Preparing for Takeoff

Building Skills Today to Lead Industries Tomorrow

At the university’s Autonomy Research Institute (ARI), more than a dozen student employees are gaining hands-on experience in areas ranging from engineering and software development to artificial intelligence, human factors, social media, and administration. The team is made up of undergraduate students and graduate research assistants, with majors spanning electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science, English, nursing, and clinical psychology. Through their work in both technical and support roles, students are driving ARI’s mission forward while preparing for careers in rapidly evolving industries.

Building on this momentum, ARI has been selected to lead the new Federal Aviation Administration Center for Advanced Air Mobility Technologies (CAAT), which is supported by up to $190 million in funding over the next four years. CAAT positions ARI, the university, and the Texas A&M System as key leaders in shaping the future of aviation and innovation in the national airspace.