2023

Recognition after 20 Years as a Club

After two decades of dedicated pursuit, the South Dakota Mines Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) team has achieved a significant milestone from competing in cutting edge completion to sponsoring their own. For over 20 years, our team has operated as a club, driven by a shared passion for unmanned aerial systems and the desire to push the boundaries of aerial robotics. But after the COVID19 pandemic retention within the club began to fall.  It was decided that it was time for a reorganization to ensure decade more of pushing the boundaries.  The transition marks a pivotal moment in our journey.  With this transition it was decide to not compete in a completion for this academic year and instead focus on rebuilding.

One of the first decisions made was to rebrand the organization and once again update to a new logo. 

• Transition our logo to more closely represent our close partnership with the South Dakota School of Mines. While maintain our clubs traditions.

It was also decided to rejoin CAMP after leaving it years prior to focus on drone racing.  This new found partnership with CAMP was at a time when CAMP was wanting to diversify from being focused on Mechanical Engineering teams to Software and Electrical Teams.  This new partnership had a massive impact on the UAS team allow for more professional development for officer to help recruit new members and grow current members.  

The club also decide to renew it social media presence and continue to grow it into the future.  Updates occurred to Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.  While Facebook saw the creation of a new page dedicated to this reconstruction.  Additionally the website was redone to bring it into the future of advancements. 

The rejoining of CAMP was not the only partnership the new UAS club would make.  Partnering with the local Academy of Model Aeronautics.  Working with the Rapid City Prop Buster will allow for further growth not only for competition but also within the community to foster a safter and better application for Unmanned Aerial Systems.  

We also committed to joining forces with the South Dakota School of Mines Aero design Team in the 2024 school year.  This partnership would be to assist in recruitment, training, and community involvement of the organizations.  With both organizations passion for aviation with slightly different aspects the partnership was see as a win for all involved and to allow for students to be involved with both organizations.  

The club also meet together with member, students, community leaders, and members of academia.  Working together to see what the future of the Unmanned Aerial System Club would look like.  It was broken into three primary aspects: Competition, Innovation, Professional Development/Advocacy.  

Competition:

• We strive to achieve the highest level of performance in UAS competitions. Our team sets ambitious goals, meticulously prepares our UAS platforms, and hones our piloting and operational skills to deliver outstanding results. Through rigorous training, testing, and iterative improvement, we aim to consistently rank among the top competitors and earn recognition for our technical expertise and precision.

• Competitions provide a platform for us to showcase our ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges. We actively seek out novel approaches, design strategies, and technical advancements that give us a competitive edge. Our goal is to stand out through the creativity, ingenuity, and practicality of our UAS designs and operational methods.

•  Competitions foster a collaborative environment where we work closely as a team to achieve our goals. We believe in the power of teamwork and effective communication to maximize our performance. Through collaboration, we leverage the diverse skills and expertise of our members to overcome obstacles, optimize our strategies, and execute successful missions.

• Our goal is to demonstrate our agility and resourcefulness in handling challenges, thereby showcasing our ability to operate in dynamic and unpredictable environments.

•  Competitions provide invaluable learning opportunities for our team members. We aim to foster an environment of continuous growth, where we embrace feedback, analyze our performance, and identify areas for improvement.

•  Competitions offer opportunities to gain recognition within the UAS community and establish valuable connections with industry professionals, experts, and potential sponsors. We aim to build a strong reputation for our club, creating avenues for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and future partnerships. Our goal is to foster a network that supports our long-term growth and facilitates access to resources, expertise, and opportunities.

Innovation:

• We aim to conduct groundbreaking research in UAS technology and its applications across various industries. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and exploration of emerging technologies, we seek to address real-world challenges and drive innovation forward

• We are dedicated to designing, developing, and refining state-of-the-art UAS platforms and components. By harnessing the collective skills of our members, we aim to create innovative solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and functionality. Our focus on technology development involves exploring new materials, propulsion systems, sensing capabilities, autonomy, and communication systems to create cutting-edge UAS platforms.

• As the field of autonomy continues to evolve, we strive to push the boundaries of autonomous UAS technology. Our goal is to develop advanced algorithms, machine learning models, and computer vision techniques that enable intelligent decision-making, autonomous navigation, and collaborative capabilities among UAS. 

•  We believe in the importance of knowledge dissemination and fostering a culture of innovation. Our club is committed to sharing our expertise, experiences, and innovations with the wider community. Through educational initiatives, workshops, public demonstrations, and outreach programs, we aim to inspire and engage individuals of all ages in the exciting field of UAS technology. By promoting innovation and providing educational resources, we strive to cultivate the next generation of UAS enthusiasts and professionals.

Professional Development/Advocacy:

• As a team to train member on the responsibilities of safe flight and ensure all member are FAA Trust Certified.  

• To help members interested in flying drone for Commercial use achieve a FAA Part 107 License.  As well as helping member interested in join the AMA.  

• We aim to empower our members with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to excel in the UAS field. Through workshops, training sessions, and hands-on experiences, we provide opportunities to develop technical skills related to UAS design, operation, data analysis, and system integration. By continuously enhancing our members' skill sets, we prepare them to tackle real-world challenges and thrive in their future careers.

• We recognize the importance of networking and mentorship in fostering professional growth. Our club facilitates connections between students, faculty, industry professionals, and alumni through networking events, guest lectures, and mentorship programs.

• We actively engage with the UAS industry to stay updated on the latest trends, advancements, and opportunities. Through partnerships, collaborations, and participation in industry conferences and events, we ensure our members have exposure to industry professionals, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging applications. Our goal is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering a mutual exchange of knowledge and promoting the practical application of UAS technology.

•  As advocates of responsible UAS use, we prioritize promoting professional ethics and responsible practices. We educate our members about the ethical considerations, legal regulations, and safety protocols associated with UAS operations. 

•  We provide resources and support for career development, including resume building, interview preparation, and job/internship opportunities. Our club facilitates connections with industry partners and hosts career fairs and recruiting events to help our members secure internships, research positions, and full-time employment in the UAS field.

• We actively advocate for the UAS field by promoting awareness, education, and public understanding of unmanned aerial systems. Our club participates in community outreach programs, public demonstrations, and educational initiatives to inspire and educate individuals about the potential benefits and responsible use of UAS technology. Through these efforts, we aim to shape public perception, encourage STEM education, and foster an environment that supports the growth and advancement of the UAS industry.

As a Club we understand that the goals we have put into place will take several years to fully achieve and develop, but we believe that in order to stay engaged with students for another 20 years the following changes must be made in order to succeed as a team.  Not only in competition but as a professional organization.  

--2023 Officer Team

President: Talyn Meyer (EE)

Vice President: Joseph Chamberland (EE)

Treasurer: Zackery Holloway (CENG)

Secretary: Colton Kaup (CENG)

Promotions Chair: Talyn Meyer (EE)

Fundraising Chair: Zackery Holloway (CENG)

Safety Officer: Samuel Ryckman(CSC,ME)

Advisor: Daniel Rederth (ME)

CAMP Director: Amy Hasvold

CAMP Coordinator: Amber Kraft