Andrews University Team to Present at NASA Pitch Competition

Team AngelWings, a dynamic group of Andrews University students, has been chosen to participate in NASA’s prestigious Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovation and Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC). The team will pitch their innovative concept during the Space2Pitch Competition at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, representing the fall 2024 cohort.

The team was selected for their creativity, technical prowess, and strong alignment with MITTIC’s rigorous standards, a testament to the hard work and dedication of each team member. The members include Derek Feitosa, junior engineering major; Guichard Manigat, senior computer science major; Cin Thang, information systems and Master of Divinity student; David Brown, junior information systems major; Donnie Vanterpool, senior information systems major; and Jeremiah Bahadur, senior cybersecurity major.

This selection places Andrews University on a national stage, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to fostering academic and practical excellence in STEM and innovation. It also highlights the university’s status as Minority Serving Institution. According to NASA’s website, “NASA MITTIC is a business incubator/startup competition where teams of students from Minority Serving Institutions conceptualize and pitch their new, innovative uses for NASA intellectual property.” The team’s project, “AngelWings VTOL Drone Logistics,” addresses drone delivery challenges in underserved rural areas by utilizing NASA’s Near-Real Time Verification and Validation of Autonomous Flight Operations technology (TOP2-320).

Unlike most drone services, which only deliver items, AngelWings also handles returns, such as sending unused medical supplies or faulty e-commerce products back to their source. This two-way delivery capability is essential for industries like health care and retail. The drones operate through a network of strategically placed hubs that allow for seamless delivery and pickup across wide areas. This ensures that packages are delivered faster and more efficiently, even in hard-to-reach rural areas. These features, combined with hybrid-powered drones and GPS-independent navigation, make AngelWings a game-changer for underserved regions.

“We are immensely proud of Team AngelWings,” said Armand Poblete, professor of information systems, who has been instrumental in guiding the team’s journey. “Their project showcases not only their talent and determination but also the values and educational standards of Andrews University. Being selected to present at NASA’s Johnson Space Center is a monumental achievement, and we can’t wait to see the impact they will make in Houston.”

The success of Team AngelWings exemplifies Andrews University’s commitment to nurturing creativity, critical thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Faculty at Andrews provide invaluable mentorship and guidance, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, pursue ambitious goals, and make meaningful contributions to society. Each student has access to a variety of innovative degree programs designed to equip them with cutting-edge skills and real-world experiences that make a difference in competitive industries and global communities.

The original version of this story was posted on the Andrews University news site.