A Vision That Took Flight
Erin (Schoenrock) Roesler (2007) has been a trailblazer in the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry, a career that sparked her interest while she was at Fox Valley Lutheran High School. Last October, UAS Magazine awarded her the Sky Pioneer Award at the 19th annual UAS Summit & Expo, recognizing her leadership in advancing unmanned aircraft systems and shaping the future of aviation.
“A few moments stand out, but one that always comes to mind was an activity led by visiting faculty from Fox Valley Technical College about exploring career paths,” Roesler commented. “We were each given the chance to ‘bid’ on a career, and afterward received a brightly colored paper with our chosen path written across it in marker. Mine—on neon pink paper—read Airline Pilot.”
That simple exercise, she recalls, helped turn an abstract interest into something tangible and achievable.
Roesler credits several of her teachers with shaping her mindset, particularly Pastor Leon Ehlert, whose enthusiasm for learning
left a lasting impression.
“He has an energy about him—always studying, exploring, and seeking understanding,” Roesler stated. “That spirit of lifelong learning has stayed with me, and it’s something I try to embody every day.”
Today, Roesler leads one of the seven designated test sites under the Federal Aviation Administration, where government, commercial, and defense partners collaborate to advance drone technology. In practical terms, her work focuses on integrating unmanned aircraft systems safely into the national airspace system—ensuring drones can operate alongside traditional aircraft with the same level of safety and reliability.
“We have a strategic plan; it’s called doing things,” Roesler quipped. ”Persevere, keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear. It won’t always be a straight line, and there will be moments when progress feels slow or uncertain. But forward motion, at any pace, is still forward—and that’s what ultimately leads you where you’re meant to go.”
Her team oversees large-scale testing of drone communications, radar systems, and software designed to detect and avoid other aircraft, people, and obstacles. The goal is to make drone operations routine, scalable, and safe enough to eventually become a standard part of everyday aviation.
Roesler’s path into this field began with flight training in college, followed by work as a flight instructor at the University of North Dakota. Along the way, her career evolved at the intersection of aviation, technology, and policy—fields that now converge in her current leadership role.
When reflecting on her career, Roesler emphasizes that technical expertise alone is not what drives success. “Being able to listen—and listen with a sense of curiosity—that has been a valuable lesson, something that I feel has directly led to my career success.”
Roesler went on to say, “I’ve gotten to work with brilliant minds, and passionate people, who’ve given me opportunities to lead, and it’s in collaborating with them and amplifying their ideas and solutions that really has been the key to my success.”
Looking back, she credits her foundation at FVL with providing not only academic preparation, but also a sense of purpose and direction. Not just through academics, but through the values, mentorship, and sense of purpose that came from being part of this community.
— Cody Bohl
Mission Advancement
Counselor
