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From the first time Francesca Keel (‘25) heard her voice echo across a radio frequency during high school flight lessons, she knew she had found her calling. The thrill of communication, the precision of procedure and the teamwork behind every successful flight inspired her to chart a course toward the skies, not as a pilot, but as one of the unseen voices guiding them.

Now, as a Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management student at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus, Keel is just months away from realizing that dream. She has already received a tentative job offer from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to become an air traffic controller. Currently, she’s keeping her aviation skills sharp as an air traffic control (ATC) lab assistant at Embry-Riddle.

Finding Her Frequency

Keel was first introduced to Embry‑Riddle’s Prescott Campus through a collegiate aviation program at The Museum of Flight in Washington, where she took aeronautical science college courses after her regular high school classes. Many of her professors spoke highly of the university and encouraged her to attend.

“After I toured the Prescott Campus, I knew that I had to come here,” she said. “Everyone I met spoke so highly of the program, and I wanted to be part of that legacy.”

"I was inspired to major in Air Traffic Management from taking flight lessons in high school,” Keel said. “Learning how to communicate on the radio and listening to some of the best air traffic controllers in the country was such an amazing experience. I knew I wanted to pursue that same level of excellence.”

Immersed in Aviation

For Keel, Prescott’s aviation-centric environment has been a constant source of motivation.

“Being surrounded by aviation during my college experience has kept me focused on my dreams,” she said. “One of the upsides of the ATC Lab moving to the flight line this year is getting to see the Prescott Air Traffic Control Tower from the parking lot! Watching the sunset with the tower in the background is the highlight of my day.”

Networking events and student organizations have also helped her build strong professional connections and lifelong friendships.

Summers at Kenmore Air

While Keel hasn’t held a formal internship, her summers at Kenmore Air, a Seattle-based seaplane operator, offered invaluable real-world experience. Growing up in the greater Seattle area, she was always surrounded by seaplanes and saw Kenmore Air as the ideal place to apply her classroom knowledge.

“I’ve worked seasonally for Kenmore Air in various positions for the past three summers,” she said. “The knowledge I’ve gained there has helped me excel both academically and professionally.”

Whether coordinating with local air traffic controllers or managing flight operations, Keel found herself applying concepts from the classroom, including meteorology, aerodynamics and ATC procedures, to her daily operations.

Guided by Mentors and Motivation

Keel credits much of her success to the support she’s found at Embry‑Riddle.

“Every professor, faculty member and student in the Air Traffic Management program has made such a big impact,” she said. “Their mentorship and industry knowledge have shaped the student I am today.”

Professor Kyle Wilkerson, program chair of Air Traffic Management, said working with students like Keel is what makes the program rewarding.

“Helping students achieve their goals and dreams is the entire purpose of the ATC program,” Wilkerson said. “Watching them master complex concepts and launch into their careers with so much success and light in their eyes is one of the most rewarding things I've experienced. I'm extremely proud of the hard work Francesca has put in to make her passion a reality."

Through challenges and late nights, she found strength in the people closest to her.

“When life inevitably gets tough in college, it’s been the support of my family and close friends that’s kept me going,” she said. “They’ve been my biggest fans. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

A Career on the Horizon

As graduation approaches, Keel looks ahead to her career as a controller — a milestone she’s worked toward since that first radio call years ago.

“The thing that excites me most about being hired by the FAA is the opportunity to apply the skills I’ve learned over the past four years,” she said. “One of the best things about ATC, and aviation in general, is the constant opportunity to learn.”

Her proudest moment so far was receiving her tentative offer letter.

“It’s taken so much hard work and determination to earn this offer,” she said. “Getting that letter before graduation has truly been one of the most rewarding accomplishments.”

Looking back, Keel hopes to inspire future generations of aviation professionals.

“To anyone considering Air Traffic Management, I say go for it,” she said. “Learning what it takes to be an air traffic controller is incredibly fulfilling and opens up a world of possibilities.”

As she prepares for graduation, Keel carries forward not just the skills of her program but also the confidence and curiosity that will guide her through the ever-changing skies ahead.

“As my dad likes to say,” she added with a smile, “the Air Traffic Management program has given me a good start.”

“The problems you’ll solve in the ATC lab are some of the most satisfying puzzles you’ll ever work on.”