Mississippi State University signs MOU with Alaska Fairbanks

June 15, 2015

Mississippi's flagship research university and the nation's northernmost land-, sea- and space-grant institution are now working together to advance development of unmanned aircraft solutions for the oil and gas industry.

On June 8, Mississippi State's David Shaw signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) creating a new long-term partnership to advance interdisciplinary unmanned aerial systems research and development.

"We believe that together the research, education and outreach assets of our institutions will lead to important discoveries and solutions that enhance oil exploration, which holds tremendous potential for both of our states and the nation," the vice president for research and economic development said.

An Alaska official echoed Shaw's assessment.

"The strategic partnership between the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Mississippi State University is logical and value adding for our respective universities and to our clients nationwide. With initial efforts geared toward research and development, and test and evaluation with a focus on the oil and gas industries, UAF and MSU can leverage their considerable experience, expertise, and share resources to expand the use of unmanned aircraft in oil and gas from the North Slope of Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico," said Marty W. Rogers, director of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration at UAF.

To view the full article, please see: Maroon Memo