2023 MSU NASA Drone Research Donations
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Check out our Sponsorship Deck! ---> https://gamma.app/public/DRIFT-Sponsorship-Deck-1wvyzz99z0ls60e
Dear Prospective Sponsor,
Michigan State University Drone Research and Innovative Flight Technology (DRIFT) is an award-winning student research group making profound progress in autonomous drone technology. With thousands of design and flight hours, DRIFT continues to build a strong reputation as a reliable platform for young engineers to apply and refine their technical skills. As a 2x NASA USRC recipient, DRIFT is expanding its roots to enrich the educational experience of countless students while continuing to develop cutting-edge solutions for vertical take-off and landing vehicles. By providing a safe and professional environment, all students are given the opportunity to apply their technical knowledge to critical projects with varying degrees of difficulty. Whether it's research, competition, or conventions, DRIFT challenges its researchers to continue pushing boundaries with UAVs. With the motto "Spartans Will" in mind, DRIFT works to represent MSU as a leader in our field with the tools for change. Our journey is just beginning, and we invite you to join us on this exciting adventure!
Go Green, Go White!
-Gavin Gardner
DRIFT Principal Investigator
What we do….
DRIFT consists of 12 paid research positions and over 20 students at the Resident Student Organization (RSO) level. Our goal is to simultaneously develop unique technology while consistently participating in public outreach.
Our Mission: Advancing Drone Technology with Student Research The Story Behind DRIFT The Drone Research and Innovative Flight Technology organization (DRIFT) was founded by a group of passionate students from Michigan State University. The idea for DRIFT began with the Aerial Intra-city Delivery Electric Drone (AIDED) project. This project was started by Yuchen Wang, a senior in electrical engineering at MSU, who recognized the potential for drones to revolutionize the delivery industry. With the help of his professor, Dr. Woongkul "Matt: Lee, and a small team of students, they applied to and won NASA's University Student Research Challenge (USRC), receiving a grant to fund their research.
Our Work: Advancing Drone Technology with Student Research DRIFT is dedicated to advancing drone technology through student-led research. Our team is currently working on developing an autonomous delivery drone that can navigate urban environments and deliver packages safely and efficiently (AIDED). With yet another NASA USRC grant underway, object tracking, and optical power transfer are being designed to support firefighters during natural disasters, specifically during widespread wildfires (LEADS). Our research is not only pushing the boundaries of drone technology but also providing valuable learning opportunities for young engineers and scientists.
Why Your Contribution Matters: DRIFT relies on donations from sponsors like you to continue our research and educational efforts. This team provides students with real-world experience in the many disciplines of engineering so that students can hit the ground running when they arrive in the industry. With your contribution, we can provide our students with the resources they need to succeed, including equipment, materials, and travel expenses for competitions and conferences. By providing a safe and interactive environment to apply concepts developed in the classroom, students build valuable skills that align with industry demand. Your donation not only supports our team but also prepares young engineers to advance the field of drone technology.
Get Involved: There are many ways to get involved with DRIFT and support our mission. You can donate, become a sponsor, or even join the team as a mentor or volunteer. Together, we can make a difference in the world of drone technology and provide valuable learning opportunities for the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Our Work
NASA USRC LEADS: Laser Energized Aerial Drone System for sustained sensing missions
"Why even land to charge in the first place?"
With autonomous wildfire tracking in mind, DRIFT is developing a fully autonomous, remote-sensing VTOL platform capable of long-endurance flights enabled by optical power transfer March 2023→Present
NASA USRC AIDED: Aerial Intra-city Delivery Electric Drones for heavy payload applications
"Why can't drones ride the bus too?"
Since 2020, DRIFT has created a complex landing, latching and charging system that allows generic delivery drones to hitch a ride on public transport vehicles
November 2020→Present
XPRIZE Rainforest Semifinals
"How to help other disciplines utilize our technology?"
This past May, DRIFT represented MSU in Singapore for the XPRIZE Rainforest Competition semifinals. DRIFT engineers focused on integrating the newest drone technology with advanced biological sampling methods to help rapidly and remotely quantify the diversity and complexity of the jungle ecosystem.
February 2023→August 2023
Check out where we've been featured!
Spartans launch XPRIZE Rainforest biodiversity quest - June 1, 2023
Student drone project flying high with help from NASA - December 16, 2022
MSU students awarded NASA grant for unique idea - June 8, 2021
Contact Us • Donations and Inquiries: Visit our website or contact us directly for more information on how to support our research • https://www.teamdrift.org/
Organizer
Gavin Gardner
Organizer
East Lansing, MI
