Students built unmanned aerial vehicles and then test-flew their creations, turning their classroom learning into real-world applications.

OAIRE takes Lawton area students to new heights at STEM event

Monday, December 16, 2024

Media Contact: Cody Cramer | The Innovation Foundation at OSU | 405-613-2838 | ccramer@okstate.edu

Area high school students soared into the world of aerospace engineering at a STEM event hosted at the FISTA Innovation Park.

Supported by a McMahon Foundation grant, the event was aimed at introducing students from Lawton, Elgin and Cache to STEM fields in innovative and engaging ways.

The event, organized by the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, showcased the rich history of aerospace at Oklahoma State University while highlighting its forward-thinking advancements in the field.

Participants began the day by learning about academic degree programs offered at OSU and career opportunities in the aerospace industry. Then, they interacted with a panel of engineers who shared insights into their careers and the cutting-edge technologies they are developing.

The event hosted by OAIRE introduced students to careers and academic programs in the aerospace industry and allowed them to build their own drones.

Students then rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on experience, building unmanned aerial vehicles. The excitement peaked as the students test-flew their creations, turning their classroom learning into real-world applications.

"Events like these serve as a vital steppingstone to inspire students, sparking their excitement for engineering and fostering engagement in STEM fields," said Natalie Noles, OAIRE workforce development program manager at OAIRE. "With the generous support of the McMahon Foundation, the sky is truly the limit in bringing aerospace opportunities directly into the hands of students in the Lawton area."

The McMahon Foundation grant enabled OAIRE to connect with students at a deeper level, encouraging them to consider careers in STEM fields, particularly aerospace.

“I liked how they structured this event and how they paced it,” said Chris Hilz, a Lawton High School junior. “I feel like I learned a lot on how to get into the OSU programs and how flight works and then being able to build the models was just the cherry on top.”

This event not only highlighted OSU’s leadership in aerospace innovation but also underscored the importance of community partnerships in fostering the next generation of engineers and scientists.

OAIRE is part of The Innovation Foundation at OSU, which works to maximize the impact of OSU’s excellence in aerospace and advanced mobility, energy, agriculture and One Health through its institutions.

The McMahon Foundation was founded in 1940 by Louise D. McMahon and her son, Eugene D. McMahon, in memory of husband and father E.P. McMahon. The foundation serves nonprofit entities to help those who cannot help themselves.