This summer was my first year working with Dr. Jae Ryu from the University of Idaho with his iDrone program. At the beginning of my externship I learned how to use and program his iDrone kits. I then attended a conference with him where I was able to learn about all the industry applications of drones and autonomous land vehicles. It was really cool to see how drones can impact agriculture in Idaho. At the College of Southern Idaho, we saw a industrial drone fertilizing fields and then have an opportunity to fly an assortment of drones ourselves.

Currently I am working on projects that focus on programming drones and land vehicles from Dr. Ryu’s customized kits to collect data from sensors and use that data for real-time decision making. With the advancement of drone technology, it is amazing how many sensors can be equipped on a single drone. Drones can be used for surveillance, bridge surveying, water sampling, delivery services, and many more applications. I have found Dr. Ryu’s undergrade research assistant, Grant Player, to be very helpful when I have run into obstacles in my work.

As my time as an extern this summer comes to a close, I have identified some projects I would like to continue on in the future with Dr. Ryu’s approval. I look forward to learning more about drone technology and advancing educational opportunities for students to pursue careers with drones and autonomous vehicles.