Science & Technology

USU Eastern's Drone Certification Program: A Gateway to Innovation, Versatility

USU Eastern student Sam Dupaix.

Sam Dupaix, a student from the small town of Manila, Utah, is making waves in the world of drone technology thanks to Utah State University Eastern’s hands-on Drone Certification Program.

Currently pursuing an additional certificate in additive manufacturing, Sam said this cutting-edge program has shaped his educational and career goals.

Sam, like many others, was attracted to the small-town feel of the USU Eastern campus, which mirrored the close-knit community he grew up in.

“Where I grew up in a small town, this kept that small-town vibe, but still big enough to have a nice campus,” he said.

After a campus tour, he was sold on the program and the school.

Initially hesitant about further education after high school, Sam recognized the importance of having qualifications in today's job market.

"I didn’t want to do more school, but I knew I needed something to get a job,” he said. “The drone certificate was perfect because it’s a one-year program with all drone-focused classes.”

The prospect of jumping into a high-demand industry with promising job prospects sealed the deal.

The unique appeal of USU Eastern’s Drone Certification Program lies in its practical, hands-on approach. Students aren't just learning to fly drones; they’re also building, designing, crashing and repairing them.

“I love getting hands-on, and the fact that you’re building and designing drones was what really caught my attention,” Sam said.

The program’s immersive nature kept him engaged, and the ability to make mistakes and learn from them was a valuable part of his journey.

Sam's certification didn’t just stay in the classroom. He took on a role as a lab tech, mentoring the next generation of students. He also worked on exciting projects, including flying the large Matrice 600 drone with methane sensors and weather stations as part of a collaboration with the Vernal campus.

"Being able to teach the next group and work on advanced projects has been a great opportunity," he said.

One of Sam’s most surprising experiences was during the “Drones for Hire” class, where students participate in real-world internships. Sam worked with Robotics Skies, a drone maintenance company, and found himself involved in high-level projects.

“I wasn’t expecting that; even some of the people I knew hadn’t seen the things I got to see,” he said, describing it as both a rewarding and eye-opening experience.

The versatility of the drone certification program is something Sam is eager to highlight.

“I had classmates using drones for agriculture, mosquito abatement, search and rescue, and even construction,” he said.

The possibilities in fields like law enforcement, construction, agriculture and media are vast. Sam sees drones being applied in many innovative ways, including search and rescue and even data collection for environmental studies.

Sam Dupaix controls a drone.

CONTACT

Shalyn Drake
Lecturer – Drones
Aviation Technology
801-678-8452
shalyn.drake@usu.edu


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Statewide Campuses 410stories Technology 168stories USU Eastern 79stories Drones 15stories

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