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BOARD # 15: From Drones to Airplanes – Lessons Learned from Uncrewed Aviation for Teaching Innovative and Sustainable Electric Aviation Propulsion

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Conference

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Publication Date

June 22, 2025

Start Date

June 22, 2025

End Date

August 15, 2025

Conference Session

Aerospace Division (AERO) Poster Session

Tagged Division

Aerospace Division (AERO)

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

13

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/55521

Download Count

2

Paper Authors

biography

Christian . Janke . Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide

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Christian Janke is an Assistant Professor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical Universities Worldwide Campus and the Associate Program Chair for the Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Systems Applications. He teaches at degree programs involving Unmanned Systems.

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biography

Yuetong Lin Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide

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Yuetong Lin received the Ph.D. degree in Systems and Industrial Engineering from the University of Arizona, Tucson, in 2005. He was with Indiana State University from 2005 to 2016, where he became associate professor of Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology. He joined Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide in 2016 as an associate professor in the School of Engineering (formerly Department of Engineering and Technology).

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biography

Ghazal Barari Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

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Dr. Ghazal Barari received her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida, where her research focused on combustion modeling of promising biofuels to identify suitable alternatives to fossil fuels. She began her academic career as a tenure-track faculty member at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has since expanded her research to include engineering education, with a focus on developing innovative virtual labs, active learning strategies, and simulation tools to enhance student engagement and learning in online environments.

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Abstract

The adoption of electric propulsion in aviation is poised to significantly impact aerospace education and influence recruitment, student retention, and technical training in aeronautics and aerospace programs. Electric propulsion requires knowledge from various disciplines such as electrical engineering, materials science, and computer science. This interdisciplinary nature appeals to a broader range of students and offers diverse challenges, creating opportunities for skill development. Furthermore, electric propulsion addresses the demand for sustainable, environmentally friendly aviation. Aerospace programs that emphasize sustainability will resonate with students eager to tackle global challenges like climate change. As governments and industries push for greener aviation, students will feel more connected to real-world applications, knowing that their education prepares them for future-oriented careers.

Curricula aligned with industry trends will likely evolve to include more content on electric propulsion systems, energy storage, and alternative energy sources such as batteries and fuel cell to keep students engaged with cutting-edge technologies. Electric propulsion is already being utilized in small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), providing students with hands-on, real-world projects. These tangible applications foster deeper learning and enhance student engagement. This paper will explore how these developments will shape the global perspectives on aerospace education. It will highlight the need for new technologies, faculty development, and how programs and degrees must adapt to create the future of aerospace education, drawing from best practices and lessons learned from the drone economy.

Janke, C., & Lin, Y., & Barari, G. (2025, June), BOARD # 15: From Drones to Airplanes – Lessons Learned from Uncrewed Aviation for Teaching Innovative and Sustainable Electric Aviation Propulsion Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada . https://peer.asee.org/55521

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