SIERRA Project
Basic Information
Full Name: Nathan Bodenschatz UC Email: [email protected] College: College of Engineering and Applied Science Major: Aerospace Engineering Title of Project: SIERRA Project Project Website: http://most-aero.uc.edu/projects/sierra-project Expected Project Start Date: 09/2010 Expected Project End Date: 06/2011 |
The SIERRA Team's UAV - The Zephyr
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See the SIERRA Project featured on the Discovery Channel's Daily Planet here.
Project Information
1. Provide a brief overview/abstract of your proposed honors experiential learning project.
The SIERRA Project is a research initiative focused on developing and implementing throughout the country and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system that will assist in wild land forest firefighting. The system will fly over forest fires and use cameras and GPS to identify the location of the forest fire. Then, the fire data will be used to predict where the fire will spread to identify people or object in the most to least imminent danger. The team works on the systems engineering side of the project and is an interface for the technology that is to be provided to the firefighting team of the West Virginia Forestry Department.
2. Clearly state how each of the following elements will be exhibited in your work (refer to the first two pages of this document with the full description of what is expected in each of these areas).
a. Substantial Content and Quality within Research Theme
1. Provide a brief overview/abstract of your proposed honors experiential learning project.
The SIERRA Project is a research initiative focused on developing and implementing throughout the country and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system that will assist in wild land forest firefighting. The system will fly over forest fires and use cameras and GPS to identify the location of the forest fire. Then, the fire data will be used to predict where the fire will spread to identify people or object in the most to least imminent danger. The team works on the systems engineering side of the project and is an interface for the technology that is to be provided to the firefighting team of the West Virginia Forestry Department.
2. Clearly state how each of the following elements will be exhibited in your work (refer to the first two pages of this document with the full description of what is expected in each of these areas).
a. Substantial Content and Quality within Research Theme
A member of the West Virginia Department of Forestry watches over the fire used during a test burn and the SIERRA flight test.
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The SIERRA Team is working with up-and-coming technology that has never been utilized for this purpose before. We are developing a system that is focused on overall safety of those risking their lives to protect others. The system uses an advanced technology in the UAV and fire prediction software that will be constantly developed throughout the project’s lifetime. The product will be constantly developed as more users begin testing and utilizing the product and more data is collected on its effectiveness.
b. Connection to Academic Goals and Theories This project combines engineering technologies with human interaction. The product will be developed using a systems engineering model, similar to that of the scientific method, involving design, creation, development, and production. This model will be used for the process of implementation rather than the creation of a product. The product is the process, so to speak. Systems Engineering is a way to tie engineering solutions back in to real-world situations. It is the implementation of research products. I got involved in the SIERRA Project for the experiences offered to me and the ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives. |
c. Initiative, Independence and Creativity
My specific tasks within the SIERRA Project were to help anyone needing assistance with their tasks and to be the media representative for the team. As media representative I wrote articles had the final say in what would be sent out from our team to the public. Furthermore, during our tests and experiments, I was charged with documenting our findings and experiences through photographs. My photos were used in articles written by UC’s News Record and websites all over publishing articles on our work.
d. Reflection & Dissemination
Examples of SIERRA Presentations attached below.
e. Advisor (list the person’s name, title, and contact information)
Dr. Kelly Cohen
Associate Professor
Office: 732 Rhodes Hall
Mailing address: P.O. Box 210070, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0070
Phone: (513) 556-3523
Fax: (513) 556-5038
Email: [email protected]
f. Budget (if applicable)
Our budget was handled by the Aerospace Department and our team lead, Rob Charvat.
My specific tasks within the SIERRA Project were to help anyone needing assistance with their tasks and to be the media representative for the team. As media representative I wrote articles had the final say in what would be sent out from our team to the public. Furthermore, during our tests and experiments, I was charged with documenting our findings and experiences through photographs. My photos were used in articles written by UC’s News Record and websites all over publishing articles on our work.
d. Reflection & Dissemination
Examples of SIERRA Presentations attached below.
e. Advisor (list the person’s name, title, and contact information)
Dr. Kelly Cohen
Associate Professor
Office: 732 Rhodes Hall
Mailing address: P.O. Box 210070, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0070
Phone: (513) 556-3523
Fax: (513) 556-5038
Email: [email protected]
f. Budget (if applicable)
Our budget was handled by the Aerospace Department and our team lead, Rob Charvat.
All photos taken by Nate Bodenschatz (me) during system test in West Virginia with West Virginia Department of Forestry
Attachments:
Dayton-Cincinnati Aerospace Sciences Symposium Presentation
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UC's Website Article
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The News Record's Article
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