“Any college can teach you how to use a camera and edit. But when I was choosing a college, I wanted something more. I didn’t know anything about drones until I took a tour at Pace, and I thought that was something new and innovative that I hadn’t seen.”

These are the words of Adam Ng ’23, ‘24. Having recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Digital Cinema and Filmmaking, Adam is currently completing a master’s in communication and digital media; all while working as a post-production assistant at The View. His busy schedule–typical of an ambitious Pace student–is a product of his curiosity, drive, and the fact that while at Pace, he took advantage of unique opportunities Dyson’s department of Media, Communications, and Visual Arts had to offer.

Looking to expand his horizons and skill-set as an undergraduate, Adam enrolled in MCA 350: Making Media with Drones during the spring of his sophomore year. The class, which was launched in 2017 by Dyson Associate Professor of Media, Communications, and Visual Arts Kate Fink, PhD, explores drone usage, regulations, and prepares students for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Drone Pilot License exam.

Image

Fink, who first became interested in the uses of drones in journalism and storytelling about a decade ago, created the class to help anyone at Pace interested in drone usage to obtain their pilot’s license, understand drone usage in a larger context, and apply this ever-evolving technology to a wide variety of fields.

“There are so many applications of drones–not only in cinematography and film, but in a growing number of other industries–agriculture, construction, real estate,” says Fink. “We learn about the different ways drones are used, and the legal and ethical issues–issues related to privacy, trespass, conflict between national and local regulations. It gets really complex and interesting to look at the legal and ethical challenges that come up due to drones.”

After taking the class–which he describes as one of his favorites at Pace–Adam took the FAA exam and obtained his pilot’s license. Immediately, he put his newly official skill to use, serving as the drone pilot for the last two student-produced documentaries for Pace’s Producing the Documentary course. In addition to getting the opportunity to fly drones in Cape Cod for From Tide to Table, he took his talents internationally with For the Love of Food, which filmed in France to examine the slow-food movement.

“It was amazing to go to a different country and fly a drone,” said Adam. “Before coming to college, I did not think I’d ever be doing that.”

Success stories like Adam’s will now be increasingly possible, thanks in part due to a recent recognition–Pace was recently accepted into the FAA’s UAS Collegiate Training Initiative, and is the first four-year institution in New York State to join. This designation, given to colleges and universities that are preparing students for careers in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones), also strengthens Pace's relationship with the FAA, which is important as regulations and industry demands change.

Fink hopes to build on the recent designation to expand drone offerings at Pace to remain on the forefront of drone technology, and provide students an entry-way into this ever-growing field.

Image

“I’m working with faculty at other departments at Pace to expand this into a certificate program; including the current course, but also other courses that let us offer a more interdisciplinary approach to drones so that students can not only get more experience with drones, but see how drones are being applied and get experience in other fields using drones,” says Fink.

Among the fields Fink hopes to expand the program into include computer science and environmental sciences and management, where drones are currently on the forefront of environmental monitoring and issues pertaining to climate change.

“There’s exciting things happening with drones used in environmental monitoring and management as well as issues related to climate change. It’s been really cool to work on that and learn more about these issues; and the amazing potential that drones have to make advancement in those areas,” added Fink.

As the usage of drones continues to evolve, Pace is committed to remaining on the cutting-edge of the industry; and in the process, elevating the potential and career aspirations of our students to bold new heights.

Richelle Fatalo

Class of 2025

Currently Studying: BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Fashion Marketing

Member Of: Pace Profashionals, Women Who Lead (Vice President)

Pronouns: She/Her

Image

Richelle Fatalo '25 isn't afraid to step out of her comfort zone. When the opportunity to study abroad arose, Richelle went after it—despite having never set foot in the country that she would soon call home. Not only did she get to visit new cities and see historic landmarks, but she also gained valuable insight into how marketing is done in other countries.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

When I was first looking at schools, I recognized that Pace University and the Lubin School of Business had more opportunities for students to achieve success compared to other schools I looked at. During my search, I also really liked the classes and majors offered here—I knew that with these kinds of courses and opportunities, I would succeed, especially with Pace being in the heart of Manhattan. The connections students can make here are so important and not found anywhere else.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

During my sophomore year, I joined our on-campus fashion business club, Pace Profashionals. This club has made me feel much more comfortable with my style and who I am as a person, while also helping me see that so many students are confident in their style. It made me feel welcomed.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

My favorite opportunities include receiving hands-on help from professors who want you to succeed and being handed opportunities from—not only career fairs but also from professors who see the potential to shape your future career and build your resume.

You studied abroad at Lorenzo de Medici Institute in Florence, Italy. What motivated you to study abroad?

I really wanted to experience new and different cultures and lifestyles that I never experienced before. I also really wanted to learn how people from different countries live in all aspects—from food, clothing, language, religion, and housing. Seeing different towns in Italy really opened my eyes to how different and unique they are compared to towns in America. I also always wanted to visit Italy, so studying abroad was the perfect opportunity.

How did the Lubin School of Business help you prepare for your courses abroad?

I felt prepared for my time abroad in Italy, thanks to the different marketing courses I took and the professors I had within Lubin. I took a class in Italy to fulfill my minor in fashion marketing, and it was a breeze because I had already learned the bulk of it through Lubin.

What was the highlight or most enjoyable aspect of your time abroad?

Taking the weekends to go see different places! I think it is super important to use your time abroad to see different cities or countries because you'll be able to experience different lifestyles and visit landmarks. I would definitely take the opportunity to go somewhere else, even if it's only for a weekend.

Studying abroad made me more excited about my career choice and goals. I learned that other countries market products and services differently than in America. While most stores stay the same, the marketing is different, which opened my eyes to how creative other countries are when targeting their audience, even if it is for the same product.

How did your experience shape or impact your career goals?

Studying abroad made me more excited about my career choice and goals. I learned that other countries market products and services differently than in America. While most stores stay the same, the marketing is different, which opened my eyes to how creative other countries are when targeting their audience, even if it is for the same product. It just made me happy to see all the creativity.

How will your international business school experience impact your time at Lubin?

It gives me more experience in marketing and advertising, which will help me apply what I learned abroad to what I will learn in the future as I keep growing and learning.

What is one skill or piece of knowledge that you learned abroad that you brought back to Lubin with you?

Perseverance. Everything in life is going to be hard no matter what you do, but you cannot just give up because you think you can't do it. You must push yourself sometimes to achieve your goals.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students that are considering studying abroad?

Do it. It may seem scary, especially if you have never traveled to another country before—let alone by yourself—but it is not that scary. I was terrified—I did not know what to expect, but I am glad I went for it because I would regret it if I graduated college and did not do it. If you're unsure, you don't have to do a semester! I only spent one month abroad because I was scared that a semester would be too long, but now, I wish I had done the full semester! Do not be worried about making friends abroad, either—everyone is in the same boat. It is like being a freshman again! Overall, face your fears now and go, or you'll regret it later.

Connect with Richelle:

• Connect with Richelle Fatalo on LinkedIn
• Follow Richelle Fatalo on Instagram