Feb. 21, 2020
Drone summit to address agricultural, other uses March 12-13
By the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- Simultaneous sessions in Fayetteville and Little Rock
- No cost to attend
- Register at operations-management.uark.edu/uas
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LITTLE ROCK — If you’ve ever wanted to fly, here’s an opportunity to start getting your wings.
The fourth annual Arkansas Drone/Unmanned Aircraft Systems Summit will take place March 12-13, with simultaneous events in Fayetteville and Little Rock. Registration is now open.
Drone experts will cover topics such as Federal Aviation Administration compliance, homeland security regulations, how drones can aid in research and the role of drones in emergency response.
The summit will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 12-13, with simultaneous sessions divided between the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences in Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service in Little Rock. The sessions will be simulcast between the two locations.
Unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, were originally used in military applications, but have now become useful tools in commercial operations, research, recreational, agricultural and law enforcement applications. Richard Ham, associate director of the Master of Science in Operations Management and Engineering Management programs, facilitates the University of Arkansas' unmanned aircraft systems efforts.
Ham said the summit is a unique gathering of expertise.
"There are not many events in the nation where you can find cutting-edge information presented by recognized experts in academe, agriculture, law enforcement, aviation and industry," Ham said. "As the state's land-grant university, we are chartered to serve the citizens of Arkansas and improve their lives, and this summit is a way to do that by distilling the information we teach on campus in our foundations, cyber security and remote sensing courses, and in new courses emerging around the state."
Dan Sui, vice chancellor for research and innovation, said unmanned aircraft play an increasingly important role in business development.
"Drone technology is a developing movement being manifest in different platforms, infiltrating all aspects of business, in particular," he said. "It is becoming an integral part of the supply chain structure. This results in huge implications for Arkansas business in multiple sectors. It is important for Arkansans to consider not only how products and services are being transported — by air, by land, or by water, but also what they are being used for."
Sessions will include the following focuses:
- Research
- Public Safety
- Agriculture
- Education — K12 and higher education
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required at operations-management.uark.edu/uas. Space is limited.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @AR_Extension.
About the University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3 percent of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Richard Ham at 479-575-5521 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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Media Contact: Ryan McGeeney
Communication Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
rmcgeeney@uada.edu