Governors State University (GSU) students are at the forefront of cutting-edge drone technology, thanks to the ongoing partnership between GSU and Valkyrie Systems. This collaboration has provided students with hands-on experience in drone engineering, artificial intelligence, and real-world applications of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). As a testament to their hard work and innovation, students will showcase their projects in a live demonstration on April 25 from 10 AMa.m. to 2 p.m
The event will highlight the various uses of drone technology, with a focus on medical deliveries, lab material transportation, food distribution, and emergency response. Claire Tan, a faculty member involved in the initiative, emphasized the importance of these developments.
“We’re exploring how drones can be used for medical deliveries, transporting lab materials, and even food delivery to people in need. Another major area is emergency response—assisting firefighters and first responders during disasters,” Tan said.
In addition to showcasing drone capabilities, students will present their research on integrating AI into drone navigation, allowing for autonomous flight and object recognition. The university is also developing AI courses that incorporate drone technology, ensuring that students gain both theoretical and practical expertise in the field.
Students participating in the Valkyrie internship and GSU’s Drone Club have expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to work on innovative projects. Jacob Abrams, a student involved in the program, shared his experience.
“Our team has been actively designing and developing our own quadcopter UAV, which has allowed us to gain extensive hands-on experience with both hardware and software components,” Abrams said. “This internship has been an amazing opportunity to not only build a strong foundation in UAV technology but also dive into more specialized areas of programming and engineering.”
Similarly, Julio Galvin emphasized how the internship connected him with faculty and peers who share his enthusiasm for drone technology. “The Valkyrie Internship gave me an incredible opportunity to connect with faculty and other students who are passionate about building drones for healthcare applications. I’ve learned so much throughout this experience, including hands-on drone flight training and simulation,” he said
For many students, the event in April is not just a showcase but a stepping stone toward careers in drone technology, AI development, and engineering.
Beyond research and innovation, this internship program has paved the way for students to engage with industry leaders. Some students have even participated in NASA-sponsored internships at Notre Dame, where they worked with fully autonomous drones. GSU alumna Jane Clement Huang, now chairing that program, continues to support the university’s drone initiatives, opening doors for students seeking careers in emerging technologies.
Senior lecturer and faculty advisor Sam Shaheed highlighted the rapid expansion of drone applications.
“My job is to teach students the different applications of drone technology and why they are so useful,” Shaheed said. “Their applications are growing at a rapid speed, and this is an exciting time to be involved.”
The April 25 event is an opportunity for students, faculty, and industry professionals to witness firsthand how drones can revolutionize industries such as healthcare, logistics, and emergency response. First responders will also be present to explore how drone technology can support disaster relief and crisis management.
Students and attendees can expect live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and networking opportunities that could shape their future careers. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the evolving world of drones, this event is a must-attend.