ADA, Ohio — Ohio Northern University (ONU) gave its construction management students a unique, hands-on learning experience this week during its annual “Drone Day” event, designed to expose students to cutting-edge drone technology and its applications in the construction industry.

Despite rainy weather, the event proceeded indoors, allowing students to engage in flight demonstrations, attend expert-led presentations, and explore the potential of drones in professional settings. Held at ONU’s campus, the event specifically targeted construction management students, but also drew interest from students in related fields eager to understand how drones are reshaping modern job sites.

Douglas Degen, an instructor in construction management at Ohio Northern, emphasized the rare opportunity the event offers students as they prepare for careers that increasingly rely on drone capabilities.

"I knew in our region there were very limited opportunities for students to be able to learn about all the drone technology, and the implementation of drone technology," said Degen. "So within that, because drone certification is so prevalent and needed for all of the different mapping, prescription mapping opportunities, excavation quantities, whatever you're using it for — it's very data driven. So to be able to collect that data, upload it into computer systems, create plans, download it back down, is just saving thousands of dollars in regard to the whole surveying operations."

As part of the program, students are working toward passing the FAA Part 107 exam, which allows them to become certified professional drone operators — an increasingly valuable credential in fields like construction, surveying, and engineering.

"In our curriculum, we are learning all about the FAA exam, and so learning how to pass that, and there's an opportunity to get certified in the Part 107, which is the certification for professional drone use," said Mason Kruse, a junior at ONU. "I'm just hoping to get a broader knowledge of what drones can be used for in the field."

Now in its fourth year, Drone Day has become a signature annual event at ONU, reflecting the school’s commitment to giving students practical, real-world learning experiences alongside their classroom education. Drone technology is rapidly transforming industries by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing the accuracy of data collection — skills that ONU students are now better equipped to bring into the workforce.

Industry experts at the event shared insights into how drones are reshaping everything from site inspections and mapping to materials tracking and project planning. University leaders say they plan to continue expanding the program in the years ahead, ensuring ONU graduates are at the forefront of innovation in the construction and design sectors.

Originally reported by Casey Mulcahy in Home Town Stations.