We had the pleasure of hosting this year’s Howard University Robotics Organization (HURO) new cohort of students participating in Howard’s Drone Academy, an initiative designed to introduce high school students to the exciting world of robotics and engineering.

The selective cohort of 26 high school students from across the DMV spent an intensive week building, programming, and flying quadrotor drones of their own. While many had previous experience flying drones, this was their first opportunity to operate a drone that they assembled themselves. Throughout the program, students explored the physics of drone flight, aerodynamics, coding, and mission planning, and safe flight operation under the guidance of Dr. Anaiya Reliford, Remote Pilot in Command for students’ outdoor operations. During its visit to our campus, the cohort also learned the importance of understanding and taking into account regional weather conditions and atmospheric observations to ensure safe and successful flight missions.

The event at HUBC marked the culmination of the program, where students showcased not only the drones they had built, but also skills they had developed throughout the week. Their flights highlighted creativity, with many drones performing different tricks and stunts, while inspiring future participation in drone competitions. We look forward to seeing these young rising engineers represent Howard University with excellence as they continue to reach new heights.