Addison Groce gained national recognition through his work on a groundbreaking aviation project selected for NASA’s prestigious Gateways to Blue Skies Competition, with Cecil College supporting his path in engineering.
Addison was part of a finalist team collaborating with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). Together, they are tackling a major challenge in aviation: modernizing aircraft maintenance while improving efficiency, safety, and cost.
As Lead Technical Designer, Groce helped develop Smart Mechanic Glasses, an innovative system combining augmented reality, drone technology, terahertz scanning, and artificial intelligence. The technology is designed to help aircraft technicians detect hidden structural issues beneath an aircraft’s surface, problems traditional inspections may miss.
“It’s essentially a sophisticated X-ray system, paired with augmented reality, and artificial intelligence,” explained Addison, who has secured a provisional patent and is working toward full protection, with plans to develop a prototype.
Originally a student at Cecil County Public Schools’ School of Technology, where he participated in the Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering program, Addison returned to Cecil County to continue his education closer to home. At Cecil College, he has strengthened his skills through advanced math and physics coursework while pursuing opportunities in engineering and STEM.
At the May final competition at NASA Langley Research Center, the ERAU-Cecil team presented its Smart Mechanic Glasses technology to NASA engineers and industry experts, showcasing an innovative approach to the future of aircraft maintenance.
For Addison, those opportunities are a major goal, as he hopes to work with leading aerospace organizations. He also hopes his success demonstrates what Cecil College students can accomplish on a national stage.
“In five to 10 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.”