I’m constantly being inspired by the people here who genuinely care about making an impact in aviation,” he shared. “Being part of that environment pushes me to keep challenging myself, stay engaged beyond the classroom and continue growing both personally and professionally.”

Several individuals have also been impactful for Toby, including Anthony Brickhouse, associate professor of Applied Aviation Sciences, Leo Martinez, assistant professor of Applied Aviation Sciences and ISASI advisor, and Allison Britton, associate director for Involvement & Orientation and Touch-N-Go Productions advisor.

“Professor Brickhouse first sparked my interest in accident investigation and helped me connect classroom learning to real-world safety initiatives and investigation techniques. Professor Martinez has encouraged accountability, professionalism and a deeper focus on safety principles both in and outside the classroom,” he said.

“Allison Britton has been a constant mentor in developing my leadership and communication skills, and each of them has shaped not only my academic path but also the kind of professional I aspire to become.”

Finishing Strong

After graduation, Toby plans to stay with Embry‑Riddle, pursuing a master’s degree at the Worldwide Campus while kickstarting his career at a major airline or government organization like the Federal Aviation Administration.

For Toby, getting involved with campus organizations was one of the most important choices that led to his success. If students are on the fence about joining an organization, Toby encourages them to take the first step.

“Take every opportunity to get involved and step outside of your comfort zone. Some of the most meaningful experiences and connections I’ve made at Embry‑Riddle came from saying ‘yes’ to new challenges,” he said. “You learn the most about yourself when you’re willing to take risks and embrace the learning process, even when it feels uncomfortable.”

“I’m incredibly thankful to the professors, advisors, peers and mentors who have shaped my journey and helped me discover a real passion for aviation safety. Embry‑Riddle has not only prepared me for a career I’m excited about — it’s also helped me become a more confident, grounded and self-aware person, and I’m proud to carry those lessons with me moving forward.”