Mangaluru: **St. Joseph Engineering College (SJEC)** has recently marked a significant milestone in its academic journey with the announcement of a successful international collaborative project titled **“Enhancements to the Ardupilot Mission Planner Software.”** Spearheaded by a talented team of four students — **Muhammad Saheed, Shovin J D’Souza, Nithin, and Vyasa M Nayak** — this project is a result of the fruitful partnership between the **Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program at Kansas State University (KSU), USA**, and SJEC.
Global Exposure Through Collaborative UAV Research
The project, which ran from **October 2024 to April 2025**, provided an incredible platform for the students to gain hands-on research experience while engaging in an enriching academic environment. This collaboration facilitated not only global exposure but also a chance to work closely with mentors from both institutions. The primary focus of the project was to develop enhancements for the **Ardupilot Mission Planner software**, which is pivotal for improving usability and fortifying functionalities crucial for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems and mission-planning technologies.
Guidance from Expert Mentors in India and the US
The successful execution of this project was significantly bolstered by a distinguished panel of faculty mentors from Kansas State University and SJEC. This elite group included:
- Dr. Raju Dandu, Professor and Graduate Faculty at KSU
- Mr. Nathan Maresch, Senior Engineer & UAS Flight Instructor at KSU
- Dr. Binu K. G, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at SJEC
- Mr. Vijay Ganesh, Assistant Professor of ECE at SJEC
The collaborative mentorship model not only provided technical expertise but also ensured structured research outcomes, fostering a strong framework for international academic collaboration.
Strengthening International Academic Partnerships
This achievement stands as a testament to SJEC’s unwavering commitment to cultivating global academic linkages and empowering students to engage in **cutting-edge technological research**. The institution has expressed its pride in the success of the project team, highlighting their role as ambassadors for SJEC on an international stage. The collaboration resonates strongly with SJEC’s mission to enhance students’ educational experiences through exposure to advanced technologies and collaborative initiatives.