Exploring the Capabilities of Drones for Undergraduate Research

Abstract

Carthage College initiated a program to explore the use of drones in undergraduate research at a small, liberal-arts college. We provided an environment of “toys†for the students to explore and encouraged them to choose their own projects. Our experience was that projects involving mapping, 3D modeling, and programming were more successful than engineering-oriented projects, but this could be due to the expertise of the faculty facilitator. Overall, the experience was highly rewarding and educational to all involved.