Autonomous UAV-Based Radio Direction Finding for Search and Rescue: Building the Next-Generation STEM Workforce

This project will develop a drone-based system to rapidly locate emergency beacons during search-and-rescue operations, reducing the time from beacon activation to responder action. Traditional handheld methods are slow and limited by terrain, while drones equipped with software-defined radios can provide altitude, mobility, and real-time signal processing for faster localization. Students will design, simulate, and test the system using both a “Digital Twin” environment and real-world experiments on the Aerial Experimentation and Research Platform for Advanced Wireless. The project will culminate in a training exercise with the Civil Air Patrol to compare drone-assisted direction finding against traditional tools. In addition to advancing emergency response technology, the project offers students hands-on training in radio systems, autonomous flight, and interdisciplinary teamwork. The outcomes will include open datasets, validated algorithms, and workforce-ready graduates prepared to contribute to aerospace, defense, and emergency management missions.