UNICEF

Dates

August 2012 - Oct 2014

Role

Research Lead & CoFounder

Methodologies

-3D Motion Capture
-Expert Interviews
-Observation Studies
-Field Tests

Overview

In 2013, the UNICEF Innovation Team put out a request for proposals offering non-dilutive funding opportunities. I submitted my application in order to secure funds to build a drone prototype for humanitarian applications.

I later received word that my project was selected and conducted strategic research on unmanned aerial vehicles as part of my thesis.

Expert Interviews

In interviewing five subject matter experts at different institutions on drones for humanitarian applications, what became apparent were the pressing use cases of emergency response and disaster management. Some of the future possibilities identified included establishing emergency communication networks, delivery of goods, mapping, and monitoring. We incorporated these insights and were able to build a 3D printed prototype that was able to fly autonomously and be easily reconfigured to accomplish a wide variety of missions due to its modular design.

Reflections

In transitioning my thesis into a startup, Lifeline Drones, what I didn’t anticipate were the difficulties associated in securing contracts with Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Government partners in addition to humanitarian organizations. This is what ultimately led to the demise of the startup. As a result of this experience, I became familiar with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding opportunities, which is essential in navigating government contracts and procurement.