Monica Torres Chancellor of NMSU System Community Colleges | nmsu.edu
Monica Torres Chancellor of NMSU System Community Colleges | nmsu.edu
New Mexico State University (NMSU) has taken significant steps to enhance the preparedness of first responders and emergency management personnel by incorporating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into their training. Since July 2023, NMSU's UAS Flight Test Site, located at Las Cruces Airport, has hosted nine in-person Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) training classes. These sessions aim to familiarize participants with UAS technology.
The initiative is backed by grant funding from FEMA and the Alliance for System Safety of Unmanned Aircraft Systems through Research Excellence, known as ASSUREd Safe. The training was provided at no cost to participating agencies or individuals. Jennifer Bjoraker, deputy director of the Aerospace Division at NMSU's Physical Science Laboratory, emphasized the program's goal: “Our goal is to provide training solutions to address national preparedness gaps.”
More than 50 first responders from New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas attended these courses. Thomas Homan, a course participant and supervisor for Gila County Public Works in Globe, Arizona, highlighted the importance of timely information during emergencies: “In an emergency, time matters. Getting accurate and relevant information into leadership’s hands benefits everything.”
The NMSU Flight Test Site has a history of engaging in large-scale STEM outreach projects involving UAS technology. Bjoraker noted that UAS are vital tools for various fields including search and rescue operations: “UAS are an important tool for search and rescue teams, law enforcement and firefighters.”
Feedback from participants about the course content has been overwhelmingly positive. Bjoraker explained that hands-on experience with UAS mission planning provides valuable insights for participants: “Getting stick time flying UAS...provides the participants an opportunity to see how UAS can be applied in their organizations.”
This effort reflects NMSU's commitment as New Mexico’s land-grant university to serve its community through education and public service.
Alerts Sign-up