WORKING AT WOOLPERT
Our Expert Talks UAS With Dayton-Area STEM Students
- Our very own research scientist Matt Hutchinson visited Dayton Christian School on Friday to discuss the technology, applications and future of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Hutchinson, a native of Australia who has been with Woolpert for seven years, spoke to high-schoolers and eighth-graders in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classes focused on the study and operation of UAVs.
“Speaking with students at local schools is a great way to show the practical applications of the science and engineering taught in coursework, and hopefully will encourage students to pursue a career in UAS or its applications,” Hutchinson said. “At some point in their careers, it would also be great if these same students help the Dayton region and Ohio as they are the next generation of technical professionals and leaders.”
Dayton Christian STEM teacher Sue Norrod said she asked Hutchinson to speak at the school to give the students a vision of how their interest in UAVs can be parlayed into a local career.
“Students catch more from the enthusiasm of someone working in the field and from their real-life stories than from being told that the UAV field is going to be big and that there will be a lot of jobs,” Norrod said. “I have heard so many people say that they wish we could keep local talent local.”
The school, which serves preschool through 12th grade, also has a Flight Day event planned for May 4 to address this need.
Flight Day will feature students flying UAVs they have built in front of industry, education and government officials. Jeff Lovin, senior vice president and director of government solutions at Woolpert, is among those expected to attend.
“Flight Day is meant to showcase what students are able to do, but it also is intended to get together innovators, businesses and leaders in the STEM field,” Norrod said. “If this method helps students to want to be engineers and designers, that could ultimately help our country. Flight Day is a great time to talk about it.”
We are proud that the local community is embracing the potential of UAS and that we can contribute to the learning of these young minds.