Become a Leader in Drone Technology
Dragon Flight Fellowship Program
Take your career aspirations to the sky
Now Accepting 2026 Applicants
The Dragon Flight Fellowship prepares students for leadership in drone technology through hands-on, real-world applications across industry, public safety, research, and community partnerships.
Areas of Engagement
The Dragon Flight Fellowship provides applied experience across a wide range of drone and aerial technology applications, including:
- Media, Marketing & Storytelling
Aerial photography and videography for marketing, journalism, events, tourism, film, sports, and promotional content.
- Real Estate, Property & Insurance
Residential and commercial property imaging, inspections, virtual tours, and insurance documentation.
- Agriculture & Environmental Science
Precision agriculture, crop and livestock monitoring, forestry analysis, and environmental assessment.
- Construction, Engineering & Infrastructure
Surveying, mapping, construction progress tracking, 3D modeling, utilities, and industrial inspections.
- Public Safety, Emergency & Government Support
Disaster response, search and rescue, fire monitoring, traffic analysis, and public safety training.
- Healthcare, Humanitarian & Disaster Relief
Medical supply delivery, disaster assessment, and humanitarian logistics support.
- Transportation, Logistics & Autonomous Systems
Package delivery research, warehouse and port inspections, and autonomous mobility testing.
- Water & Environmental Monitoring
Flood mapping, water sampling, and shoreline and coastal monitoring.
- Education, Research & Workforce Training
FAA Part 107 training, STEM programs, drone academies, applied research, and AI/autonomy testing.
- Recreation, Sports & Creative Flight
Action filming, FPV flight, and recreational drone applications.
- Defense & Security (Regulated Exposure)
Introductory exposure to reconnaissance and counter-UAS research, in compliance with all applicable regulations.
What You’ll Gain
Through immersive, interdisciplinary experiences, students earn industry-relevant certifications, apply drone technology to real-world challenges, and develop skills essential for rapidly evolving industries. Graduates leave prepared to lead, innovate, and apply drone technology with purpose and impact, including:
- Mastery of drone piloting, safety protocols, and FAA regulations
- Hands-on experience with mapping, imaging, and environmental monitoring technologies
- Leadership, teamwork, and project management experience
- Research, data analysis, and professional communication skills
- Ethical decision-making grounded in community safety, sustainability, and innovation
Dragon Flight Fellowship Experience
Hands-On Learning Partnerships & Career Opportunities
The Dragon Flight Fellowship actively collaborates with community and state partners to create impactful projects and learning opportunities. These partnerships include:
- Tiffin Police Department
- Seneca County Sheriff’s Office
- Seneca County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
- Ohio State Highway Patrol
- Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)
- Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Tiffin Fire/Rescue
Drones have become critical tools in industries such as environmental science, agriculture, forensic science, cybersecurity, public safety, disaster response and logistics. This program prepares students for careers in these growing fields by providing hands-on experience with real-world applications.
Year 1: Fundamentals of drone operations and safety
Key Activities:
- Earning Part 107 Certification.
- Introduction to drone hardware, software, and maintenance.
- Basic flight operations and aerial mapping.
- Collaboration with Tiffin Police and Seneca County Emergency Management Agency on small-scale community safety projects.
- Participation in a speaker series on drone careers and industry trends.
Year 2: Expanding technical capabilities and teamwork
Key Activities:
- Advanced drone operations, including GIS and mapping.
- Working with Seneca County Sheriff and State Highway Patrol on accident reconstruction and search-and-rescue simulations.
- Environmental monitoring projects with Ohio EPA include hazardous material surveys and water sampling.
- Leading small teams in applied projects.
- Attendance at industry conferences and immersion experiences.
Year 3: Applied research and leadership in specialized areas
Key Activities:
- Leading teams on research-driven projects for stakeholders like Ohio BCI and Tiffin Fire/Rescue.
- Conducting thermal imaging and analysis for firefighting and disaster assessment.
- Direct engagement with the FAA, including preparing compliance reports, assisting with FAA safety initiatives, and participating in regulatory reviews to understand the role of the FAA in real-world drone operations.
- Internships with state and local agencies.
- Presenting research at conferences or in professional publications.
- Earning specialized certifications (e.g. thermal imaging, photogrammetry).
Year 4: Capstone projects and mentorship
Key Activities:
- Completing a capstone project addressing real-world challenges.
- Leading interdisciplinary teams and mentoring first- and second-year fellows.
- Producing scholarly outputs, including research publications or training materials.
- Developing professional workshops for community stakeholders.
- Final presentation to stakeholders, showcasing project outcomes.
To Apply:
- Complete the Undergraduate Student Application. When asked if you are interested in Fellowships, select “yes”.
- After submitting your application and engaging with your Admissions Counselor, submit an essay explaining why you are interested in the program.
- GPA requirement: minimum 3.0 high school GPA; maintain a 3.0 college GPA and above to remain in program.
- Interview
- Dragon Flight Fellowship Program contract — all students accepted into the Dragon Flight Fellowship Program must continue to meet the fellowship GPA requirements, be active and engaged in all fellowship activities, and observe all fellowship policies.
Dragon Flight turns curiosity into capability—giving students real flight time, real missions, and a clear runway into drone careers, working with real companies and public‑sector organizations. It doesn’t get more real‑world than this.
Dragon Flight makes learning an exciting adventure, going beyond the classroom – literally! It’s all about giving students the chance to soar to new heights, choose their own pathway, safely pilot drones like pros, and develop genuine skills for their future careers. And the best part? It’s fun!
