Elizabeth City, N.C.— Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) has joined forces with the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and two other UNC system institutions to revolutionize air mobility and drone innovation in North Carolina. As part of the newly launched University Transportation Center of Excellence for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), ECSU will play a role in researching drone technologies and their applications for emergency response in rural communities.
This initiative includes North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University (N.C. A&T) as the project lead and North Carolina State University (N.C. State). It positions North Carolina as a leader in integrating advanced aviation technologies into its transportation systems. With $2 million in initial funding over two years, the center is addressing critical challenges such as rural emergency response, infrastructure development, and workforce training to prepare the state for the future of transportation.
ECSU will focus on leveraging its drone technology expertise to provide life-saving solutions in underserved rural areas. This research will inform policymakers and create training programs for the next generation of drone operators, ensuring that these technologies are accessible and effective where they are needed most.
“We are proud to play a pivotal role in this transformative partnership that bridges cutting-edge drone technology with real-world applications. By focusing on rural emergency response, we are ensuring that underserved communities are not left behind as North Carolina embraces the future of advanced air mobility. This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovation, economic development, and preparing our students to lead in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Kuldeep Rawat, ECSU dean for the School of Science, Aviation, Health and Technology.
With Rawat as the lead, the ECSU team includes Kevin Kupietz, chair and associate professor for ECSU's aviation and emergency management department; Chandra Asthana, UAS program coordinator and associate professor; Elton Stone, aviation lecturer; Scott Bradshaw, professor of psychology; Aron Bechiom, UAS lab tech.
According to a press release from the NCDOT, the center's work will be divided among the three universities, each bringing unique expertise:
- N.C. A&T will lead the project, developing simulation platforms to coordinate air and ground transportation systems, with an emphasis on safely deploying electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. They will also focus on public engagement and workforce readiness.
- N.C. State will integrate surface and air mobility systems, enhance rural emergency response capabilities, and assess advanced air mobility's economic and workforce impacts.
- ECSU will specialize in UAS research, providing critical guidance for policymakers and designing training programs to equip future operators with the skills needed for a changing transportation landscape.
"This center represents an extraordinary opportunity to revolutionize transportation in our state," said Nick Short, NCDOT's interim director of aviation. "By investing in this research, we're not only shaping the future of air mobility but also preparing North Carolina's workforce to lead in this exciting and rapidly evolving field. I am especially thrilled to see N.C. A&T State University take the lead on this project. Their expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing this initiative, and it's an exciting moment for the state as we pave the way for the future of transportation."
The center's emphasis on workforce development ensures that students and professionals have access to educational opportunities that align with the state's growing aviation industry. ECSU's contributions are essential for rural and underserved areas, where advanced air mobility could have the greatest impact.
With a long history of excellence in aviation education, the university continues to empower its students and faculty to solve real-world problems through these partnerships and collaboration.
As North Carolina prepares for a future where drones and advanced air mobility become everyday tools, ECSU stands amongst those at the forefront, ensuring that the skies above benefit all communities below.
For more information, visit the NCDOT's story here.