By Izzy Arce
This summer, I joined MnDOT Aeronautics as an intern. I’m a rising senior in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Minnesota with a lifelong love for aviation and emerging aerospace technologies, I jumped into projects ranging from Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) research to uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) operations. My summer has been a wonderful blend of technical learning and field experience.
A major focus of my internship is supporting MnDOT Aeronautics’ outreach efforts around AAM, a growing area of aviation that uses new types of aircraft, many of them electric, to move people and goods in ways today’s aircraft aren’t built for. AAM includes electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, like the Beta Alia 250, which aim to make flight quieter, cleaner, and more efficient. I dove into questions like “What is AAM?”, “What distinguishes the Beta A250 from other AAM?”, and “What is MnDOT Aeronautics doing with AAM?” My research helped shape the content for a public facing outreach poster designed to introduce AAM to communities across the state. Beyond research, I contributed directly improving the visual experience when using MnDOT’s AAM flight simulator, a Beta A250 desktop simulation used for outreach and education.
In the field, I shadowed MnDOT’s drone inspection flights, traveling to several airports across the state, including a rooftop helipad in downtown Minneapolis. Drones capture aerial imagery of approach and primary surfaces with greater precision and range than traditional inspection techniques. After processing with photogrammetry software, the resulting models help identify potential obstructions that may impact aircraft operations. I observed the full workflow: flight planning, drone deployment, data capture, and photogrammetry processing. In support MnDOT’s broader UAS efforts, I developed a practical, comprehensive training deck for on‑airport drone operations to help future staff understand safety procedures, regulatory considerations, and best practices for operating drones in active airport environments.
My summer has been a meaningful mix of aeronautics education, real world operations, and forward-looking technology, from researching next generation aircraft to observing drone-based airport inspections and improving educational tools.
“We at MnDOT Aeronautics are incredibly grateful for Izzy’s contributions this summer,” said Planning Director Rylan Juran. “Her attitude, desire to learn, and impeccable work will leave a lasting positive impact. I am excited to see where her aerospace career takes her next.”
Connect with me on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-izzy-arce) to follow my journey and future projects in aviation!