SEATTLE — Drones could be a key technology of the future, and job prospects for those who know how to design, build and control them look good. That’s why colleges and universities around the USA are starting to offer degrees in unmanned aerial systems. One of them is the University of Washington in Seattle. Aeronautics research scientist Christopher Lum works with students in the Autonomous Flight Systems Laboratory to explore how civilian drones can safely share the skies with manned aircraft. Senior Ryan Valach savors his three years in the autonomous flight lab. “One of the coolest parts is the collaboration we get to do with industries and all the cool technology we work with. It is definitely an opportunity that a lot of students don’t usually get.” Transformation Aeronautics and Astronautics master’s student Ward Handley wasn’t as sold at first. “I specifically decided, no I do not want to work on drones because of the privacy issues,” he recalled. But then came an offer for a paid position in a drone lab… and Handley had a transformation. “I’d like to see them used for good rather than ill,” he said. ‘I think there are enough good applications for […]
