This summer, a multi-talented group of CCALS Fellows will work with Virginia Economic Development’s international trade arm to develop branding and marketing for the recently launched Cardinal Center for Autonomy and Energy .
The Cardinal Center has already drawn interest from businesses and government around the state, and the summer fellows are eager to capitalize on the excitement. “I am so happy to be working with this talented group of students as we build the future of the the Cardinal Center for Autonomy and Energy,” said Karen Jackson, CCALS Senior Fellow. “Their fresh perspective is a good match for the Center’s innovative capabilities.”
The Fellows hail from universities across the Commonwealth, a varied, dedicated group that has already begun to work. Meet them below!
Center offerings include:
- Hydrogen-Hybrid UAS flight testing and infrastructure placement
- Secure communications systems and RF/ISAC evaluation environments
- FAA-compliant BVLOS testing corridors, data collection and analysis
- Workforce training aligned with industry recognized credentials/standards including FAA and NIST
- Technology demonstration projects for public and private partners
- Advanced manufacturing and drone validation
- Dual-use prototyping for defense and critical infrastructure missions
- AAM system modeling, deployment, and regulatory alignment
2026 Fellows
William Black
My name is William Black, and I am a rising senior at Virginia Tech studying Marketing and Management. I am pursuing a career in marketing and sales. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, and fishing. I am very excited to be working with CCALS this summer and look forward to the opportunity to learn and grow professionally.
Maxwell Broksas
Max Broksas is a sophomore at Virginia Tech studying Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Technology in the Pamplin College of Business. He’s the cofounder of AssignMint, a Canvas-integrated productivity tool that helps students stay on top of assignments and block distracting apps. Max has earned certifications as an Eagle Scout and Certified ScrumMaster. He is an active member of Phi Gamma Nu, a Virginia Tech professional business fraternity. Outside of class, he’s an avid hiker, climber, and skier, and enjoys traveling, building Legos, and following Formula 1.
Travis Nienaber
Travis Nienaber is from Alexandria, VA. He is currently studying Marketing at James Madison University, and looks forward to working in product marketing or sales.
He also serves as the Vice President of the Elder Outreach Club, which promotes intergenerational exchange by hosting events with local assisted living communities, and as Scholarship Chairman at Sigma Nu Fraternity. In his free time he likes to spend time outside and hang with friends.
Talia Ruzicka
Talia Ruzicka is a rising sophomore at American University in Washington, DC. She is currently studying Business Administration and Marketing at the Kogad School of Business and is on the Pre Law Track. Talia is heavily involved in her school’s Photography Club and runs their social media pages. She also loves participating in the Undergraduate Women of Business Program and the Honors College. Off campus, she spends her time listening to rock bands, painting murals, and working on vintage cars.
Sophia Rusin
Sophia Rusin is a junior at Christopher Newport University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Marketing. She has built a strong foundation and experience from roles in trend analysis, quantitative research, and cross-functional collaboration, including an internship with the Virginia General Assembly.
Sophia is actively involved on campus as an active member of Phi Mu Sorority and Christopher Newport University Dance team, where she has strengthened her leadership, teamwork, and time management skills. Outside of school she enjoys traveling, fitness, and consumer trend forecasting.