Cecil College Engineering student in NASA competition

NORTH EAST, Md: Addison Groce is gaining national recognition through his work on a groundbreaking aviation project selected for NASA’s prestigious Gateways to Blue Skies Competition, and Cecil College is proud to support his academic path to success.

Groce, who is continuing his studies in engineering at Cecil College, is part of a finalist team collaborating with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Together, they are tackling one of aviation’s most pressing challenges: modernizing aircraft maintenance. The competition’s 2026 theme, “RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance,” calls on students nationwide to develop solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and cost in an industry facing workforce shortages and increasingly complex systems.

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After returning to Cecil County to be closer to home, he seamlessly transitioned into advanced math and physics coursework, strengthening the technical skills needed to contribute meaningfully to a national engineering competition. His experience reflects the College’s ability to support students pursuing rigorous STEM pathways while staying connected to their local community.

Groce serves as Lead Technical Designer for his team, which developed an innovative concept known as Smart Mechanic Glasses. The idea integrates augmented reality, drone technology, and advanced sensing systems to transform how aircraft inspections are performed. By pairing AR glasses with drones equipped with terahertz scanning technology, the system allows technicians to detect hidden structural issues beneath an aircraft’s surface—something traditional inspections often miss.

“It’s essentially a sophisticated X-ray system, paired with augmented reality, and artificial intelligence,” Groce explained.

The concept has already moved beyond theory. Groce has secured a provisional patent and is working toward full protection, with plans to develop a prototype and eventually launch a company. His innovation also has potential applications beyond aviation, including infrastructure, maritime, and automotive industries.

Originally a student at Cecil County Public Schools’ School of Technology, where he participated in the Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering program, Groce’s path highlights a strong local pipeline into higher education and advanced technical fields. Cecil College serves as a critical bridge in that journey, enabling students to continue developing their skills while remaining engaged in high-impact opportunities.

The team has already advanced through Phase 1 of the NASA competition and is now preparing for Phase 2, which includes a technical paper, poster, and live presentation at NASA Langley Research Center on May 18–19. There, finalists will present their ideas to NASA engineers and industry experts, with top participants earning potential internship opportunities.

For Groce, those opportunities are a major goal. “Internships are the main goal,” he said, pointing to aspirations of working with leading aerospace organizations.

Just as important, he hopes his success will create new pathways for others at Cecil College. By demonstrating that students from the College can compete - and succeed - on a national stage, Groce aims to establish a lasting presence for Cecil College in elite engineering competitions.

Looking ahead, he remains focused on making a meaningful impact. “In five to ten years, I want to have made a real difference in aviation,” he said. “Whether it’s this invention or the next, I’m going to keep pushing.”

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