Employing Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Actively Engage Students and Build Local Aerospace Infrastructure

What is it about?

This paper details the efforts by the University of Alaska Fairbanks and its Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) in building a strong aerospace program and related activities for the combined benefit of students, the university, its supporting STEM programs, and the state of Alaska.

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Why is it important?

Alaska has traditionally been a remote and sparsely populated state, with often too few technical opportunities for students after graduating high school and college. By nurturing a healthy 'aerospace ecosystem' with a focus towards leveraging synergistic relationships between inter-related elements (university academics & research, feeder STEM programs, local business opportunities, and technical certificate programs), all elements benefit for the good of our students and the state's economy.