"I can literally do anything with my licenses. I can stay in general aviation, work on small aircraft, work for a corporate airline, or work for businesses that have fancy corporate jets. I can work on wind turbines. I can work with drones. I can work with the military. It feels like my options are limitless."
Kate Ruggiero
- Student
- Aviation
She excelled in automotive repair classes in high school. Enjoys hands-on learning. And has always adored airplanes. For Kate, aviation maintenance was the natural choice. Today, she’s blazing her way in a field that’s not typically dominated by women. But that’s not going to stop her. Nothing will.
Q&A with Kate
WHY AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY?
When I was little, my dad always took me to air museums and fly-ins at our local airport. Planes are the coolest things I've ever laid my eyes on. I've always been interested in learning more about them. I'm learning things you wouldn't imagine. I'm doing advanced math, and there's a lot of technology involved.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO FIND A COLLEGE THAT WILL CHALLENGE YOU AND INSPIRE YOU TO GROW?
Being able to find a college that fits you is probably the best decision that you can make. Here at Penn College, I've definitely become more of a leader. I'm even a student ambassador.
WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A WOMAN IN A STEM MAJOR AT PENN COLLEGE?
I'm a girl and it's usually a guy thing to be into engines. I'm pretty much used to it by now. All of the the professors are here to support you. We all help each other. We're all one big family. And that's what I like about Penn College. It feels like home - it feels like a family.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A YOUNG WOMAN INTERESTED IN A STEM CAREER FIELD?
A woman should be able to do whatever she wants to do. And if she wants to take on a career path that's non-traditional, she should go after it and not let it limit her.
Real-World Ready
Awesome Opportunities
Kate attended the International Women in Aviation Conference, where she was awarded a scholarship, met other women in her field, and networked with employers.
Featured Video
Your Class in 60 Seconds: Aviation Basic Electricity II
Hard at work in the lab, students take on complex theories. Hour by hour, through hands-on activities and engaging classroom discussions, ideas that were mere concepts solidify into reality. Dive into what it takes to be an aviation technician with this snapshot of the AVI135 Basic Electricity II course, a video narrated by Kate.
Student Experience
Kate Ruggiero
Aviation Technician. STEM Pioneer. Limitless.
Penn College News
With Flying Colors
Kate accentuated her academic performance by impressively taking the lead in repainting a single-engine Cessna 175C airplane donated to the Lumley Aviation Center.
Programs
Aviation
Let your dreams take flight.
All Programs
Unsure which major is right for you? See all academic programs at-a-glance.