Nicholas Rowland represented Pryor High School as a panelist at the UAS/AAM Symposium, an event at the Thunderbird Drone Festival in Tulsa. Rowland joined four other high school and college students in a panel discussion focused on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility. Dr. Jamey Jacobs led the panel of next-generation leaders in discussing their contributions to the aviation programs at their schools and how aviation factors into their future plans.
The symposium, hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) in collaboration with Oklahoma State University (OSU), provided students an opportunity to connect with industry professionals and technology enthusiasts in the field. This event highlighted the growth potential within Oklahoma’s aviation sector and introduced students to the advanced mobility strategies shaping the industry.
Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell emphasized the economic potential of these advancements, stating, “Oklahoma’s advanced mobility strategy is set to bring $8.9 billion in economic benefits and create over 9,000 jobs by 2045,” as quoted by the ODAA.
Aviation students from across Oklahoma also attended a keynote speech by NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. Bridenstine outlined the significant role Oklahoma plays in the aviation industry, particularly with its several military installations essential to the future of advanced air mobility and unmanned systems. “Oklahoma is well-positioned to lead in the space, leveraging both its aerospace history and forward-thinking strategy in UAS technologies,” he said (ODAA).
According to the ODAA, Oklahoma’s aviation industry “supports 206,000 jobs and generates $44 billion in annual economic activity.”
This event was a valuable experience for Rowland and his fellow students as they learned more about the economic impact and future prospects of the aviation sector in Oklahoma.