STEM Heroes

Grant Brewer, a former high school drone instructor who now works at DroneUp, joins the STEM Heroes podcast to discuss the exciting world of drone delivery and drone careers. He shares his experience teaching one of the first high school drone programs in Arkansas, covering topics like the hands-on curriculum, student projects, and preparing students for FAA drone certification.
Grant then dives into his current role at DroneUp, a leading drone delivery company partnered with major retailers like Walmart. He explains how DroneUp operates, with drones delivering packages in under 30 minutes, and discusses their new "drone ecosystem" involving destination boxes and autonomous operations.
The conversation explores the future of drone jobs, from maintenance technicians to software engineers mapping obstacles and airspace. Grant provides insights into the skills needed, like coding, GIS, and multitasking for monitoring multiple drones. He also shares advice for educators considering starting a drone program at their school.
Whether you're a student eager to pursue a drone career, an educator looking to implement drones, or simply fascinated by this cutting-edge technology, this episode offers a compelling look at the rise of drone delivery and the opportunities within the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry. Check it out for an insightful discussion blending Grant's unique perspectives from both the classroom and the forefront of commercial drone operations.

What is STEM Heroes?

Welcome to STEM Heroes, where we dive deep into the world of education, technology, and innovation.
Join us as we interview educators and STEM experts who are shaping the future with drones, robots, and cutting-edge technology.
Our goal is to showcase the endless possibilities that STEM offers for students, highlighting their achievements, success stories, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

In each episode, we engage in casual conversations with our guests, exploring their backgrounds in education, what inspired them to focus on projects involving drones, robotics, or other STEM areas, and the most memorable STEM projects their students have worked on.
We also delve into the challenges they've faced in implementing STEM initiatives, how they overcame them, and the resources and tools they find most helpful for teaching STEM effectively.

Through our discussions, we uncover how educators integrate real-world applications and industry knowledge into their STEM curriculum, offering valuable insights and advice for fellow educators looking to incorporate more hands-on STEM experiences. We also discuss the future of STEM education, particularly in relation to drones, robotics, and emerging technologies, envisioning a world where students are empowered to become the next generation of STEM leaders.

Join us on STEM Heroes as we celebrate the heroes of STEM education and inspire the innovators of tomorrow!