Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Oklahoma

This REU program in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) is hosted by the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma (OU) and sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

IMPORTANT DATES:

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Through this REU program students have the opportunity to work on research projects related to Unmanned Aerial Systems with real world applications. In addition to their research, students will participate in various weekly activities for professional growth and development.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are becoming a fast-growing field with a wide range of applications in industry, military, meteorology, business, and recreational use, to name just a few. This REU Site aims to advance knowledge of UAS through a series of research topics that focus on design and application of UAS. We aim to develop a new generation of researchers and engineers who will become leaders in this rapidly growing field. This REU site provides mentoring and training to student participants in a positive, engaging, and challenging learning environment where they will be able to develop the technical and soft skills needed to become successful engineers and researchers. Students will actively participate in research with real world applications that focuses on sensors for navigation and controls to accurately assess vehicle position, employ UAS to fight climate change by gas leak hunting and detection of particulate matter, developing deployable structures based on novel materials for UAS, testing drone battery performance in harsh conditions, and developing computational tools to identify the most vulnerable failure spots. This REU site will take advantage of unique existing natural open labs including the nearby Kessler Atmospheric and Ecological Field-Testing Station, the Choctaw Nation Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Pilot Program (UASIPP) test site, and the Full-size Test Loop Station for methane detection.

The REU site will provide a 10-week summer research experience for a diverse group of ten students. Students will work in groups (2 students per group) and each group is associated with a specific research project and work closely with a Research Mentor.

In addition to their research project, students will also participate in several designed Cohort Building Activities and Team Building Experiences. Cohort Building Activities are tailored to enhancing professional development. The Team Building Experience is interactive and outside the laboratory setting and is composed of tours and field trips related to drone applications.