Team UMES’ quad-copter design featured in U.S. Army Drone Competition

University of Maryland Eastern Shore engineering students competed against 10 other schools in the inaugural HBCU/MI Design Competition sponsored by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC). During the competition in El Paso, TX, students Crista Campbell, Kyle Baumann, Robert Perez, and Ethan Hitch displayed their functional quad-copter design. The drone design/construction was funded by an $8,000 U.S. Army grant the team earned with their proposal. The team was supervised by Dr. Payam Matin and included certified pilot Scott Hogan, and pilot coach Edward Brink.

“This would be impossible without my UMES education. Participating as a member of this team allows our work to be recognized outside of the classroom,” said Perez.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), the state’s historically black 1890 land-grant institution, has its purpose and uniqueness grounded in distinctive learning, discovery and engagement opportunities in the arts and sciences, education, technology, engineering, agriculture, business and health professions.

UMES is a student-centered, doctoral research degree-granting university known for its nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate programs, applied research, and highly valued graduates. UMES provides individuals, including firstgeneration college students, access to a holistic learning environment that fosters multicultural diversity, academic success, and intellectual and social growth. UMES prepares graduates to address challenges in a global knowledge-based economy, while maintaining its commitment to meeting the workforce and economic development needs of the Eastern Shore, the state, the nation and the world.

300 endowments (including several Title III matching accounts and State matching accounts) for a total market value of $29,625,249.45