OSU students and faculty launch aviateOK app
Friday, March 10, 2023
Media Contact: Harrison Hill | Senior Research Communications Specialist | 405-744-5827 | harrison.c.hill@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University has launched its newest app: aviateOK.
The aviation and aerospace STEM app provides educational content, activities and resources aimed at K-12 students, parents and educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
The app was designed to educate students about the aviation industry and encourage students who are interested in aerospace to learn more.
Dr. Timm Bliss, aviation and space program coordinator for graduate studies and professor in the College of Education and Human Sciences, and Dr. Irene Miller, assistant professor for the school of aviation at Southern Illinois University, developed the idea for the app. They believe aviateOK has the potential to create an impact on educating students regarding the U.S. aviation and aerospace industry.
“Introducing young people to aviation and aerospace is an investment in the future of the industry,” Bliss said. “AviateOK is designed to provide early exposure to STEM engagement and to inspire students of all ages to learn and explore more in the aviation/aerospace field.”
OSU’s presidential strategy has placed a strong focus on aviation and aerospace for research and development of tools and knowledge just like this app.
“Being a land-grant university means making sure the work we do here at OSU is having a positive, real world impact,” said Dr. Kenneth Sewell, OSU vice president for research. “Empowering our students and faculty to develop practical tools like the aviateOK app is just one of the many ways we are working to advance research, not just for the benefit of our students and institution, but for the public good.”
The development of apps, like aviateOK, do not only benefit the public but also provide valuable learning experiences for students.
Getting hands-on experience with developing applications is vital to being prepared to enter the workforce, said Jai Rajendran, manager of the OSU App Center, OSU licensing associate and manager of technology and business development for Cowboy Innovations.
The students designed the entire app, from user interface to user interaction, while collaborating with others to include the educational material, Rajendran said.
“At the App Center, the students interact with clients mimicking their future workplace,” Rajendran said. “Learning through working on a real-world, high-impact project is tremendously valuable for the students' early careers.”
Story By: Sam Milek | smilek@okstate.edu